5.4.C. SR 04-05-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2/22/2010 Options for Median Landscaping There are a wide variety of landscape treatments that can be applied to medians. A number of factors go in to the decision of developing a policy related to median landscaping such as developing a neighborhood identity, impact on the environment, initial cost, maintenance cost, and compatibility with traffic. Not all medians exist in the same settings, some are in generally residential neighborhoods, some in commercial or retail and others in more heavily traveled highway commercial areas. Therefore it may be necessary to establish standards that apply to each type of setting. The following summarizes a few of the options that have been established in the past or contemplated for implementation: Option 1 -Native Plantings This option could include plantings much like are in place along Orono Parkway. Option 2 -Native Plantings with Perennial Planting End Caps This option would include both the native plantings as are inplace along Orono Parkway and perennial plantings that have been added at the ends ofthe medians. Option 3 -Turf grass This option would include typical grass seed mixture to establish turf. Option 4 -Formal Planting Scheme This option would be similar to those proposed for Twin Lakes Road including varied planting of shrubs, flowers and trees. Examples of these types of planting plans are shown in the appendix. Option 5 -Hard Surface This could include a number of materials for hard surface such as concrete, colored concrete or concrete pavers. Schedule As was mentioned above the medians in the new construction of 193rd Avenue have been left with no permanent landscaping to allow for discussion of the topic and a determination of a median policy. The medians were temporarily stabilized with hydro mulch last fall. As part of the NPDES permit issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency the City is required to restore vegetative cover to the soil as the owner of the project. It is anticipated that work should be scheduled to begin in late April or early May of 2010. If native plantings are to be included, the site needs to be prepared and ready for planting by May 15. Native plantings need to be planted within a narrow window to increase the chances for success. This window is from May 15th to June ls`. Modifications to the existing medians along 193rd between Auburn Street and Xavier Street may be incorporated if a specific theme is intended to be maintained throughout the corridor. This work is expected to take place with traffic on 193rd Avenue. The following is a tentative schedule for the work: March -City Council determine Landscape policy April -Prepare request and collect quotes for work, Authorize contract May thru June -Complete landscaping work I to 3 year warranty period depending on landscaping option 6