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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: John Russell, grant writer
DATE: March 1, 2016
SUBJECT:
The City Maintenance Services Division is seeking City Council approval to apply for and accept a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund grant to help upgrade the environmental condition of Millennium Plaza.
PURPOSE:
In the 16 years since its opening, Millennium Plaza has been the scene for a variety of concerts and performances and cultural events. Today, Millennium Plaza is in great need of upgrades to the walking path leading down to the Fox River overlook, and for new plantings to control runoff and conserve soil - and to beautify the view from both sides of the river downtown
BACKGROUND:
Millennium Plaza is on a steep slope, going down from Stolp Avenue to the Fox River. Runoff from the sidewalks can flow straight down to the river and allow pollutants into the water. Our project will replace the long-standing gardens at the Plaza with native, more durable plantings that will serve as buffers for this pollutant flow into the river, attract wildlife, and improve the overall environmental atmosphere of the Plaza. Also, a new path through the Plaza, made of a Porous Pave material, will be installed to replace the existing granite walking path which has deteriorated. This new Porous Pave process will absorb runoff before it heads to the river waters.
DISCUSSION:
The environmental condition of Millennium Plaza will be greatly improved by converting the path to porous paving and upgrading the gardens to better absorb rainwater and reduce stormwater run-off. Maintenance Services has compiled a list of the native plants which would be planted at the Plaza, and has investigated the cost of installation of the Porous Pave path. The total estimated cost of the project is $24,134. Maintenance Services has budgeted $8,045 for the City's contribution (33% of the project cost). We are seeking a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund grant of $16,08...
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