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Council gives unanimous support to advance Curiosity Gardens mid‑year amendment for South Garland Library
Summary
Staff requested a mid‑year CDBG budget amendment to complete the South Garland Library 'Curiosity Gardens' phases 1 and 2; construction phase 1 estimated at about $1.07 million and staff proposed combining prior allocations, program income and one‑time NSP funds to cover the shortfall. Council gave unanimous consensus to advance the amendment for formal consideration.
City staff presented detailed renderings and a funding plan May 18 to finish the South Garland Library exterior project, renamed Curiosity Gardens, and asked council to authorize a mid‑year budget amendment to complete both phases.
Construction phase 1 — mostly horizontal work, planting and basic electrical — was estimated at "construction phase 1 is estimated at $1,070,524," a staff presenter said. Phase 2 would add play elements, shade structures, cafe seating and additional lighting and is estimated at roughly $292,818, with an optional lighting enhancement of $56,403. Staff proposed combining leftover design money from last year, program income from a homes sale and $517,000 of one‑time repurposed NSP funds to bring the package within a roughly $1.43 million total budget.
Council members commended the design, asked about parking and long‑term maintenance (staff said Parks/Parts has budgeted maintenance requests in the operating budget), and discussed how a finished plaza could support adjacent private redevelopment. After questions and clarifications, Mayor asked for consensus and staff reported the council’s support was unanimous; staff will bring a formal amendment forward in a future regular session.
