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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 14, 2011 7:00 o'clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 12 of 22 (10. OLD CRYSTAL BAY ROAD RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE, Continued) Kellogg noted the color rendering of the plant types depicts a low mow fescue that was being proposed. One of the School District’s concerns with the low mow fescue was that it would become a trash collector and that they would prefer a different seed mix. The School District’s intent is to mow the median every week or two weeks. Slack illustrated the proposed road layout and landscaping plan. The plan had originally depicted three different options for landscaping in the roundabout areas. They are now recommending trees in the middle of the roundabout with shrubs around the base. McMillan asked if there would be grass on the roundabout. Slack indicated there would be grass on the roundabouts and that the School District would also be maintaining those areas. Kellogg pointed out the area of the grass on the roundabout. Slack displayed various plants that would be best suited for this type of environment. McMillan asked how high the railing would be and what materials it would consist of. Slack stated they are estimating the railing at between 32 to 36 inches tall, which will require some effort to get over. The median would be wide enough to stop someone from falling out into the lane of traffic if the person should trip over the railing. The post could either be wood and painted or metal. Currently the proposal is for metal posts and wire cord. McMillan asked what would stop people from going around the railing. Slack indicated they are proposing to create a 3:1 slope from the back of the curb and provide a flat top area on top for plantings. Slack noted that would not stop people completely from going around the railing or over the landscaping, but it would be a deterrent. Based on the design and the cost of the landscaping, they are looking at massing the shrubs, which will provide an almost immediate barrier. Slack noted since it is landscaping, it will not prevent someone from crossing at that location if they so choose. The intent of the design is to change people’s perception of where they can cross. Slack noted the costs for the landscaping have remained basically the same following the revisions. If the railing were removed, they would plant additional trees and shrubs, which would result in an $8,000 savings overall. Kellogg pointed out the Council’s packet include two cost estimates. Based on their conversation with the School District, two additional trees were added to the cost estimate. Slack noted there is a 10 percent contingency also included in the estimates and that the estimates are a little high based on what he is currently seeing in the market. The railing will probably help deter people more so than the shrubs. The purpose of the railing and landscaping is to focus pedestrians to the designated crosswalks. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 03/28/2011 Approval of Council Minutes 03/14/2011[Page 12 of 22]