Agenda - Council - 04/14/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case # APPROVE ADOPT -A -SPOT TRAILSIDE GARDEN IMPROVMENTS, AND DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT. By: Al Haugen, Management Intern Background: The City received an Adopt -A -Spot application, on August 8, 2008 from Andrea Seiberlich and neighboring property owners, to construct a commemorative trailside garden. Project plans, budget and timeline were submitted on February 13, 2009. Alternative locations have been proposed on a City - owned parcel legally described as Outlot A, Wood Pond Hills, Anoka County, City of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, and generally located near the intersection of Sunwood Drive and County Rd. 5. This proposal was considered by the City Council on February 24, 2009 and was reviewed by the Park and Recreation Commission on March 12, 2009, and again on April 9, 2009 due to previously unknown concerns from neighbors to the subject property. Notification: Properties near the subject parcel received a notice of this meeting, and the April 9 Park and Rec. meeting as an informational courtesy. Notice was also sent to these properties prior to the City Council Work Session of February 24 No public hearing is required for parkland improvements. Observations: Adopt -A -Spot is an informal crime prevention program of the City of Ramsey Police Department which allows individuals or groups to engage in volunteer beautification efforts on City parkland. The applicants are requesting to construct a trailside garden dedicated to the memory of Luke Crotteau, and focusing on honoring all children past, present and future from the City of Ramsey. The proposal includes two alternative sites. Site #1 is preferred by the applicants because the cost of improvements would be less. Site #2 does not abut any residential parcels and is expected to have less impact on the neighboring properties than Site #1. Alternative layouts are shown in the plans for site #2. The trail shown on the site #2 grading plan would improve a cut - across trail that is already regularly used by residents. Plans for bdth sites include native prairie grass plantings, benches, screening trees, and a memorial tree. Plans for site #1 also include pavers and perennials. The subject parcel is zoned R -1 MUSA, where public parks are a permitted use, and is identified on the Park and Trails Map as parkland. Many of Staff's concerns are addressed by the development and maintenance agreement. This agreement has been updated to address concerns of the City Council and of the Park and Rec. Commission. Included in the agreement are the following requirements: Proof of funds prior to beginning a phase Regular maintenance of garden site On- street parking limitations. Not creating a visibility hardship for Public Safety Officers. Volunteer waiver of liability Right of City to remove or alter improvements, and to reuse property. -131-