Commission reviews comp‑plan priorities; Page Architects chosen for conceptual study

The Parks and Projects Commission discussed several items tied to the city’s comprehensive plan, economic-development outreach and a council selection of an architect for a conceptual building study.

Mr. Joyce summarized active priorities: a pending grant decision from the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization on a pedestrian and bicycle plan, a branding and communications package completed with Creative Civilization and Councilwoman Haley that could lead to hiring a part‑time marketing person, and preparatory work for economic‑development public workshops likely pushed to June to reach residents not on social media. “We have a whole communication plan in addition to finalizing the branding,” he said.

The commission also noted that Page Architects was selected by a council subcommittee to produce a conceptual analysis of options for the municipal building, from potential renovation to replacement. Mr. Joyce said the next steps are to negotiate a fee under professional‑services procurement rules and to use seed funds earmarked for the study; he said the subcommittee favored Page’s approach because it proposed a multi‑criteria site analysis.

Members discussed the scale of the building project and the need to identify funding sources for construction, including grants or voter measures for tax adjustments; several commissioners recommended focusing on funding options over the next few months while routine project updates proceed by email.

No formal vote on the architect contract was taken at the commission meeting; staff will proceed to negotiate the scope and fee with Page Architects and return with finalized details.