Agenda - Council - 12/14/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

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HIGHWAY #I0 CORRIDOR BEAUTIFICATION PROPOSAL Weigh Station and The Links at Northfork/City Entrance Sign Background: In 1993, The Links at Northfork, Northfork, Inc., and the City of Ramsey completed a natural field stone sign calling attention to the entrance of the above facilities and the City of Ramsey. I I I While each participant has existing individual signs, the parties were advantaged by collaborating on a single sign. The result was a prominent, recognizable sign utilizing natural materials. Landscaping was not included in this stage. Observation: I I The City recognizes that an aesthetically pleasing highway corridor is important to economic vitality, particularly for corridor business. One reason the large sign was needed was due to a high level of visual distraction and competition within the 153rd Avenue N.W. area. These elements are still in place. To combat this, City Staff is exploring a Highway #10 beautification program in conjunction with MnDOT. The focus is the weigh station/I53rd Avenue N.W. intersection and points east. In general, the goal would be to landscape The Links at Northfork/City entry sign, the area around the weigh station and to establish a flowering prairie within the median for approximately three miles east of the I53rd Avenue N.W. intersection (16.5 acres total). The above will serve the following functions: Beauty. Trees, flowering bushes, and plants will provide a splash of color within the somewhat drab corridor. Continuity. The prairie components waving colors and natural disposition will serve to comfort travelers and detract from the undesirable starkness of things like the railroad tracks. The median prairie will also provide an inviting lead-in to the weigh station and Ramsey's 153rd Avenue N.W. entrance. Function. It is believed that the prairie restoration also assists with the goals of The Links at Northfork, Northfork, Inc., and the City in protecting and encouraging natural resources when function and beauty are the result. Proposal: I I I I I I I I To accomplish the previously described objectives, the City hopes to involve various parties. The bulk of the planting, with the exception of the 16-acre prairie, wilI occur on "Partnership Day", Saturday, May 28, 1994. This will involve prior staging of materials and site preparations by the City. Saturday will consist of planting by some City Staff, community volunteers and possibly the business community in the benefitting area. The approximately four to six hours of planting wilt be followed by a picnic along the Mississippi River to celebrate the success. MnDOT wilt approve plans, order materials and provide planting guidance the day of the project. Previous experiences by MnDOT, coupled with the amount of intended material to plant, indicates the need for approximately 40 volunteers. MnDOT will provide training for key individuals at their Arden Hills Training Center. Minimal maintenance will be required for the new plant material during establishment. Years one and two may see watering in addition to weeding and plant replacement. Year three might require moderate pruning of some trees and shrubs. Ideally, MnDOT will be responsible for the wild flower establishment and the City for the remainder except the 153rd Avenue N.W. sign which would be cared for by a benefitting business. To call attention to the efforts of the above volunteers on behalf of the public, the City proposes a sign to acknowledge the participants.