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City Council Minutes April 26, 1995. Page 3 2~ Councilmember Gehrz asked about the amount of visibility that businesses would have if all of the proposed plantings are completed. Schroeder explained that this was taken into consideration during the planning process and that a window was constructed between the trees and the hedges so~that businesses could be seen from passing vehicles. A number of design issues were discussed at this point, including the type and color of trees and plantings, the colors to be used on the concrete medians, the usefulness of city banners on street lights, and the butler building idea.. Councilmember Jacobs stated that he liked the concept designs. He noted his reservations about the colored concrete, but also stated that he looked forward to seeing the details after the plans had been submitted to local affected groups. He asked if the final cost estimates would include the maintenance costs of caring for the newly installed shrubs and trees. Schroeder explained that this would be discussed with staff and an estimate made based upon the cost relative to the value of the city's investment in the project. Mayor Baldwin said that he liked the design and was glad to see that the city was being proactive in this area, as many cities do not encourage aesthetics. Baldwin also stated that he felt that this project is the one thing that the council will be able to do in the next ten years that is worth spending a large amount of money on and encouraged the council to not "cut corners" on the project. Councilmember Hustad told Mr. Hoisington and Mr. Schroeder that he endorses the direction that they are taking with this project, but also stated that he'd like to see further investigation of alternatives for a crossing at Snelling and Larpenteur Avenues. Councilmember Gehrz had several likes and dislikes about the details of the design. Among the things she liked in the plan were the above ground telephone poles in the rural portion of the corridor and the highlights near the fair entrance. She expressed reservations about the greenhouse signs, the butler building, and banners on the light poles. Councilmember Gibson Talbot noted that banners could unite portions of Larpenteur and the city into awhole -but perhaps this could be done in another way. She also stated that she particularly liked the glass gateway sign. Mayor Baldwin asked the council if they approved the landscape plan in concept and they responded affirmatively. Baldwin then stated that the next step was to present the plans to the many interested property owners along Larpenteur Avenue for review. DISCUSSION REGARDING PRECINCT TWO POLLING PLACE Administrator Hoyt reviewed with the council the city's plans to change the polling place in precinct two from Falcon Heights United Church of Christ to Falcon Heights Elementary School. Staff has reviewed the school site and while there is ample room inside for voting, there is inadequate parking for both the school staff and the average of 88 voters per hour that arrive during state and federal elections. Hoyt asked the council if there was a strong feeling about moving this polling place or if there would be support for leaving the polling place at the church.