Consultants present phased downtown infrastructure plan; council to consider authorization Dec. 9

Unidentified Speaker 2 (presenter) told the Montgomery MEDC meeting that a revised downtown improvements project combines earlier streetscape work with utility upgrades and a proposed community center, and that Phase 1 would be bid first while Phase 2 design is finalized.

The project consolidates prior scopes that consultants attributed to earlier firms (Kimberly Horn/Kimley Horn and Ardor/Ardorra) and adds storm‑sewer upsizing, waterline work and pavement replacement. "Phase 1 would include waterline replacement, storm sewer replacement, and the previously considered pavement replacement," Unidentified Speaker 2 said. He told the group the storm system would be upsized on the western portion of the right‑of‑way from two 18‑inch pipes to a 36‑inch pipe to accommodate expected flows and reduce downtown flooding.

S3, introduced as the landscape architect, outlined Phase 1 deliverables—schematic designs, a design charrette or community meeting if desired, planting and irrigation construction documents, and bid‑phase support for landscape elements. "Our phase 1 would include paving accommodations, any hardscape and areas of drainage, and planting and irrigation specifications," S3 said, adding the landscape scope is coordinated to avoid duplicate construction work.

Consultants described a conservative schedule tied to council authorization: earliest construction‑document work would begin Dec. 10 (the day after council authorization), with 45 days for preliminary design and 90 days for final design followed by mid‑phase work and construction. S2 said the team will present the package to the city council on Dec. 9 and expects authorization at that meeting.

The group also debated the proposed community center site. Unidentified Speaker 1 said moving the existing building north could expand parking and better support event staging, while others urged more study. "I want to tear it down really bad," Unidentified Speaker 1 said in expressing frustration over the building's current placement, while others cautioned that restoration costs and historic fabric must be considered.

On cost details, S2 identified consultant compensation elements in the packet: approximately $55,000 for design‑based civil engineering services and about $57,000 for landscape architecture consultant fees. Earlier project totals discussed in the meeting referenced prior streetscape figures and contingencies; participants agreed final budget allocations would be set after council authorization and review of any available prior city design files.

S2 recommended forming an MEDC subcommittee to meet more frequently and guide design decisions so the full council would not need monthly updates. The consultants emphasized coordination with downtown property owners, MEDC, council and city staff to produce a final package that preserves historic features and minimizes rework.

The meeting record in the transcript does not show a formal council vote to approve the project or an MEDC vote on authorization. A motion to authorize city engineers to begin designing the downtown project was discussed during the session, but the transcript does not show a finalized vote; S2 and others said the next formal step is presentation to the city council on Dec. 9 for expected authorization.

Next steps noted in the meeting: selection of a MEDC subcommittee to coordinate with consultants and property owners, presentation to city council on Dec. 9, and an anticipated MEDC kickoff or update near the Jan. 20 MEDC meeting.