Dade City is moving ahead on some city priority projects.
The city’s commissioners have authorized staff to enter into a design-build contract with Borregard Construction Inc., for a design-build of a visitor’s information welcome center, to be located on the south side of Church Avenue near the Hardy Trail multi-use trailhead.
Preliminary plans call for a building of 1,100 square feet to 1,500 square feet, with two family bathrooms that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
The center will feature an open floor plan — allowing for vendor operations, area attractions, museums and art exhibits to host mobile displays.
Officials said the visitor’s center will not exceed $250,000, which is funded through a grant from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.
The facility will be part of a larger exterior space concept that will feature a bike-share hub with stations for parking, minor repairs, and public resting areas for cyclists and exercising pedestrians.
The public will be invited to provide input on the design of the building, in the coming months. The general idea is for the visitor’s center to help promote some of the city’s attraction to locals and out-of-town visitors, said Melanie Romagnoli, the city’s community and economic development director.
For example, Pioneer Florida Museum would be able to display items to help promote that attraction.
“We want to make sure that the building will fit into the context of the neighborhood, with a contemporary interior that will allow for modern amenities, such as digital display ads and a place for our nonprofit partners and our community partners to have mobile exhibits,” Romagnoli said.
The project passed by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon dissenting.
Also, commissioners approved a motion allowing City Manager Leslie Porter to negotiate a contract with Wesley Chapel-based Magic Bubbles, to pressure wash sidewalks in the downtown area.
The company’s quote came in at $3,050 to pressure wash sidewalks from Church Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Meridian Avenue from Eighth Street to Third Street. However, the commission also agreed to have the company clean other surrounding areas heavily trafficked downtown, including the sidewalks by Nancy’s Natural Foods, Lori Anne’s, Green Door on 8th, Magnolia Title Agency, and The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, among other businesses.
The request for additional cleaning services came from Commissioner Jim Shive. Given the added work will be at relatively minimal cost, commissioners directed the city manager to proceed without having to return for funding approval. The motion passed 4-1, with Newlon dissenting.
Published June 17, 2020
