Agenda - Council Work Session - 06/23/2015

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CC Work Session 2. 3. Meeting Date: 06/23/2015 Information Title: Consideration of Scope and Timing of Sunwood Drive Roundabout Landscaping Improvements Purpose/Background: Purpose Consider project scope, timing, design framework and funding sources for desired landscape improvements for the Sunwood Drive roundabout center island. Background Construction plans for the Sunwood Drive roundabout did not include a landscaping plan for the center island and required seeding only, which was completed per plan. Recently, Public Works staff energized the irrigation system, top dressed the center island with topsoil, and over -seeded it so as to ensure the island will remain green until a landscaping plan can be finalized and the improvements can be constructed. Attached is a layout that shows the center island of the roundabout was originally proposed to be a landscape feature area, though no specific details are provided on the proposed landscaping framework including design elements, plantings, spacings, etc. Also attached is a figure showing a draft, interim economical landscape plan that could be implemented in one form or another until such time that the roundabout is fully constructed following construction of the remaining two approach legs as the COR continues to develop. A roundabout sight distance figure is also attached. Adequate sight distance must be considered in developing landscaping plans for the roundabout, particularly in regards to pedestrian visibility. That said, some roundabout center islands have been landscaped to intentionally obscure approaching vehicles on the opposite side. Such constraints will be explored in more detail while developing the landscaping plan based on Council direction provided this evening. Roundabout center islands across the state include numerous types of landscape features including rock elements, water features, trees, tall and/or short shrubs, and annual and/or perennial plantings. This roundabout was designed to accommodate four legs so the ultimate landscaping design must take this into account. Staff has discussed that the center island landscaping improvements at this roundabout might be well-suited for a Demonstration Project to be led by the Environmental Policy Board, and that this could be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the type of landscaping we want to encourage in our private developments. Due to the pending completion of the Armstrong Boulevard Interchange and the high visibility of this entrance feature to the COR, it may make sense to landscape the center island of the roundabout this year. Some goals to be considered with this project include: 1. Ensure the design is aesthetically pleasing due to location at a primary gateway to the COR 2. Minimize maintenance costs and staff impacts 3. Maximize water conservation Timeframe: