Clifton advances Streetscape Master Plan and Floodplain Park; approves $3,600 contract increase

The Clifton Town Council on Feb. 7 authorized a $3,600 increase to the existing J2 Engineers contract to cover a construction survey stakeout for the planned Floodplain Park and moved the Streetscape Master Plan toward formal adoption.

Susan Yantis, speaking for the Special Projects Committee, said sealed construction bids for the Floodplain Park were advertised after a contractors’ conference and are due March 2; the town will select the lowest qualified bidder and expects construction to begin in April or May, with roughly a 60‑day build period. "We anticipate April or May would be the time frame for starting construction," Yantis said.

The Council approved the contract increase by motion, with Wayne Nickum making the motion and Dwayne Nitz seconding; the motion passed unanimously.

Yantis also reviewed three new concepts for the small triangular site on Main Street. The options vary by the height of a stacked‑stone wall and by sign material (metal or wood). The Special Projects Committee favored a smaller stacked‑stone wall with a wooden sign and a tree to keep the feature’s appearance "natural," and recommended advancing the plan to public hearing. The plan retains a conceptual roundabout option in the master plan, she said, but that element is not covered by current federal funding and "could cost several hundred thousand dollars."

By motion of Dwayne Nitz, seconded by Wayne Nickum, the Council voted to hold a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission at the March Town Council meeting (7:30 p.m.) so the consultant can present the final Streetscape Master Plan and the public may comment.

Next steps: staff will review bids and identify the lowest qualified bidder for the Floodplain Park, J2 Engineers will perform the approved survey stakeout, and the consultant will formally present the Streetscape Master Plan at the joint public hearing in March.