Approve Landscape for Central Park Main Parking Lot Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-02

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to complete the Central Park Main Parking Lot Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-02 by the addition of trees, shrubs, and irrigation within the two new median swales at the park.
 
Background:
City Improvement Project #23-02 entailed the reconstruction of Central Park’s main parking lot in 2023. The preponderance of that project has been successfully completed —remaining is the landscape elements for the drainage swales. 

Project History:

• April 12, 2022, Resolution #22-089, the Ramsey City Council accepted a proposal for a topographic survey of the project area from Bolton & Menk.
• June 21, 2022, the Ramsey Public Works Committee (PWC) reviewed bicycle and pedestrian facilities as part of the 161^st Avenue Street Reconstruction. The PWC recommended extending pedestrian facilities with a goal of minimizing tree impacts and existing park facilities. Those recommendations were incorporated into the parking lot reconstruction plans.
• November 10, 2022, the Ramsey Park and Recreation Commission (PRC) had a discussion of the proposed Central Park parking lot reconstruction as part of consideration of the 2023 – 2032 Parks Capital Improvement Plan. The PRC supported the project in general, specifically using medians to collect stormwater runoff and provide shade trees. Additionally, using the available green space adjacent to the parking lot to increase the footprint of the parking lot, while not losing trees. The PRC supported a one-way directional parking lot layout to increase safety for pedestrians, but also to maximize stall count if possible.
• November 15, 2022, the PWC recommended City Council authorization to prepare plans and specifications. The PWC generally supported the project, including creating the medians to provide shade trees, using the available green space adjacent to the parking lot to increase the footprint of the parking lot while not losing trees. The PWC also supported a two-way parking lot layout to maximize the total stall count.
• December 13, 2022, Resolution #22-285, the Ramsey City Council ordered the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for Improvement Project #23-02, Central Park Main Parking Lot Reconstruction.
• July 18, 2023, the PWC recommended City Council approve plans and specifications and authorize an advertisement for bids for Central Park Main Parking Lot Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-02.
• July 25, 2023, Resolution #23-166, the Ramsey City Council approved plans and specifications and authorized an advertisement for bids.
• August 10, 2023, the Park and Recreation Commission recommended City Council partially fund Central Park Main Parking Lot Reconstruction using Park Improvement Trust Funds.
• October/November 2023, the concrete curbing, storm water infrastructure, and paving was completed, and readied for the planned-for planting and irrigation elements. 
• January 11th, 2024, the Park & Recreation Commission recommends completion of the project by the addition of trees and irrigation at a not-to-exceed amount of $55,000 from the Park Trust Fund.

 
Final Project Improvements:
The landscape elements consist of the planting of a mix of Swamp White Oak, River Birch, Tamarack, 109 shrubs (two species), 80 cubic yards of landscape mulch, 20 cubic yards of soil amendments; and the installation of an irrigation for the two large medians within the parking lot. The first attachment (the RFQ) highlights the planting palette which was selected for hardiness for the site as well as visual appeal throughout the seasons.  The fast-growing River Birch and Tamarack will also provide valuable shade for the parking stalls on the north side of both medians. The RFQ also details other project element necessary for completion.

Notifications are not required with this case.

Staff has developed a detailed Request for Quotation (RFQ), and an estimate to complete this project at approximately $45,000 for all the landscape work, and $10,000 for the required irrigation components, including a new controller to be installed in the warming house with wires and four valves to be installed near the pickleball courts. This combined estimated total of $55k includes mobilization and all other incidentals for a project to be completed by May 15, 2024.

The RFQ was sent to four area landscape firms, and quote was received from Great Northern Landscapes of Nowthen, MN in the amount of $53,420, which is in keeping with the estimate and the amount recommended by the Park & Recreation Commission to complete this project.

Funding for the landscape and irrigation improvements will be from Park Improvement Trust Fund, which has an existing balance of $7.4M
 


 

Recommendation:
The Park & Recreation Commission and staff recommend proceeding with the completion of the parking lot project this case describes and authorizes
 
 

Motion to direct staff to complete the Central Park Main Parking Lot Reconstruction project, with the installation of landscape and irrigation by Great Northern Landscapes in amount of $53,420 from the Park Trust Fund.