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Home My WebLink About5.D.1. Prairie Planting Project s: O. J . CITY OF SHAKOPEE CONSEtiT MEMORANDUM To: Mayor and City Council Mark McNeill, City Administrator From: Ryan Hughes, Natural Resource Coordinator Meeting Date: September 4, 2007 Subject: Prairie Planting Project INTRODUCTION: This agenda item request authorization for the Prairie Planting Project around the storm pond at the soccer complex along 17th Avenue with funding from the Natural Resources budget and the Ridge View Estates development escrow for unmet tree replacement. DISCUSSION: Prairie planting proposals were requested from Applied Ecological Services and Prairie Restorations. A proposal was received from Applied Ecological Services. Prairie Restorations did not respond to the request. The attached Applied Ecological Services proposal to complete site preparation, purchase seed, seed application, erosion control installation, and 1-year of maintenance is $4,385.00. Funding to complete the project will be from the Natural Resources budget and the escrow from the Ridge View Estates development: Natural Resources Budget $1,000.00 Ridge View Estates Escrow $3,385.00 Total $4,385.00 In the approved 2007 Natural Resources budget $1,000.00 was committed for a Storm Pond Native Seed Installation project. This money will be utilized for this project. The remaining $3,385.00 required to complete the project will be funded from the Ridge View Estates development escrow for the unmet tree replacement at the development. Utilizing $3,385.00 of the escrow for the prairie planting project is consistent with the Woodland and Tree Management Ordinance since the project is monetarily or ecologically equivalent to the value of the tree replacement. The attached October 31, 2006 memorandum provides more information on the Ridge View Estates escrow. This project has been discussed with the Public Works and Engineering Department and determining the site for the project was a collaborative effort between Park, Recreation, and Natural Resources and these departments. This project is essentially a case study to determine if natural prairie plantings within in the City can survive and be self sustaining with little maintenance. It is anticipated if this project is a success, both self sustaining and aesthetically beneficial and from a maintenance requirement perspective, additional prairie plantings will be completed in other areas of the City. . According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Association: Plants for Stormwater Design Manual, the ecological benefits of prairie planting adjacent to a storm pond are numerous. The following are a few benefits for native grasses, sedges, and forbs or flowering plants adjacent to a storm pond: . Roots extend deep into the ground aiding in infiltration and movement of water from a liquid form to air form (Evapotranspiration). . Dense root networks stabilize the soils and minimize erosion. . Grasses generally have many stems and produce thatch that slows water flow and facilities filtration. . Many grasses and sedges are efficient at nutrient uptake thereby reducing nutrient loading or algal growth. . Native grasses and sedges add winter interest to the landscape and have a high wildlife value. . Native forbs or flowing plants add aesthetic appeal to the landscape. VISIONING RELATIONSHIOP Authorizing the Prairie Planting Project appears to meet the following aspects of the City's vision: Goal: High Quality of Life Strategies: Protect the Environment ACTION REQUESTED: If Council concurs, authorize the Prairie Planting Project around the storm pond at the soccer complex along 1 th Avenue with funding from the Natural Resources budget and the Ridge View Estates escrow for unmet tree replacement. Ryan Hughes Natural Resource Coordinator t; < ....r~~. APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES, INC. .,..,.,,' "~ ' 21938 Mushtown Road, Prior Lake, MN 55372 i j PHONE: (952) 447-1919 FAX: (952) 447-1920 .L, . a .JI Emai/: info.mn@appliedeco.com ....W~~... BRINGING THE SCIENCE OF ECOLOGY TO ALL LAND USE PROPOSAL/CONTRACT Design Specifications by: Unknown Dated: August 20, 2007 Ryan Hughes City of Shakopee Natural Resources Coordinator 129 Homes Street Shakopee. MN 55379 RE: Shakopee Prairie Planting (AES#07-0699) Thank you for the opportunity to submit a proposal for this work. Item Qty Unit Unit Cost Total Cost Install Site Preparation Herbicide Prep 3 trips $283.00 $849.00 Soil Prep 1 trips $318.00 $318.00 Native Seeding Dry Prairie 0.3 Is $313.00 $313.00 Wet Prairie 0.7 Is $649.00 $649.00 Straw Mulch 1 ac $690.00 $690.00 Maintenance Year 1 Mowing 2 trips $337.00 $674.00 Spot Herbicide 2 trips $446.00 $892.00 Total Project $4,385.00 07-0699 Estimate 080207 DK_CR.xls 1 of 3 CITY OF SHAKOPEE MEMORANDUM To: Judy Cox, City Clerk Mark Noble, Project Manager From: Mark Themig, Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Director Ryan Hughes, Natural Resource Specialist Date: October 31, 2006 Subject: Final Ridge View Estates Park Dedication and Woodland Management Information This memo is intended to finalize park dedication and woodland management information for recording the final plat of the Ridge View Estates development. Park Dedication Park dedication for this development is to be provided as cash in lieu of land. The developer is to be credited for the cost for constructing the recreational trail along the north property line/wetland. Also, constructing approximately 122.6' of trail along CR16 in the future CR21 sight triangle was deferred until construction of CR21 in order to avoid any unnecessary tree removal at this time(*). Park dedication is due as follows: Park Dedication Payment Required $272,321.25 Credit to Developer for Trail Construction Costs Along Wetland $ 17,636.30 Charge for 122.6' for Trail Not Constructina Alona CR16* $ 1.748.00 Final Total Park Dedication Due to Park Reserve Fund $256,432.95 Woodland Management Requirements The developer is removing approximately 1,200 trees. The site is identified as a medium quality woodland replacement, which requires 605 trees to be replaced. The developer has finalized their tree replacement plan and they are only able to replace 403 trees. The City's woodland management ordinance allows other ecological enhancements to be substituted for tree replacement. One enhancement that was agreed to was relocating the water main alignment to prevent cutting through the core of the woodland. The developer would be credited for the additional cost incurred with this work. However, other enhancements are long-term projects and would not be completed prior to recording of the final plat. The developer has agreed to provide a cash payment in the value of the unmet tree replacement that can be used for future ecological . enhancements. The cash payment would be as follows: Unmet Tree Replacement (202 trees @ $350/tree) $ 70,700.00 Credit for Additional Water Main Relocation Costs $ 11.454.00 Woodland Management Ecological Enhancement Escrow $ 59,246.00 Also, the woodland management fee for this development is as follows: $400 + $40*22 acres $1,280.00 Security Due The following security should be provided for the development: 1. Trail Construction: Payment and Performance Bond previously submitted as part of Engineering calculations. 2. Tree Replacement: Payment and Performance Bond for 403 trees @ $350/tree = $141,050. 3. Unmet Tree Replacement Being provided as a cash payment as described above.