Anna council backs concept to let residents paint visible manholes on Pecan Grove Trail, asks staff for costs and policy

City staff presented a proposal to allow local artists and neighborhood groups to paint visible sanitary sewer manholes along the Pecan Grove Trail and were asked by the council to return with a formal policy and estimated costs. Assistant City Manager Greg Peters said the trail construction is substantially complete, the bridge to the northern portion is expected in the next few weeks, and staff plans to open the trail this spring.

The proposal—branded the “portal project”—would target 12 manholes visible from the trail, nine of which staff said have cones large enough to be painted. Peters described a community-based application process in which residents or teams submit designs, staff reviews and approves them, the city supplies limited paint materials, and completed works are protected with an anti‑graffiti clear coat. Peters said the paint would likely last “2 to 3, 4 years” depending on weather and that periodic repainting would allow new artists to participate.

Why it matters: the program is intended to beautify a trail corridor that connects neighborhoods, create community engagement opportunities for artists of all ages, and could become a pilot for similar treatments on other trail segments if successful.

Details and constraints: staff said there would be content rules—art must be family friendly—and the city would perform needed pre-paint maintenance on manhole surfaces. Peters credited the City of Taylor, Texas, as a model for the concept. He also identified two cost components staff will study: (1) upfront public-works cleanup and surface prep, and (2) materials the city might provide for artists who cannot afford supplies. Peters said staff would return with more precise cost figures and a formal policy document for council approval.

Council reaction and next steps: multiple council members expressed support for the concept and suggested local partnerships—ideas included high school participation, sponsorship by local businesses, and signage acknowledging donors. Several council members asked staff to bring a detailed proposal back to the council that includes application requirements, selection process options, and estimated costs. Peters said staff is prepared to develop a formal policy and present it to the council for final approval.

Speakers who addressed this topic included Assistant City Manager Greg Peters and staff members referenced in Peters’s presentation. The discussion occurred during the regular agenda item on the Pecan Grove Trail.

Ending: Staff will prepare a formal policy and cost estimate for council consideration at a future meeting; no ordinance or binding commitment was approved at Tuesday’s meeting.