Agenda - Public Works Committee - 09/20/2016

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Councilmember Shryock stated it would be helpful to know the cost of maintenance after the first three years. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated staff can relook at the quote and ask for the cost to add this area, perhaps packaged at a discounted price. Chairperson Riley asked if the sprinkler system is required for a prairie restoration. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood explained it is not required but would be beneficial during extended times of drought to provide cool soils and reduce plant stress. He recommended the irrigation be explored to determine whether it is operational and the cost for repairs. Councilmember Shryock asked who would pay for the irrigation water. Chairperson Riley stated that would be a City cost. He noted another option suggested by Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood is a hybrid to restore one median section in prairie restoration and use mulch for the other areas. Chairperson Riley and Councilmember Johns stated they did not support the options to pave the median. Councilmember Johns stated if the trees are retained, they will need to be watered. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the cost to repair the irrigation system is not yet known and if the mulch option is approved, he would recommend using a water truck for the trees instead of repairing the irrigation system. Councilmember Shryock stated she would like to explore the prairie restoration option if it is manageable over the long term. She reviewed the problems that can occur with mulch, which may be a better option than pavement, but she would like to first pursue a prairie restoration project including maintenance as it will look a lot nicer. If the Council decides it does not support that option, then she would support going with mulch. Councilmember Johns concurred. Chairperson Riley stated support for the EPB recommendation to use mulch as he is concerned with the perception that prairie restoration may only look like weeds for a number of years. Councilmember Johns noted the plants can include a flowering variety so people are aware it is a prairie planting. Councilmember Shryock felt the maintenance package for the first three years would show residents that it is a developing prairie restoration. Motion by Councilmember Shryock, seconded by Councilmember Johns, to recommend that the City Council approve the prairie restoration option for the center median in Sweet Bay Ridge and Public Works Committee/July 19, 2016 Page 4 of 8