Cave Creek OKs up to $170,000 contract for median restoration program
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Summary
The council authorized a contract with Outdoor Systems Management for a median enhancement program, approving up to $170,000 to scarify medians, hydroseed with native materials, and plant supplemental trees and rock; staff said work could begin in January and run about a month.
The Cave Creek Town Council on Dec. 16 authorized the town manager to execute a contract with Outdoor Systems Management to perform median enhancement work under a scope developed with local consultants, staff said.
Development services staff described a program to scarify medians, remove poor material, hydroseed with a native mix, reuse quarried on-site native rock, and supplement plantings with native trees and cactus. The contract approval is for an amount up to $170,000; staff told council the bid came in below that cap but the extra funds leave flexibility for additional trees or a la carte items.
“Once we do this for the first year or so, it may not be the ideal aesthetic that we're looking for, but we have to let it develop and and grow, so that it can be maintained properly,” said a public-works/development staff member during discussion of the project timeline and maintenance needs. Staff said the contractor expects to start in the first week of January and complete work in about a month, beginning at the southernmost median and working north.
Council discussed planting species (ironwood, mesquite, palo verde), visibility and safety around trees, transplanting cactus from other projects, and longer-term maintenance and watering duties. Council approved the contract by roll call, 7–0. Staff said additional phases and funding options could be considered in the next budget cycle depending on results and available funds.