Minutes - Public Works Committee - 03/20/2001

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Ms. Pehlke questioned the alternate route that had not been brought up by staff. Mr. Pehlke noted that he also owns the swamp that the City would be draining water into. City Administrator Norman explained that it would take a team approach with staff to look at the entire area comprehensively and for that reason staff is requesting a 30-day extension. Councilmember Hendriksen requested that staff put together a list identifying all of the issues in the area and the pros and cons to each issue. He explained that he would like to understand what the issues are in the area so he can understand what they are trying to resolve. Mayor Gamec requested that the project costs be included. Consensus of the Committee was to delay action for 30 days. Case #2: Landscaping ou Trunk Highway #47 City Engineer Jankowski stated that on March 2, 2001 the City received from MnDOT Landscape Partnership Agreement No. 81470. The landscape plan identifies the following areas along the T.H. #47 corridor for landscape beautification under this program: a) The highway side of the sound wall (east side of T.H. #47). The planting will consist of two varieties of lilacs, accented with lower growing flowering shrubs. b) Pond A (Lord of Life Church easement). Planting will consist of wet prairie grasses near the water line of the pond. The far side of the pond will have water tolerant shrubs including willow, dogwood, false indigo and hazelnut. c) Pond B (northwest comer of Sunwood Drive/T.H. #47). Landscaping around Pond B is similar to Pond A, except that the native prairie planting extends up to the right-of-way lines of Sunwood Drive/T.H. #47. d) Trott Brook Cemetery. The right-of-way along the cemetery will be planted with native perennials. City Engineer Jankowski noted that the grant does not include the planting of the highway median. At this point staff has been directed to investigate the cost of establishing a median planting similar to that of the City of Andover along Bunker Lake Boulevard. Preliminary estimates have indicated that cost to be $600,000 with half of that cost being plant materials. The MnDOT agreement requires the City to obtain all necessary easements, which the City has already obtained. The estimated cost of materials is $11,236.00; however, the maximum amount that MnDOT will participate in is $20,000. The City is responsible for installation and perpetual maintenance. Councilmember Anderson inquired if Brace Bacon had some input as to what types of plants would be used. City Engineer Jankowski replied that Brace Bacon has worked with the State on the issue. Public Works Committee/March 20, 2001 Page 4 of 9