Agenda - Public Works Committee - 05/17/2016

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Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the staff report and the background on this lot. It is a benefit to the neighborhood because the Trott Brook Trail is not very accessible. Staff has agreed natural landscape will work best to blend in with the trail that exists. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood explained sometimes residents are unsure of a drainage pond and what the water quality would be. The demonstration project would treat the rainwater appropriately, and the public can see how that works as a rain garden. Councilmember Shryock arrived at 5:39 p.m. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted the Rain Guardian, which will be used for the rain garden, was developed in part by the Anoka Conservation District, and is currently being marketed by Cretex. Chairperson Riley asked how overflow would work. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood explained how the Rain Guardian is built, and said if the swale fills up, there is a drain in the gutter right next to it where the overflow would go. Chairperson Riley questioned whether there will be signage. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated the EPB strongly recommended signage. The sign would explain that this project will take a few years to get to the point of looking as it is intended. He said residents may think it is just random grass growing, so a sign will give an explanation. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted there has been discussion of alternatives for this lot. They have not identified viable, cost-sustainable alternatives. He said they've also discussed whether it would be worth the cost to irrigate the plantings, and have concluded it would not be worth it. Councilmember Johns inquired whether the lot would be mowed or burned. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood answered it would be mowed. It could be burned every few years, but it wouldn't need to be. He added that a letter will go out explaining this is a demonstration project. He said if the Committee recommends proceeding with this plan, he will solicit bids and create a work plan. He said he hopes to have it ready for Arbor Day. Motion by Councilmember Johns, seconded by Councilmember Shryock, to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to proceed with the Brookfield Rain garden and trail connection based upon the work plan and budget presented herein. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Riley, Councilmembers Johns and Shryock. Voting No: None. 6. COMMITTEE /STAFF INPUT Public Works Committee/April 19, 2016 Page 2 of 5