Agenda - Public Works Committee - 11/15/2011

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Public Works Committee 5. 3. Meeting Date: 11/15/2011 By: Tim Himmer, Engineering/Public Works Title: Consider Policy on Turf Establishment Related to City Improvement Projects Background: On every City improvement project turf establishment is always the most contentious matter when it comes to residents and business owners. The infrastructure (street paving, utility installation, etc.) portions of project are fairly straight forward; is runoff being directed where it's supposed to go, do the utilities pass all required testing criteria, are things working as designed. Turf restoration always draws the most attention, as this work is taking place outside the roadway in the boulevard area and people believe that this directly impacts their property, but is the least scrutinized in the project scoping phase. While a majority of the restoration takes place within the right -of -way residents are still required to maintain this area and consider it an extension of their property. Other areas of restoration occur within easements, either along front or side lots as dedicated on the plats, or as acquired (temporary or permanent) during project implementation. Staff continues to hear comments that we should be following our own rules related to topsoil requirements, but the current ordinance is only triggered by the construction of a new principle structure. During the development of project scope on all City improvements staff reviews the potential areas of impact on a case -by -case basis and makes a decision on what would be the most appropriate means of restoration. Following are some considerations in that decision: • Is the overall area a highly manicured urban type neighborhood or is it a more rural type setting • Is it City land or private property • Is the area used strictly for public purpose (drainage ditches /ponds vs. boulevard that drains to street) • Who is responsible to maintain the area • What are the current soil types in the area From this gathered information we determine what would be an appropriate means of restoration, and include this information within the project feasibility study and estimates. We always evaluate the entire project as one; we do not attempt to perform different types of restoration for different areas - everyone gets the same treatment within the project area (except steep slope/highly erodible areas). Notification: Observations: Over the past couple of years we've had considerable problems with turf restoration, and received numerous complaints. With all the recent topsoil discussions people believe that they will be receiving a high quality material for restoration. They do not look into the details of this portion of the project, but are more concerned with how the area will drain, does it impact their access, will they lose any trees, will their landscaping, etc. be impacted. Once the project is nearing completion and turf restoration is being established then several issues are brought forward as a concern; where is the topsoil, why didn't you sod vs. seed, why didn't we get what that other project received, how long will it take to grow, who's responsible to maintain (water), etc. This item was discussed with the Public Works Committee in June of 2011, and it was the consensus of the group to develop a turf establishment policy for use on all public improvement projects. In the past staff would choose the appropriate turf establishment requirement for a project on a case -by -case basis, but we have now formulated a City -wide standard for Council consideration. We are seeking input on the following items: • Topsoil requirements - no more salvage of on site material; all topsoil will be imported and meet MnDOT topsoil borrow requirements. See attached difference between various MnDOT topsoil specifications.