Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/16/2012

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Interim City Engineer Nelson and Public Works Superintendent Reimer met with the Mrs. Dominguez on July 12, 2012. Mr. and Mrs. Dominguez reside on a large lot that does not have an irrigation system. The portion of their yard that does not have irrigation is pretty well established, with rather dense Kentucky bluegrass, as well as fairly large areas of predominately crabgrass. A review of a pre - construction aerial photo confirms that large patches of crabgrass were present prior to construction (distinct difference in color). Staff walked back in her yard in several areas and did not see any rocks, asphalt, glass or other items that were stated to be found in the portion disturbed. The portion of their yard that was disturbed does not have as dense of vegetation as the undisturbed portions of their yard. Kentucky Bluegrass is pretty well established in most areas, generally estimated at 70% coverage with the other 30% generally barren. There are portions within her affected yard that are dominated with crab grass (at least 10' diameter in size). Several rocks 11 /2" to 4" diameter were observed as well as one small piece of glass. She showed us the location of a temporary road that was constructed with the project in their yard, which was likely the source for the asphalt pieces. Erosion control netting was observed near the western edge of her lot, closer to the wetland. The erosion netting may have been on the adjacent parcel. Several new boulevard trees were observed - Mrs. Dominguez confirmed that they were planted by the City. Mrs. Dominguez stated that the black dirt contained the glass, rocks and other debris that was not acceptable to her. It is assumed that the winter frost caused the additional rocks and glass to surface after the debris had been picked by DOC crews initially. City crews placed the black dirt. The property owner does have a valid concern in terms of less dense grass cover, weeds and debris. However, without frequent irrigation it will be extremely difficult to establish a lush, dense mat of weed -free grass. Therefore, even if the City contracted to remove the rocks and debris, spray the weeds, import additional topsoil and re -seed the area - it would likely not establish into dense grass without frequent irrigation. If the black dirt is contaminated with glass and rocks, they only way to totally eliminate the problem is by removing the black dirt and importing new dirt. The homeowner has obtained a quote for this, which totals $10,540. There would be additional seeding expenses incurred as well. Funding Source: If additional work is authorized, it would be attributable General Fund Budget street maintenance fund 0311 Staff Recommendation: Staff does not have enough background on this issue to provide a firm recommendation. One possible resolution is to reimburse the homeowner for expenses incurred for contracting to have this work completed, up to a maximum amount. This would give the homeowner the flexibility to choose a contractor of their choice. Another resolution would be to pick the rocks and debris every spring using City forces, until the debris no longer surfaces. Additional weed control and overseeding would likely also be needed, however, the costs would be considerably less than that of exporting the existing black dirt and importing new black dirt. Committee Action: Based on discussions. Sublime Landscaping Proposal Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Grant Riemer Grant Riemer 10/10/2012 04:04 PM Kurt Ulrich Kurt Ulrich 10/10/2012 09:55 PM Form Started By: Shane Nelson Started On: 10/08/2012 10:34 AM