Staff outlines Town Square master plan and urges quick phase to secure $600,000 grant

City staff described a Town Square master plan developed with consultant IBI that aims to make the square a year‑round gathering place by adding promenades, seating, shade trees, landscaping, a pavilion and food‑truck hookup infrastructure.

Staff said the master plan process began in 2021 and included a steering committee and public open house; two alternative plans were prepared and the city council has not yet adopted a final design. “We did receive a grant for $600,000 and we need to spend about 1000000 dollars to be able to get that grant. I think it's 1,200,000 we'll need to spend and that that has to happen fairly quickly,” staff said, urging prompt movement on phase 1 to secure the funds.

Commissioners asked whether parking removed from the central square would be replaced nearby; staff replied the central lot could be relocated to an upper corner and additional on‑street or ROW parking (for example along 1st North) could be added to achieve a net parking gain. Staff also confirmed plan materials and the grant summary are available on the city website.