Commission hears update on downtown streetscape project as county project manager departs

The commission received an update on the downtown streetscape project and was told the county project manager working on the grant-funded design is leaving, but county staff and the grant timeline should keep the project moving. The report matters because the project is federally funded and the county must meet grant deadlines to obligate funds for subsequent construction phases; changes in county staffing and outstanding contract paperwork could affect when the commission sees formal design deliverables. A staff member told the commission, “I, this month, don't have a specific update,” and said the county project manager, Brian, is moving and that Ray Golic, the county area engineer, remains assigned to the work. The staff member said a county contact named Pam has been copied on emails but is not a project manager and that the county has not yet assigned a new functional project manager to chase schedule items. Staff described the paperwork situation: the consultant submitted a letter proposal with no signature line, and the county plans to approve an amendment to its contract with the consultant and may direct-pay the consultant then request reimbursement from the commission. On federal timing, staff noted the project’s planning assumption is 2027 construction, with right-of-way acquisition in 2026 and the need to obligate fiscal-year funds before federal fiscal-year deadlines. “2027 construction means that they would need to obligate funds, pretty soon,” the staff member said. Commission discussion covered how staff will track the county’s work and how the commission will review design deliverables when they appear. The staff member said they plan to keep the commission informed outside of meetings and to bring design deliverables to the commission for review and comment once the consultant begins work. The staff member said they will contact the county project manager again before his departure and keep Ray involved. They also said the county’s legal review of a post-construction maintenance agreement is still ongoing and that the county expects to complete its review before execution. No formal motions or votes were taken on the streetscape item during the meeting. The staff member said they have an expenditure authority from the council and will bring any requests that fall outside that authority back to the council for approval. The commission did not set new deadlines at the meeting; staff said they will communicate a schedule of expected design deliverables and timelines to the commission once more information is available.