City seeks to service U.S. 301's grassy area

By EBONY WINDOM, Times Correspondent
Published January 28, 2008

ZEPHYRHILLS - Clyde Bracknell of the Zephyrhills City Council isn't happy with the way the Florida Department of Transportation maintains the grassy area along U.S. 301.

Now, the city is proposing to allow its maintenance crews to handle the mowing, trimming and litter pick-up.

When it comes to the stretch of U.S. 301 within the city limits from Kossik Road to Avenue C, Bracknell said it is "not up to par," City Manager Steve Spina said, repeating the comment the council member made last month.

Now, the DOT mows the stretch eight times each year. The city wants the grassy area mowed more often, especially during the summer. That might cost more than the budgeted $11,000 each year. If the maintenance changes are approved, state grants might be available to offset the cost of future roadway improvements and entryways into Zephyrhills.

This and other issues are up for discussion at today's meeting, which starts at 6 p.m.

In other matters, Ron Roma of Roma I wants to lease an acre of property at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport to build a hangar for his personal aircraft. But the council must first approve his lease agreement as part of their standard procedure.

Also, changes are being considered for the wastewater treatment plant under construction in Zephyrhills, including the need for better coating on the concrete surrounding the building's sewage area. Officials say the change could save the city more than $20,000 in the future.

[Last modified January 27, 2008, 21:32:53]