City staff told the council that consultants and state grant reviewers had awarded the city an HSIP grant to improve pedestrian safety near three area schools.

The total project cost was described as about $460,000, and staff said the grant will fund roughly 90% of that amount. Staff said they selected an engineering firm to design the improvements, which may include raised crosswalks, lighting and pavement markings at crossings along Monroe Street and Pickway near school properties.

Staff noted the project remains in design and that construction timing depends on state fiscal schedules; the earliest likely construction window is late fiscal 2026 or fiscal 2027, with completion anticipated after the following school year. Staff emphasized the grant will support pedestrian-safety changes recommended in prior safety audits, including a possible HAWK (High-intensity Activated crossWalK) pedestrian signal as one option.

Ending: Staff will proceed with engineering design and return with designs, a timeline and cost details for council review.