Laserfiche WebLink
City of REQUEST FOR ACTION <br /> El <br /> To ITEM NUMBER <br /> Mayor and City Council 8.2 <br /> AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY <br /> General Business August 20, 2012 Jerem y Barnhart,Planning Manager <br /> ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED R <br /> Orono Median Plan Cal Portner, City Administrator <br /> REVIEWED BY <br /> ACTION REQUESTED <br /> Authorize staff to request quotes to improve Orono Parkway consistent with Option 2, including the <br /> mowing of the prairie grasses in later July when they exceed 30 inches in height. <br /> BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION <br /> At the May 21, 2012, Council meeting, the Council agreed to continue the discussion on the Orono <br /> Parkway improvements until August. It was determined that the grasses and plant materials needed to <br /> grow to allow for a better understanding of their impacts to the area. <br /> The prairie grasses have grown and were mowed to approximately 18 inches at the end of July. <br /> On August 14, staff reviewed the sight visibility issues at the three intersections along Orono Parkway <br /> (Fresno, the western entrance to the public safety building, and the Library/ City Hall entrance). At that <br /> time, staff placed stakes within which mass plantings should not exceed 30 inches. These are intended to <br /> help the Council and interested persons visualize the breadth of impact to the prairie grasses. There is no <br /> concern with single trunk trees or the flower end caps recently installed due to their length. The areas of <br /> concern are shown on the attached graphic as black triangles. <br /> With this information,it becomes clear that prairie plants are not appropriate in the Orono median <br /> unless they are mowed in late July, after they have flowered and they exceed 30 inches. <br /> Staff has identified a number of options to improve Orono Parkway while addressing the visibility <br /> concerns. <br /> Option 1. Leave the prairie planted median as is. The"do nothing" plan. The median would be <br /> mowed after the bloom period (late July) to about 18 inches and left as it currently sits until new <br /> growth in the spring. Analysis:The least expensive of the options. In staffs opinion, this does not <br /> address the beautification goals. <br /> Option 2. Add over story and ornamental trees and mow prairie grasses where they obstruct vision. <br /> Retain recently planted ornamental plants. Analysis: Staff's recommendation—addresses <br /> beautification,visibility, cost, and maintenance goals. <br /> P B E R E 0 a r <br /> N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\08-20-2012\SR to CC boulevards 8-20-12.docx <br />