Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 09/19/2016

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5.01: Consider Maintenance Options for Care Median in the Sweet Bay Ridge Development Public Works Superintendent Riemer presented 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 161" 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 homeowners' association to pay the utility bill, the irrigation was shut off. It is not known whether the irrigation system is functional today as there are several broken sprinkler heads and missing parts. Public Works Superintendent Riemer explained that Sweet Bay Ridge residents have taken on maintenance of the medians but due to costs, is asking the City for help. To reduce maintenance costs,residents are seeking permission to install rocks on the median,at their cost. Staff had reject that request due to the harsh environment it would have created for plant material and potential for the landscape rocks to be on the road surface. Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed several maintenance solution options and associated costs to remove the median and repave the area ($54,541); remove the landscaping, leave the curb and pave the area ($32,300); contract with Prairie Restorations to create a native and pollinator friendly landscape in the median area ($16,733)with a neighborhood collaboration for long-term maintenance; or,remove all plant material, except the trees, and install sod($1,400). Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated a resident has suggested another option to remove the plant material, except the trees, and install mulch($1,500, excluding trucking costs). He cautioned that the decision for this median will impact decisions on City medians throughout the City that are in a state of disrepair and have no clear cut maintenance agreements or ownership in place. Board Member Hiatt stated why he would prefer creating a native habitat, possibly with rain gardens, but he understands it would be costlier than the other alternatives. Chairperson Stodola asked whether over 20 years, the costs for a pollinator friendly prairie restoration would be a lower cost than the mulch option that requires placing additional mulch every few years. He also asked if there are opportunities for DNR grants. Public Works Superintendent Riemer agreed that mulch would have to be replaced every few years and the City would probably also spray for weeds several times per year. City Planner Anderson stated staff did obtain a quote for prairie restoration of about $17,000, which includes three years of maintenance costs. He felt that even with the cost to refresh mulch every few years, it may take a long time for the costs to equal out. Chairperson Stodola asked whether residents could do the work to remove the plant material. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated this is a large area and would be a lot of work. City Planner Anderson stated a functioning irrigation system would also be needed to support landscaping and at this point, that is not known. Environmental Policy Board/July 18, 2016 Page 2 of 6