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He also found it was best to not apply a sealer so the brick can "breath." Mr. Jischke offered to <br />follow up with Anoka County. <br />City Engineer Westby asked if the pilasters add cost to the structure as well as providing support. <br />Mr. Jischke stated it adds only a small increment to the cost of the base structure. <br />Public Works Superintendent Riemer noted the plan shows landscaped planters at intersections, <br />which will result in on -going costs to replant each spring. <br />Mayor Strommen stated strategically staff has pinpointed the locations most important to <br />residents for buffering but she has the same concern about how the materials look into the future <br />and on -going maintenance costs. She asked staff to look into those issues and provide <br />recommendation on options to achieve the Council's objectives. Mayor Strommen noted if the <br />funds are spent on the bridge itself, the Council will have to wrestle to find funding for <br />landscaping. <br />Councilmember Backous pointed out that the bridge will last for years into the future; however, <br />the landscaping will come and go. He stated this is a gateway location, almost into the Metro <br />area, and he wants to get away from the image people are used to seeing of a paintball range and <br />XXX bookstore. <br />Councilmember Riley agreed and stated he likes that the design looks nice, even at the lower <br />level, but the maintenance issue is of concern. He stated he does not want to consider a project <br />that results in on -going maintenance costs. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated he supports a nice looking bridge that gives good representation <br />to the City of Ramsey and provides a welcoming feel. <br />Mayor Strommen asked staff to vet the issues expressed by Anoka County relating to durability <br />of the bridge materials. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau agreed and asked staff to also look into how that particular bridge <br />was constructed. <br />Mr. Jischke stated there is latitude to talk through the surface materials. He asked if the Council <br />supports the general aesthetics with above deck pilasters and general level of treatment. <br />City Administrator Ulrich noted the design elements would be for pour in place retaining walls, <br />surface brick pilasters, decorative iron fence, with landscaping discussed at a future meeting. <br />City Engineer Westby stated the plan provides for conduits into the center islands so in the future <br />it could be irrigated, if desired. <br />Mr. Jischke stated it does include irrigation to plantings at the Sunwood Drive intersection. The <br />rest of the landscaping would be of a naturalized, low - maintenance, approach. <br />City Council Work Session / February 25, 2014 <br />Page 5 of 10 <br />