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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 13, 2012 Page 11 Mayor Roe refocused discussion to the questions of staff versus position state- ments. Councilmember McGehee questioned the cost and length of the fence needing re- placed; with Ms. Bloom responding that there were no estimates at this time; however, she noted that this was a code enforcement issue identified by staff, since the site triangle didn't seem to be affected, as noted in the RCA. Public Works Director Schwartz, related to the mailbox situation and potential li- ability issues, opined that while there may not be a liability issue for the City if the snow plow hit the mailbox structure, since there were a number of similar structures throughout the community, the City had to-date refused to pay for those upgraded structures since they were built in the City rights-of-way. Mr. Schwartz noted that this could create a significant cost to the City during a typical winter season if this current practice and policy was to be disregarded. Councilmember Willmus suggested that staff continue to work with property owners to resolve the issues; and that those issues should be a separate considera- tion above tonight's action request authorizing street construction. Councilmember McGehee questioned the installation of sod rather than prairie grass in infiltration basis, and staff's rationale; and expressed her preference that staff would not reduce their streetscaping estimates, but includes full funding to increase or enhance other amenities. Ms. Bloom advised that staff made every attempt to work with property owners on their preferences, since these were located in their front yards. Based on past experience, Ms. Bloom noted that sod was proven to be as effective as the native plantings. Ms. Bloom advised that, since last fall, staff had determined that the $20,000 estimated for retaining walls would not be needed; but that additional trees as applicable, and crosswalk amenities remained in place. At the request of Mayor Roe, Ms. Bloom assured Councilmembers and the public that the streetscape quality would not be downgraded. At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Ms. Bloom addressed the rationale in designing for colored crosswalks as noted, as well as the midblock colored cross- walk and warning signs at Dellwood for crossing to Cottontail Park, based on standards throughout the community as well as discussions with residents in the area. Ms. Bloom noted that there were numerous portions of the roadway that would be narrowed, and expressed her interest in seeing how that worked for fu- ture operation and improved safety. Public Comment