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Council reviews hybrid clock-tower plan to add parking and restrooms; staff asked for cost and grant check
Summary
A committee sketch showed a compromise for the clock-tower site that would split the lot—adding roughly 17 parking spaces (including one ADA spot) on one half and a smaller plaza with two public restrooms and a stage on the other; council asked staff for cost estimates and to check DOLA grant eligibility.
Council members on Aug. 3 discussed a hybrid concept for the downtown clock-tower parcel prepared pro bono by local architect Lester Lisonbee. The design divides the lot roughly 50/50: one half becomes a conforming parking area (about 17 spaces, including one ADA stall and a single entry/exit on 3rd Street) and the other half would contain two public restrooms, plaza seating, additional lighting and a small stage.
Council member Amy Schmieser described the July 23 joint committee meeting and said the sketch showed a potential compromise to preserve parking while meeting public requests for a plaza. "What you'll see there... it's possible to have a compromise win-win scenario where you still preserve a significant number of parking spaces while also having that beautification element," she said. Council member Tony noted utilities and plumbing exist for the restrooms and offered preliminary cost observations; committee members asked staff to produce a city staff cost estimate and to coordinate with the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to see whether grant funding could support the plaza portion.
No formal motion to approve construction was made; council provided direction to staff to develop rough costs, possible grant eligibility and next steps for additional committee review.
