Municipal leaders unanimously adopted a number of items at Tuesday’s city council meeting, including a beautification plan.
Presented by Durango-based architecture firm DHM Design, the city’s master plan was approved without opposition Tuesday. City leaders hope the plan will inspire business owners to spruce up their landscaping.
“This plan can help create a broader sense of community pride,” said council member Bob Archibeque.
The plan aims to improve the safety and aesthetics of municipal roadways with a major focus on enhancing all the corridors leading into Cortez. The proposal includes five gateway signs, which would create monuments to the city’s cultures.
The city is expected to include about $125,000 in the 2014 capital improvement budget for the signs.
The welcome signs are slated to be installed on roadways leading into Cortez from Towaoc, Dove Creek, Dolores and Mancos.
The plan also calls for projects along North Broadway, Main Street, E. 7th Street and the intersection of U.S. 160 and 145. The first phase to beautify South Broadway was completed last month.
Other items approved by city council members include:
Awarding a five-year airport engineering services contract to Jacobs Engineering to comply with FAA requirements.
Authorizing an agreement with Mind Mixer to extend an online engagement tool for Heart and Soul of Cortez.
Canceling the council’s Dec. 24, meeting because of the holidays.
