Minutes - Public Works Committee - 07/19/2016

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Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report, noting staff is seeking direction on the maintenance of the center median at the entrance to the Sweet Bay Ridge development located on 161st Avenue, east of Variolite Street. This two section median was installed during the first phase of the Sweet Bay Ridge development, is irrigated and was initially maintained by the developer. However, during the recession when there was no home owners' association (HOA) to pay the utility bill, the irrigation was shut off. It is not known whether the irrigation system was properly winterized or if it is functional today as there are several broken sprinkler heads and missing parts. Public Works Superintendent Riemer explained that Sweet Bay Ridge residents take pride in their neighborhood and have taken on maintenance of the medians but due to costs, is asking the City for help. He noted that this is not the only median in Ramsey with this situation so the decision on this median will impact future requests and decisions. Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed several maintenance solution options and associated costs to remove the median, cap the water service, and repave the area ($54,541); remove the landscaping, cap the water service, leave the curb, and pave the area ($32,300); or, contract with Prairie Restorations to create a native and pollinator friendly landscape in the median area($16,733)including three years of maintenance. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated this situation is similar to the Brookfield restoration project. He stated these options were presented to the EPB last night but they expressed reservation with the native landscape option. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated he would not recommend a wildflower landscape if contract maintenance is not included. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated a neighbor has suggested removing the plant material and putting down mulch. This cost would be about $1,700 plus $600 for the landscape fabric plus labor, trucking costs. He stated he would not recommend using the wood chips at Public Works as it is from Siberian Elms. Leslie Roering, Sweet Bay Ridge resident, stated the neighborhood's concerns relate to safety as the weeds are very high as well as appearance. She described the current problem with traffic missing the park entrance and having to turn around or back up. Ms. Roering stated if the median is mulched it would not have to be mowed but the City would need to spray for weeds a couple times a year. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the EPB liked the prairie restoration option but because of the higher cost and need for education to explain why the median will not look nice for a couple years, the EPB instead recommended the wood mulch option. Sarah, Sweet Bay Ridge resident, agreed that some would not understand that it takes a few years to establish prairie restoration and may not like that appearance. Ms. Roering stated currently there are some residents who are willing to maintain the median, to a point, but as residents change there may not be as much support. Councilmember Shryock asked how much maintenance is needed after three years. Public Works Committee/July 19, 2016 Page 2 of 8