CCP 11-18-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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, Page 2 November 13, 2002 . appear to be feasible at this time. In addition, if the Council concurs, the County has indicated a willingness to install a trail on the north side of Highway 96 as well. From staffs perspective this would be advantageous as it would provide trail access to the Army Reserve Center, City Hall, the potential joint public works facility, and any potential future development along Highway 96. The Taskforce indicated that this issue should be evaluated if the reuse of TCAAP was imminent. Landscaping and Design The County will bid this project as two separate bids. The first bid will be for the reconstruction of the road. The second bid would be for landscape improvements. Based on the preliminary landscape plan submitted, the Council will note the following: · The base landscaping to be financed by the County includes clusters of ornamental and overstory trees. Any additional landscaping would be the City's expense. · All concrete medians will have colored pavement. This is included as a County cost as well. Natural median areas would utilize a low maintenance prairie grass style planting. Relative to the median ground cover, the Highway 96 Taskforce recommended the use of turf grass as opposed to the low maintenance prairie grass. While this is more expensive and requires . underground irrigation, the Taskforce felt this median treatment was more aesthetically pleasing. While the County would possibly finance the installation of turf grass, it would be the City's responsibility to finance the irrigation. The City would also be responsible for the ongoing maintenance responsibility. Staff is in the process of obtaining an estimate on the potential cost for the irrigation. Aside from the median treatment, the Taskforce also evaluated the potential use of decorative lights. When the recommendation was formulated, they recommended that additional streetlights not be installed. However, the Taskforce recommended evaluating this issue further if the development of TCAAP was imminent. For reference, decorative streetlights cost approximately $5,000 to $6,000 per light. Finally, the Taskforce also addressed the issue of gateway signage. If the Council wanted to proceed with this at Lexington Avenue, this could be done in conjunction with this project or at a later date. The Taskforce's recommendations are outlined on the attached document. Other Issues It should also be noted that the County will be making minor intersection improvements including the use of a double left turn when turning from west bound Highway 96 to south bound Hamline Avenue. This is currently only a single left. There will also be a dedicated right turn lane from north bound Hamline Avenue to eastbound Highway 96. If possible, the County . would like to begin construction in 2003. As such, they would like to have a preliminary discussion with the Council at this Work Session and possibly have a neighborhood meeting sometime in January.