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City to buy two large mowers after $120,000 site-operator donation to fund Highway 8587 beautification
Summary
Council accepted a $120,000 contribution from the operator at Willow Springs/Mesa Ridge and approved a $50,000 amendment to buy two brush-deck mowers for parks; remaining donated funds will support streets department work along Highway 8587 under a CDOT five-year agreement.
The Fountain City Council approved a budget amendment Sept. 23 to buy two large brush-deck mowers for the parks department using $120,000 contributed by the commercial site operator at Willow Springs and Mesa Ridge. The council approved the parks purchase portion of the contribution, $50,000 for two mowers; staff said the remaining funds will be used by the streets department for right-of-way maintenance under a separate follow-up request.
City staff said the contribution is part of a cooperative effort with the distribution site operator at the corner of Willow Springs and Mesa Ridge (named in the meeting as "Scott's Hypinex") to fund annual beautification and maintenance on medians and rights-of-way along Highway 8587, a state-managed corridor. Todd Evans, presenting the item, said the city negotiated a five-year agreement with CDOT for nighttime work in that right-of-way to reduce traffic risks.
Evans noted safety concerns: two streets employees were struck in a work zone along Highway 8587 last year, which motivated stricter safety and scheduling rules for crews working in the CDOT right-of-way. Evans said the donation of $120,000 has already been received and tonights vote authorized $50,000 in capital funds to buy two mowers for parks; the parks mowers may be used citywide but will also support maintenance on the 8587 corridor. Evans said a separate streets department equipment request will come to council next week to use the remaining funds.
Public commenters asked about future tenants at the site and whether equipment would help private property along nearby county roads. Staff said economic development conversations are underway with prospective developers and directed citizens with specific county maintenance concerns to public works staff for assistance.
Council approved the resolution to amend the FY2025 budget and purchase the mowers by a 6-0 vote.
Ending: Staff said the city will return with a second request for street-equipment purchases and will administer work on the CDOT right-of-way under the agreed safety plan; residents with neighborhood concerns were advised to contact public works.
