Minutes - Public Works Committee - 07/19/2016

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Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood recommended continued maintenance after the first three years as it can be difficult to recognize native plants. However, the scope could be limited once the prairie landscape is established. He stated the native landscape option included 600 to 700 Liatris spicata planted 36" on center. Liatris spicata is growing in the Municipal Center parking lot medians. Or, another option is to restore one section of median with prairie landscape and mulch the other median. Councilmember Shryock asked about the use of signage to educate that this is a prairie restoration project. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood supported that suggestion. Chairperson Riley reviewed several other locations that have similar medians that are not being maintained. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated another is the Brookfield addition, which has not yet been resolved. Chairperson Riley stated normally, an HOA would have been established to address median maintenance. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated staff encouraged an HOA in Brookfield and the developer did support it but there was no buy in from existing residents. He stated the Public Works Committee could recommend some treatment and consider it a demonstration project so it can be included in the CIP to explore options for viewsheds to gauge public feedback. He stated using the CIP process wouldn't obligate the City to doing the same with other median/monument areas. Councilmember Shryock asked how often the mulch would have to be refreshed and whether, at some point, the cost will reach the same level as the prairie restoration option. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated mulch will need to be replaced every two years and then after three rounds you need to remove the mulch and start over. He estimated it may take 10 to 15 years before the mulch option would near the cost of the prairie restoration option. Councilmember Johns arrived at 5:50 p.m. 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. Public Works Committee/July 19, 2016 Page 3 of 8