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Proposed Road Median Landscaping Alternatives by Department of Public Works
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Commission requested that staff examine different alternatives for median treatments. Currently, most medians are typically sodded, with some concrete depending on the width of the median.
Staff is proposing two (2) test sections for Perennial Peanut landscaping or Wildflower landscaping. Additional information on Perennial Peanut landscaping is attached. Staff will work with the Local Master Gardener Program for assistance with wildflowers and will follow the criteria set by the Florida Department of Transportation for their use.
The proposed test sections include:
1. Spring Hill Drive - Kass Circle Section - Perennial Peanut
Cost $158,000
2. Sunshine Grove Road-Webster Street to Harrison Street Wildflower Treatment
Cost $220,000
Attached for the Board’s review are the selected areas. Additionally, staff is proposing that any median less than five (5) feet wide be converted over time to a solid concrete median.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES
Strategic Theme: D - Quality of Life
Goal D.1 Well- maintained existing community assets
Objective D.1.1 Pursue diverse funding opportunities to support the maintenance and improvement of community assets (parks and roadway maintenance), with a goal of identifying and applying for sources.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funds for the installation of the Perennial Peanut and the Wildflowers will be available under Landscape Enhancement with approval of the attached Budget Transfer:
Expense:
Fund Misc. Special Revenue - B129, Department Health & Human Services - 150, Group Landscape Enhancement - 11083, Account Operating-Repairs & Maint Srvs -534600.
Maintenance will be budgeted annually in Public Woks Operating Budget for right-of-way maintenance.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board is authorized to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve and authorize the two (2) test sections for alternative landscaping and develop a plan for making medians less than five (5) feet in width solid concrete. It is further recommended that as part of the FY 2028 budget, the Board approve and authorize staff to develop a plan and funding to improve other corridors with alternative landscaping based on the results of the test sections.