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HRA Regular Session Meeting Date: 06/24/2014 By: Ted LaFrance, Administrative Services Information Title: COR Maintenance 5. 1. Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to review maintenance standards in The COR; as maintenance relates to the overall marketability of HRA owned parcels and infrastructure upkeep. Staff, by request, has been asked to review the need to maintain The COR area to compliment marketing efforts by CBRE to: (1) ensure degradation of infrastructure does not occur; and (2) to improve aesthetic appeal in The COR area for neighborhoods and visitors. CBRE has stated that regular maintenance via mowing and scrub brush removal does improve marketability. CBRE has stated that regular mowing around signage has value, as does a clean curb line with mowing of the greater parcel less frequently. Staff reviewed the request with Public Works Superintendent Grant Riemer and City Administrator Kurt Ulrich. Mr. Riemer has provided an estimated cost to maintaining the parcels beyond the current maintenance schedule. Please see the attached aerial map. Current maintenance schedule is as follows: The highlighted areas are mowed every 3 to 4 weeks or as needed. Current maintenance schedule and route follows natural breaks/terrain in The COR (some large open areas are close to "pad ready" and are mowed and some large areas are not due to terrain, soil or trees). Pictures attached to this case demonstrate the concern around infrastructure and aesthetics. Proposed maintenance would be as follows: Mowing along all the highlighted curb lines (72" swath mowed with trimming around trees, signs, etc.) and scrubbing of small trees along the curb lines alongside the current mowing schedule/route with increasing frequency to every two weeks or as needed. Cost for proposed maintenance: $7,850.00 annually (net increased cost from standard maintenance). Observations/Alternatives: Alternative #1: Decline approving an estimated expense of $7,850. Possible negative outcomes include less marketability, infrastructure damage and a less visually appealing COR area for neighbors and visitors. Alternative #2: Accept estimated expense of $7850 to compliment CBRE's marketing efforts, maintain aesthetic appeal and upkeep existing infrastructure. Funding Source: HRA General Fund Recommendation: