8.2. SR 05-21-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

median on Orono. In formulating staff s recommendation, it is our belief that the aesthetic concern did not outweigh the expense of the irrigation system. Visibili1y. One of the original drivers of this project has been the need to address visibility issues caused by the height of the prairie plantings at the median breaks. In the last couple of years, smaller plants were introduced. While that addressed the problem at some level, it became apparent that the visibility concern was due to a longer section of the medians not improved with the plants. In developing a recommendation, staff felt this was vital to the success of this project, one that needed to be addressed completely. Maintenance expectations. One of the draws of the current prairie planting configuration is the limited maintenance necessary. Improvements to the boulevard will require additional maintenance, including hand watering the tree installation until establishment (plans with no irrigation), mowing (plans with turf grass), and weeding (plans with mulch areas). These costs will be estimated as hours, and could be handled by Parks and Recreation staff or contracted with bids. Option 1. Leave the prairie planted median as is. The "do nothing" plan. The median would be mowed after the bloom period (late July) and left as it currently sits until new growth in the spring. Analysis: The least expensive of the options. This does not address the beautification and visibility issues raised. Option 2. Add over story and ornamental trees, remove the prairie grasses where they obstruct vision (replace with softball to head sized boulders and lower growing grasses) even with the curb, and retain remaining prairie grasses. Retain recently planted ornamental plants as much as possible. The boulders are available at the Public Works Facility. Analysis: staffs recommendation — addresses beautification, visibility, cost, and maintenance goals. Option 3. Add overstory and ornamental trees, leave prairie grass in center, and replace outside areas with turf grass. Analysis: Requires irrigation, costly, but meets the beautification, visibility, and maintenance goals, although weekly mowing would be required. Option 4. Add overstory and ornamental trees, place rock mulch in center, and replace outside areas with turf grass. Analysis: Requires irrigation, costly, but meets the beautification, visibility, and maintenance goals, although weekly mowing would be required. Frequent weeding of mulch areas will be necessary. Option 5. Add overstory and ornamental trees, place wood mulch in center, and replace outside areas with turf grass. Analysis: Requires irrigation, costly, but meets the beautification, visibility, and maintenance goals, although weekly mowing would be required. Frequent weeding of mulch areas will be necessary. FINANCIAL IMPACT See attached cost summary. ATTACHMENTS Planting Plan Cost Summary N: \Public Bodies \City Council \Council RCA \Agenda Packet \05 -21- 2012 \SR to CC boulevards 5- 21- 12.docx