8.3. SR 07-21-2014 City of
Elk Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 8.3
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business July 21, 2014 Zack Carlton, Planner I
Item Description Reviewed by
City Beautification Update Jeremy Barnhart,Deputy Director, CODD
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Authorize,by motion, staff to advertise for bids to install irrigation in the medians of Twin Lakes Road
between 171"Avenue and 181"Avenue, and downtown tree replacements as budget allows.
Background/Discussion
One of the goals identified in the 2013-2014 visioning process was city beautification. "Have attractive,
welcoming streetscapes at city entrances and primary corridors." Under this goal three capital
improvement tasks were identified:
Cl: Prepare plans to improve primag intersections wab landscaping lighting and hardscaping.
C4: Complete improvements to primary intersections.
C 5: Implement median and streetscape design and maintenance standards.
Twin Lakes Road
In the first phase of the project, 80 trees in the medians between 171st Avenue and 181st Avenue were
installed earlier this year. The median previously had irrigation,but the system has been abandoned for a
number of years. In order to better maintain the trees and grass,parks maintenance staff recommend
replacing the system,including drip irrigation for each tree.An irrigation plan has been prepared and staff
requests authorization to advertise for bids to install the main line and drip system this year,the sprays
for the grass area will be installed in 2015.
Preliminary estimates for the irrigation range between $17,000 and $25,000, and will be funded using
remaining funds ($29,374.50) from the landscape and boulevard allocation in the Capital Improvement
Plan.
Plans for the segment of Twin Lakes Road north of 181"Avenue include approximately 45 trees in the
median and irrigation. Staff anticipates installation to take place in early 2015.
Staff has previously presented a number of landscaping projects,the following paragraphs are intended as
updates.
Northbound Highway 169 Entrance Monument
Plans were prepared for the south side of the railway embankment at the intersection of Highways 169
and 101. They include a city entrance monument sign and related landscaping. The project was submitted
P a w E R E U 6 Y
Template Updated 4/14 INIM UREI
to MnDOT to be included in their Roadside Landscaping Partnership program,which would provide
financial assistance. This project is being tabled,pending the conclusion of the wayfinding sign study.
Staff expects this project to be completed in 2015. Monument signs are budgeted for separately in the
Capital Improvement Plan and will fund a majority of the work associated with this project.
Jackson Avenue and Highway 10 Intersection Improvements
Plans have not been prepared for the project, and staff anticipates construction to occur in 2015. Staff
wants to ensure compatibility with the wayfinding program.
Tree Replacements along Main Street in Downtown
There are currently three dead boulevard trees along Main Street in front of the First National Bank and
dental office buildings. The trees struggled, and ultimately died due to a number of factors. The trees
have very little space to grow and the pavement runs up to the trunk, limiting the amount of water that
the root system receives.
Staff evaluated a number of replacement options to improve the survivability of the trees,including the
variety of tree used. Replacement options ranged from $16,000+ per tree,providing the best opportunity
for long term success, to $800 per tree utilizing the same planting technique as today.
Staff recommends removing some of the pavers,installing a tree grate,improving the planting soil, and
replacing the trees with a Japanese Tree Lilac. These changes permit water to reach the soil,protect the
roots and trunk,and increase the odds of long-term growth. Main Street through downtown is well
traveled and receives a large amount of pedestrian traffic, a prime location for improved beautification.
Staff estimates each tree replacement will cost approximately$2,500, and recommends replacing them
this year,as budget allows. Similar tree grates were included in the sidewalk improvements near the
roundabout, along Railroad Drive.
A number of other trees along Main Street are struggling and will be replaced in 2015 with the same
improvements as budget allows.
King Avenue Parking Lot
The area between the parking lot and the sidewalk along Highway 10 includes a number of Ash trees and
landscape rock. The space will benefit from improved landscaping and staff has been working on plans
for the area. Improvements include replacing the Ash trees with a different species due to likely impacts
from the Emerald Ash Borer and planting a variety of shrubs and perennials to provide year-round color,
interest,and screening. The project will be installed in the spring of 2015.
Financial Impact
The Capital Improvement Plan has $29,374.50 remaining for beautification improvements, and staff
anticipates irrigation to cost approximately$25,000. The downtown tree replacements will be completed
as budget allows.
Attachments
■ None
N:\Public Bodies\Agenda Packets\07-21-2014\Fina1\x8.3 sr Corridor Beautification Update.docx