Agenda - Council - 06/25/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The labor and materials quoted totals $13,950 with the desire that GRE would cause the work to be performed. It should be noted that this restoration plan is not something the GRE has done before - with their usual operations consisting of simply designating tree clearing on a multi -year rotation. However, staff was successful in explaining that this sustainable plan would, over time, be in GRE's financial interests as well - and represented good -will to neighbors of Alpine Park and also was a good demonstration project* that could be replicated within other utility corridors. The end result of the above discussion was an agreement by GRE to provide the City of Ramsey $14,000 to fund and oversee the work by Prairie Restoration as soon as the easement is approved by City Council; and thus, the purpose of this case is to both approve the updated easement for the transmission line and also to accept the money for the 80' foot corridor restoration within Alpine Park. Attorney Bill Goodrich has researched the proposed easement, and finds it complete and consistent with the easement it replaces. (Additionally, staff would point out that there are no plans at this time for any modification or additions to the existing transmission line within Alpine Park according to GRE.) *Note: An item on the Environmental Policy Board's 2012-13 City Council approved Work Plan was a demonstration project to establish a native prairie within a utility corridor. The intent was to demonstrably show that a tree cleared corridor could be transformed into not only an aesthetically pleasing area, but also serve as critical habitat for wildlife, pollinators and song birds. The Board does intend to develop signage to be placed in Alpine Park that would highlight the project and corresponding values. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the easement to Great River Energy, and acceptance of the $14,000 to order the 3-year prairie establishment by a contractor. Funding Source: No supplemental funding is needed other than what this case authorizes; and staff time associated with the prairie establishment is consistent with regular landscape maintenance in parks. Council Action: Motion to approve Easement #: AW-001b for Great River Energy and accept $14,000 for the prairie establishment at Alpine Park Easement location restoration plan Easement doc Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Grant Riemer Grant Riemer 06/19/2013 02:42 PM Kurt Ulrich Kurt Ulrich 06/19/2013 03:05 PM Form Started By: Mark Riverblood Started On: 06/13/2013 03:42 PM Final Approval Date: 06/19/2013