04-25-2012 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo tISURING . TICSO(I11T1S llot noalu TO: Mayor Biesener & Members of the City Council FROM: Lee Eifering, City Engineer DATE: April 20, 2012 RE: 2011 Street & Utility Improvements Project 2404 Dianna Lane Tree Replacements As Council is aware, Dianna Lane was reconstructed last year as part of the City's 2011 Street Improvements Project. The final work to complete the project is being done this spring and early summer. One of the items yet to be completed is the replacement of trees that had to be removed as part of the project, It has been the City's practice in the past to replace mature trees that had to be removed as part of the project with smaller replacement trees. This has been the practice whether the trees were within the City street right -of -way or outside of the right -of -way and the replacement trees have typically been 6' -8' pine trees or 1.5 " -2" caliper deciduous trees. Typical tree impacts on a project and to individual properties are minimal because the new street is constructed in relatively the same location as the old street barring any necessary widening. However, on the Dianna Lane project the driveway grades on a portion of the street required that we shift the street approximately 7 -feet toward the properties at 2404, 2410, and 2430 Dianna Lane. This resulted in the removal of 21 trees from in front of 2404 Dianna Lane, Jack Desai's property. The removed trees were all within the existing street right -of -way and a majority of those trees were between the house and the street. At the design review meeting with residents it was indicated to the Desais that the City typically replaced trees that were removed as part of the project even if they were within the street right -of -way. We discussed that the replacement trees would be planted outside of the right -of -way so that they would not be damaged by snow plowing or be impacted with any future improvements necessary in the right -of- way. We also discussed that a 1 to 1 replacement would not likely occur but that we should review the property after the initial construction to determine the number and location of replacement trees. I have met with the Desai's to discuss the replacement and they have requested that 8 trees be planted interspersed within the remaining existing trees to provide screening of the road. The fact that the new trees will be planted outside the street right -of -way will require that they be located on a relatively steep slope making their installation a little more difficult. I have asked the Contractor completing the 82 Landscaping to provide a quote for eight 6' to 8' evergreens. Due to the difficult planting location I would estimate a cost of approximately $2,000 to $2,500 for the replacement trees including installation and a 1 year warranty. 10002 Flanders Court NE - Blaine, MN 55949 -(783) 780.0450 fax (763) 205.2341 Z:\PROJ1120145E - 2011 Street & Ufd9y Improvements \0071 \Memo - 041912 -CC -Tree Replacement.doc 1