Laserfiche WebLink
<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - OCTOBER 13, 2008 <br /> <br />5 <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung stated higher quality sign posts may be needed at major <br />intersections. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant indicated he wasn't sure about mounting the street signs <br />onto the light poles. He stated the look needed to be upgraded from the current <br />street signs within the City. <br /> <br />Mr. Whitlock went into explaining the species and size of the trees that would be <br />selected for the streetscaping. He indicated all plants were chosen because they <br />are salt tolerant and pest resistant. Mr. Whitlock stated they were fast growing, <br />provided adequate shade and provided nice fall foliage. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung stated his preference would be to have the mature trees <br />reach a height closer to 70 feet versus 30 feet. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead stated he would like to see a wide variety of trees used to <br />eliminate the threat of losing them all at once to a disease. He added that no trees <br />live forever, but that decisions should be made to reduce the risk of the trees <br />needing to be replaced at once. <br /> <br />Mr. Whitlock reviewed the cost and life expectancy of infrastructure items stating <br />concrete was more costly up front at $5 per square foot but lasts 30-40 years. <br />Bituminous expenses ran less than half the cost of concrete. He indicated the <br />bituminous would require yearly maintenance and the life expectancy was 15-20 <br />years. <br /> <br />Mr. Whitlock noted the lighting expenses would vary based on the fixtures <br />chosen. He indicated the budget was set at $75 per linear foot. Mr. Whitlock <br />stated there would be minimal yearly maintenance with bulb replacement and <br />painting every 5- 10 years. <br /> <br />Mr. Whitlock explained the plant material and shrubs would run $45 a shrub with <br />annual maintenance to include trimming, weeding and trash removal. He indicated <br />the life expectancy of a shrub was roughly 15-20 years. Mr. Whitlock stated all <br />grass was $5 per square yard requiring mowing and repair work from snow plow <br />damage. <br /> <br />Mr. Whitlock indicated trees cost $400 per three inch caliper tree with minimal <br />maintenance, watering and replacement if there was winter kill. <br />