09-28-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 14, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 35 of 39 17. LIVINGSTON (TOWER) PARK IMPROVEMENT DESIGN REQUEST (continued) Curtis displayed a picture of the current park. Walsh stated he would echo the comments made by Council Member Levang. Walsh stated the project demonstrates the commitment by the City to improve the parks and that there are funds in the Park Fund that can be utilized for this project. Printup stated since the money is currently in the Park Fund, this project will not impose any tax obligation on the residents. Meyers noted the funds must be used for a capital improvement and cannot be used for maintenance. Meyers stated it does not make sense to continue to acquire park land if it is not improved and made useable. Printup asked where the estimates came from. Meyers stated those are estimates from Norlings Landscaping, and that when this project goes out to bid, the amount could be lower. Edwards stated the Parks Commission requested Norlings to come up with the design and the prices. Edwards indicated the prices that say contractor after them were obtained from the Norlings’ quote and the prices with Public Works Department after them are the estimates that the City provided. Levang stated in her view they will have several companies interested in bidding on the project and the City should receive a good bid. McMillan asked who would be maintaining the pollinator garden and whether there are any long-term maintenance costs associated with the drinking fountain. Meyers stated a watering source for the new plantings could also be installed next to the water fountain, which is a $4,000 expense. Meyers stated Wayzata also has a dog drinking fountain at their beach. Meyers stated the Parks Commission removed the one pergola because a drinking fountain was preferred and would help draw people to this area. Meyers stated as it relates to the pollinator garden, the City currently has a contract with Norlings to help maintain them but that maintenance will probably have to be built into the budget. Meyers stated typically pollinator gardens are more native plants, which would require a little more work than your typical landscaping. Meyers stated the $50,000 is the maximum that would be spent and that the cost likely will be less than that. McMillan asked whether there will be some information available on Sunday regarding the improvements.