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Memo to the Mayor and City Council/CU 96-2 Page 3 <br />April 11, 1996 <br /> <br />Menards proposal is to use a frost-proof system, whereby the water lines are <br />buried much deeper than a typical irrigation system. At various locations <br />throughout the site, a pipe would extend up out of the ground where a <br />garden hose can be attached. The Planning Commission expressed some <br />concern whether this type of irrigation system actually meets the City's <br />ordinance. Also, with this type of irrigation system, garden hoses would most <br />likely remain in the landscaped areas. <br /> <br />Since the Planning Commission meeting, staff has considered this type of <br />irrigation system proposed by Menards and would recommend that a <br />standard underground irrigation system by installed throughout all <br />landscaped areas. Menards has indicated that they have had problems with <br />the typical underground irrigation system freezing in the wintertime and <br />causing them maintenance problems. However, based on staffs conversation <br />with various underground irrigation contractors, ff the irrigation is properly <br />maintained, the owner should not experience any problems throughout the <br />year. <br /> <br />Landscal~ ing <br /> <br />Another area of the Menards development plans which needs to be modified <br />is the landscaping. As part of the overall planned unit development, typical <br />landscaping themes are provided both in Hillside Crossing I and in Hillside <br />Crossing II. These landscaping themes typically occur at all entrance points <br />into the developing sites and at other intersections where landscaping can be <br />provided. It is staffs understanding that Menards will be adjusting their <br />plans to include the landscaping themes at each of their entrance points, as <br />well as the southeast corner of 196th and Evans where there is an <br />opportunity to provide additional landscaping consistent with the planned <br />unit development standards. <br /> <br />Also, following up on the Planning Commission's comments, staff is <br />recommending to increase the landscaping in various locations around the <br />perimeter of the site. For example, along Evans Avenue, additional conifers <br />can be provided, creating groups of three approximately every 150 feet. Also, <br />additional landscaping may be necessary along the east and southeast <br />portions of the site to properly screen and buffer the residential areas to the <br />east. However, it is uncertain at this time how much of an effect the grading <br />will have on the existing trees in this area; therefore, it is (]ifficult to <br />determine whether additional landscaping will be needed at this time. It <br />would be best to assess this condition at a later point during the construction <br />period. <br /> <br />s:\council\cu96-2.doc <br /> <br /> <br />