The Town Council will be making its last decision regarding a proposal to upgrade the Avenue of the Fountains median when it meets Thursday.

The council will consider approval of a $1.4 million bid from J.E. Bowen Construction, LLC for the project.

Bowen was the lowest of four bids for the project at $1,415,455. Other bidders included Shea Connelly Development ($1,457,738), Low Mountain Construction ($1,497,117) and ELS Construction ($1,724,356).

The bid includes options for a plaza fountain, shade structures and lighting.

If the council chooses to include an option for brick pavers for walkways and plazas it would add $22,470 to the Bowen bid (total $1,437,925).

Landmark Design prepared the design for the project, which is to include four new water features with two at the intersection of the Avenue and Verde River Drive.

With a council approval, work is expected to begin almost immediately. Town Development Services Director Paul Mood said he anticipates issuing the contractor a notice to proceed effective July 1.

The contract includes a 125-day construction schedule with final completion by Nov. 4, in time to avoid interfering with the annual Fall Festival of Arts and Crafts on the Avenue.

The council will meet Thursday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall. The session is open to the public.

Additional information about the project is in The Times print edition for Wednesday, June 19.