Discuss Turf Restoration Concerns on City Improvement Project #08-34; the Bituminous Paving of 151st & 152nd Avenues, and Fluorine Street

At the October 11, 2011 special assessment hearing for City improvement project #08-34 concerns were raised by a couple of residents related to turf establishment.  This issue was previously discussed by the Council due to complaints received about excessive rocks in the topsoil and lack of seed growth.  Based upon Council direction the attached letter was mailed to residents in June, which outlined a plan to address the concerns expressed.  The contractor then performed the work as outlined.  They also mowed portions of the boulevard area on at least one occasion, and continued watering the seed for the required 30 day period as outlined in the project specifications.

Following the assessment hearing staff walked the site with Councilmembers Elvig and McGlone, and Mayor Ramsey.  There was general discussion regarding turf establishment and topsoil requirements on City improvement projects, with the expectation of an "as good or better condition" to what was existing prior to initiating the project.  It was further discussed that we should bring this item back for Council consideration, with some potential options to address the recurring concerns on this specific project.

Staff contacted the contractor following the site meeting and communicated these issues to them.  While full turf coverage can be expected, they were not excited about the notion of potentially removing the existing material and starting over again to remove all the remaining rocks in the topsoil.  Doing so would be very disruptive to seed growth, and basically start the entire process over again.  They were going to address the minor erosion issues (rilling on some steeper slopes) identified and install a dormant seed throughout the sparse areas to give the site a better chance of success in the spring.

Depending on the appearance of the site in the spring, following are a couple options for consideration should the Council desire additional corrective actions:

1. Removing the existing surface vegetation by subcutting approximately 1" - 2" deep and installing sod.
2. Removing the existing surface soil and vegetation by subcutting approximately 4" deep and installing new topsoil and seed.
3. Hand raking to remove all visible rocks greater than a 1/2" in diameter, and reseeding the sparse areas.
4. Give the residents the option to receive a rebate on their assessment for the cost of turf restoration, and allow them to self perform.

Should additional work be required we should then discuss who would be the responsible party to correct, and whether it would be undertaken throughout the project area or on a case-by-case basis.

Depending on the corrective option chosen, some City contribution may be required.  The contractor is responsible to ensure that the turf is established with full coverage, so reseeding would be the responsibility of the contractor.  If the choice is to install sod, that would be outside the original project scope.  The topsoil issue (and removal of all rocks) is a difficult matter in that the specifications called for topsoil borrow from within the project limits, with additional material supplied by the City.

Staff recommends reviewing the project in the spring to determine whether additional corrective actions are necessary.  Should additional work be required, Council will need to provide direction on how to address.

Based upon direction.