Consider Request for Amendment to Private Improvement in 161st Avenue Within Sweetbay Ridge

The City has received a request from Clint Seul, a resident in Sweetbay Ridge, to consider allowing the placement of landscape rock in the landscaped center median of 161st Avenue. The City has acknowledged value for these enhancements to residential neighborhoods, but placed the maintenance responsibility on individual developments. The condition of these improvements in this neighborhood has begun to deteriorate due to lack of maintenance activities.

The Applicant has secured the services of a landscape contractor to work pro-bono on this project, of which time is of the essence to retain these services. Given the requested timeline, Staff wanted to get this request in front of the Committee for broad policy discussion rather than waiting for the overarching policy discussion to be completed.

15 Minutes

As part of the approval for Sweetbay Ridge, the City allowed the Developer of Sweetbay Ridge to construct private improvements within the public right of way. The improvement provided an amenity for the development in an attempt to create a quality residential neighborhood. The intent was to be managed by a Home Owners Association. Unfortunately, there is not an active HOA in place for this development at this time that is actively managing this improvement.

An  irrigation system exists within the median. However, it is uncertain if the system is functioning or damaged due to lack of maintenance. The City no longer installs the water meter for the system, as past bills have failed to be paid.

The previous Public Works Committee Case outlines a framework to develop a policy that will provide clearer direction to Staff when responding to these types of requests in the future. Unfortunately, since said policy will not yet be in place, the City must review this as a case-by-case basis.

Staff is in agreement that a longer term, more sustainable maintenance plan should be in place for this existing improvement. The following are talking points discussed with Staff when reviewing the current request:
 

1. The proposed river rock may accelerate the degredation of existing vegetation within the center median.
2. The proposed river rock may spill over the curb line into the paved section of the roadway.
3. Mulch requires a more frequent maintenance and replacement schedule.

Alternatives

Alternative 1. Allow the replacement of the existing mulch with a material to be approved by the Public Works Superintendent. Given the lack of an existing policy and design standards, this appears to be the most appropriate course of action at this time.

Alternative 2. Allow the placement of river rock on top of existing mulch as currently proposed. An analysis of this alternative is included above.

Alternative 3. Direct Staff to accept maintenance responsibilities for this improvement. From a fairness and equitability standpoint, the City has consistently noted opposition to this approach. Most recently, this was discussed as part of the current phases of Brookfield.
 

The proposed improvements and labor will be provided by the individual homeowner.

Staff is generally in support for providing for a longer term base material for the center median. However, Staff is generally not supportive of the proposed river rock, as maintenance staff is concerned about spill over of said rock within the paved section of 161st Avenue. The Public Works Superintendent can provide additional detail regarding this concern.

Motion to recommend that the City Council direct Sweetbay Ridge to propose an alternative base material acceptable to the Public Works Superintendent and subsequently allow said private improvement within the right of way for 161st Avenue.