Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: MATTHEW BAUMGARDNER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY
ENGINEER
DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING BEAUTIFICATION OF INTERSECTION MEDIAN AT DOWNEY AVENUE, NEW STREET, AND 6TH STREET
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider options for beautifying the raised median located at the intersection of Downey Avenue, New Street, and 6th Street. Staff is providing options for filling the 875 square-foot, triangular-shaped raised median section with a Strawberry Marina tree, succulent plants, and mulch. Currently, this median is filled with an elephant palm tree, asphalt, a streetlight, and boulders. There is no irrigation available at this location. The City Council will also consider options for adding a monument sign within the median.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
1. Discuss the options for beautifying the raised median located at the intersection of Downey Avenue, New Street, and 6th Street; and
2. Provide direction on options for adding a monument sign within the raised median.
BACKGROUND
Councilmember Trujillo requested that staff return at a future meeting to discuss options for beautifying the raised median located at the intersections of Downey Avenue, New Street, and 6th Street. At this intersection, the triangular-shaped raised median is filled with a small elephant palm tree, asphalt, a streetlight, and cobbles. Irrigation is not available at this location.
DISCUSSION REGARDING BEAUTIFICATION OF INTERSECTION MEDIAN AT DOWNEY AVENUE, NEW STREET, AND 6TH STREET
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
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Raised Median at Downey Avenue, New Street, and 6th Street
ANALYSIS
Due to the lack of irrigation at this location, staff is proposing to use succulent, flowering vegetation that does not require frequent watering, as well as a Strawberry Marina tree, which is an evergreen tree that produces small, red flowers. This type of vegetation is ideal for a median that does not have access to irrigation. The City’s landscape contractor will periodically water the vegetation using a portable tank to help it get established. Mulch will also be used to fill in around the vegetation.
The City Council will also consider the option of adding a monument sign facing the southbound Downey Avenue/New Street traffic. Councilmember Trujillo’s request was to add a sign that incorporates the term, Faith. The City currently uses a consistent monument sign design at its entry points through major intersections, such as the one shown below:
DISCUSSION REGARDING BEAUTIFICATION OF INTERSECTION MEDIAN AT DOWNEY AVENUE, NEW STREET, AND 6TH STREET
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
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As the entry point monument signs are in substantially larger raised medians, the City Council may consider a sign that is scaled down to be appropriate for the smaller median.
The cost for removing the elephant palm, asphalt and cobbles and installing the Strawberry Marina tree and succulent vegetation is approximately $10,000. Depending on size, material, and sign language, the cost to fabricate and install a monument size could range from $15,000 to $25,000.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
FISCAL IMPACT
The costs associated with these improvements are shown in the following table:
Description Amount
Option 1: Replacing existing median with new tree, vegetation $10,000 Total Estimated Project Cost: $10,000
Description Amount
Option 2: Adding a monument sign to the median $25,000
Including Option 1 $10,000
Total Estimated Project Cost: $35,000
There is sufficient fund balance available for these improvements in the following account:
DISCUSSION REGARDING BEAUTIFICATION OF INTERSECTION MEDIAN AT DOWNEY AVENUE, NEW STREET, AND 6TH STREET
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
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Account No. Funding Source Amount
57-1-6843 Annual Citywide Median Landscape CIP $250,000 Total Available Funding: $250,000
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None