Agenda - Public Works Committee - 11/16/2010

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• Grass seed, shrubs, park trees and boulevard trees for Spring planting. Funding required: $5,000 from the 2011 Park Trust Fund for park trees (set aside each year to encourage volunteer landscape projects within parks), and $4,000 from the 2010 Parks and Streets operating budget for boulevard trees (each year a similar dollar amount is focused at improving one or more streetscapes by adding or replacing boulevard trees). Funding: As indicated, the above outline includes in -house labor for several aspects of the workplan, and a total of about $13,000 from three different sources - but does not address landscape installation OR near -term on -going maintenance. Staff proposes that these modest park improvements be considered predicated on the following conditions: 1. At least several homeowners in the area commit to addressing the majority of the labor in the landscape installations mentioned above. (Staff may attempt to organize the annual Football Booster volunteer day around the balled and burlapped tree installation.) 2. That the area residents develop a self- funded plan for mowing and trimming the park space for the foreseeable future. 3. That the community garden space be provided free for 2011, and existing residents in the vicinity be given `first dibs' on available plots - but immediately thereafter, Ramsey residents from anywhere are encouraged to garden there (presently there is a waiting list). The concept plan recommended by the Park and Recreation Commission in July 2010 is attached for your information. Committee members are encouraged to re- familiarize themselves with the `North Park' site prior to the meeting. Committee Action: Based upon discussion - Motion to recommend City Council approve landscape improvements for `North Park' predicated upon a volunteer plan and commitment. Reviewed by: Director of Public Works/Principal City Engineer PW: 11/16/2010