Finalize the Landscape Renovation for the Center Median in the Sweet Bay Ridge Development

In July 2016 the Public Works Committee reviewed options for addressing the median(s) at Sweet Bay Ridge, and directed staff to develop a landscape plan pursuant to the discussion. The following is the background within that case:

"The median is located on 161st Avenue, east of Variolite Street.  The median consists of two sections, one approximately 150' x 15' and the other 300' x 15'.  The median was installed during the first phase of the Sweet Bay Ridge Development and was irrigated and maintained by the developer initially.  During the recession, the developer requested that the irrigation meter be removed and with no home owners association to assume payment of the utility bill, the irrigation was shut off and has been off for several years now.  Because it was a private irrigation system, we have no record of it being winterized or if it is even functional today.  A quick inspection by staff uncovered several broken sprinkler heads and missing parts. 

A group of residents from the development have taken on the maintenance of the median themselves, because they take pride in the appearance of their neighborhood. But, the out of pocket costs, time, and labor have become too much for them to continue this practice.  Last fall a group of neighbors came to the City asking for help with the maintenance of the median.  They were seeking permission to have rock installed on the median, at their cost, as a way to cut back on the maintenance and reduce costs associated with replacing the wood mulch every year.  This idea was rejected by Staff because of the harsh environment it would create for the plant material and because of potential maintenance issues the rock could cause (if the rock found its way to the road surface).

 It should be noted that whatever solution or direction is taken for this median, City Council approval will be needed before any work can take place. Also, there are other medians throughout the city that are in the same condition of disrepair with no clear cut maintenance agreements or ownership in place.  Any decision made on this particular median will impact how we handle the future maintenance on those facilities as well."

At the October 18, 2016 Public Works Committee meeting, Staff recommended a landscape plan with an annual maintenance contract for the median renovation to the Committee for consideration.  Following discussion, a motion was made and approved to move forward with the project—but also that staff investigate a shared funding arrangement between the City, volunteer contributions by willing area residents, and the Lennar Corporation (the single family home developer to the south).

As of this case preparation, there has been little interest/commitment expressed in the above referenced cost share opportunity.

 

Based upon the direction received at the Committees' July meeting, staff developed a landscape renovation plan reflected in the attached quote from Great Northern Landscapes, Inc.  Approval of this landscape plan and cost was ratified by City Council following the October recommendation from the Committee, together with the plan to invite others to cost-share in the project.  As the request for funding assistance from other parties has not yielded results (as of this case preparation), Staff is recommending reaffirmation of the Committees' October recommendation to move forward with the landscape renovation and apply outside donations to the project when they are received.

The landscape improvements, irrigation repairs ($15,150) and contracted maintenance costs (approximately $800 annually) will be accommodated within the General Fund budget proposed for 2017.

Note:  Additional 'streetscape' renovations (to other existing locations in the city) or for new landscape treatments along city streets and entrances to the city, may need to be accommodated by increases to the General Fund budget or other funding sources for future years.

Further Note: Direction was provided to work with Lennar Homes on a potential cost share on capital costs to repair the median improvement. Lennar has expressed a willingness to discuss, but final decision will be made as part of Final Plat and Development Agreement Approval when final costs of Woodlands 4th Addition are known.

Motion to recommend for City Council approval, a landscape renovation plan for the Sweet Bay Ridge center medians as outlined in the quote from Great Northern Landscapes, Inc., and funded primarily by the City of Ramsey.