Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/18/2023

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5.01: Consider Boulevard Trees for the Barren Side of Sunwood Drive in The COR Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood reviewed the staff report and recommendation to proceed with the Base Bid planting only at this time in the amount of$45,639. The Add Alternate could be considered with some sort of cost-sharing agreement with the adjoining landowner, or at a future time. Councilmember Musgrove asked for a discrepancy between the numbers in the presentation versus the numbers in the report. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that the difference was the cost for grass seed that he had forgotten to include. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she spoke with the private business owner a while back and he had stated that he would not be interested as the trees could be damaged during construction when the site is developed. She asked if the area proposed for the trees would be protected during future construction practices. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood provided details on the proposed planting location. He noted that the City followed a similar plan on the other side of the street and those trees were not damaged during construction of those sites. Councilmember Musgrove asked if this action would increase the value of the land sale and whether dollars would be reallocated to the forestry fund at that time. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that the City could administer a land sale proceed to come back to that fund but did not believe that would be necessary. He stated that he cannot demonstrate that someone would pay more for a lot with trees on it, but the land would look nicer and have better curb appeal. He stated that it would also reduce the cost for the developer to plant those trees and install irrigation in that area. He commented that there would be benefit to all properties that purchase land and will also provide a community benefit in traffic calming and the general aesthetic. He noted that planting these trees now would also avoid significant size differences between the trees on each side of the road. Chairperson Riley commented that this seems to be a good use of the forestry fund and did also support the concept of having trees of similar sizes on both sides of the road. Councilmember Musgrove commented that she previously did not support this but was happy to see the lower bids and identified funding source. She stated that this will also improve the aesthetic which provides benefit to the local businesses. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that he did send the case to Mr. Kuker and has had communication with him but noted that his lack of response most likely signals that he does not want to participate in this project. Public Works Committee/April 18, 2023 Page 2 of 9