Garden club members, jail inmates and city crews prepared anumber of flower beds and planted flowers and trees on thegrass-covered grounds.

Ward Two Alderman Steve Moreman, who led the push forlandscaping with former Alderman Pete Mathews, said he hopes thecity can accomplish more in May.

“I’ve asked (Mayor) David (Nichols) to put an irrigation systemon the agenda for the next meeting since we came in under budget,”Moreman said.

The city budgeted $7,100 for landscaping at City Hall this year,but at $4,800 the landscaping came in under expectations, he said.Moreman is presently seeking price quotes for an irrigation systemso he can have a few figures to present to the board Tuesday.

Other future improvements to the grounds include a new city signand flagpole.

The old sign was destroyed in a vehicle accident, he said. Thenew sign will be located in a different area, although the exactplacement is still being determined.

Work at improving the grounds at City Hall began two years agowith the addition of sidewalks and a circular driveway, althoughthe work has been planned since city government was moved to thebuilding approximately five years ago.

Moreman said the efforts at City Hall are especially significantgiven the town’s emphasis on beautifying the downtown area.Officials have been urging business leaders to enhance theirfacades, if necessary, and taking other steps to entice people toshop downtown.

“We ought to be taking the lead on everything,” Moremansaid.

Some business leaders have expressed concern that the recentHighway 27 and Highway 84 bypasses will have a negative economicimpact downtown.

In addition to beautification efforts, town officials areworking to create a boulevard from the Highway 84 Bypass to thedowntown area to draw in travelers. An architect has designed theboulevard and the route has been selected, but officials are stillattempting to secure the necessary funding for the project.