Creation of the Fair Oaks Ranch gateway project took another step forward when City Council approved a resolution authorizing $25,000 for design services for the entry marker.
Council voted 4-1 to proceed with the project, an effort to erect a landmark for the city after a previous marker was removed during the Interstate 10 and access road widening project.
The vote also directs City Manager Scott Huizenga to apply to the city’s Municipal Development District for a grant to cover the cost of the design services and the eventual construction, which Huizenga estimates at between $80,000 and $100,000.
The gateway will be on Fair Oaks Parkway just east of the Les-
The Fair Oaks Ranch Gateway Project design, when completed, will welcome residents and guests on Fair Oaks Parkway, about a quarter mile from the Interstate 10 access road.
Courtesy illustration lie Pfeiffer Drive intersection, about a quarter mile from the Interstate 10 access road.
Mayor Greg Maxton said the Gateway Feature is something Fair Oaks Ranch residents asked for, in comment made directly to him and through resident voice on a citizens’ committee tasked with discussing and investigating the possible construction of a monument-type structure at a city entry point.
“Over the past three years, I know I’ve had several individuals come to me and say, ‘What are we doing to landmark our city? What are we doing to identify Fair Oaks Ranch that you’re entering this community?’” Mayor Greg Maxton said during the May 16 council meeting.
“This is that effort in moving forward, replacing what we used to have as a landmark of our city.”
The $25,000 will be a limit for the firm eventually selected to design and construct the gateway feature.
“This is for design, for everything we need, up to construction,” Maxton said. “It’ll provide the plans, it’ll provide the surveys, the part about the electricity, everything up to the start of construction.”
Councilman Ruben Olvera, the lone “no” vote on council, said he considered the $25,000 for design services and the projected cost of the entire project to be excessive.
“I like the idea, I’m in favor of the gateway. But for me, it’s the price tag,” Olvera said. “Not only with design, but then the eventual estimated cost, that concerns me.”
Mayor Pro Tem Laura Koerner said the estimated cost for the Gateway Feature design services was part of the budget cycle last year. She said it’s been the intent of the council to apply for the MDD grant to cover the Gateway cost, if approved.
“I believe the remaining cost for the design survey and services is already within our budget for this year,” Koerner said. “We’re just executing dollars that we already budgeted.”
Olvera declined to vote for an amendment to the original motion, which specified that the MDD application covers both the design services cost and the construction cost, as well as the final motion.
“I’ve gotten feedback (from residents) of either, we don’t need this, or its too expensive,” Olvera added. “When I saw the $25,000, I thought, ‘That’s a lot.’ For the style of what’s proposed, with masonry and some fencing, $25,000 to design that, to me, is a lot.”
Maxton said the project is not a “must have” but a desire among residents who take pride in the city.
“In my perspective, it’s not a must item for our city; I think it’s a want,” the mayor said. “But I think it’s something our residents truly want in identifying Fair Oaks Ranch. I think having something identifying when you enter Fair Oaks Ranch is what people are looking for.”
The MDD, created in 2011, gives its approval for funding of projects it deems are beneficial in terms of economic development, retention and improvement of the district, and for improvement of short- and longterm property values.
The council attached no timeline for submitting the application to MDD, nor did they discuss any estimated dates for the bid process, or construction start or end times.
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