During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the future of brick streets in the community, focusing on a proposed plan for their maintenance and funding. City staff presented a list of brick streets identified for preservation, which includes notable roads such as Daniel Avenue, Bell Avenue, and South Brooksville Avenue. The council was tasked with approving this list and determining funding options for ongoing maintenance and potential replacement.

City staff proposed utilizing the existing annual budget of $600,000 allocated for road paving, suggesting a biannual approach where funds would alternate between brick street maintenance and general road paving. This proposal aims to ensure that the city's brick streets, which are historically significant and more durable than asphalt, are preserved without compromising the maintenance of paved roads.

Council members expressed concerns about the condition of brick streets, particularly highlighting South Brooksville Avenue, which has been noted for its poor state. Discussions included the possibility of adjusting the funding schedule to prioritize paved streets, given that the city has a larger number of asphalt roads requiring urgent repairs.

The council reached a consensus that no current brick streets would be paved over, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these roads as part of the city's heritage. However, there was also recognition that the funding for brick street restoration might need to be approached on a case-by-case basis, especially in light of broader infrastructure needs.

Additionally, the council discussed the implications of discovering brick streets under asphalt during paving projects. Currently, an ordinance requires work to stop if bricks are found, but there is a push to clarify how to handle such situations moving forward.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to preserving the city's brick streets while balancing the pressing needs of the broader road infrastructure. The discussions will continue as the council seeks to finalize a plan that addresses both the historical significance of brick streets and the practicalities of road maintenance.