01-31-2011 Council Minutes Special City Council Meeting

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• MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL ORONO CITY COUNCIL, Monday, January 31, 2011 8:00 o'clock a.m. McMillan stated the Carlson Towers roadway is a good example of a landscaped median. As the landscaping has matured, "The Gates" complex has become less visible. Kellogg noted that signage is part of the project. Slack continued comparing 10' and 4' medians. He noted ground level plantings would not be above the eye level of vehicles. The landscaped median treatment would alternate from plantings to railing. The 4' median has several treatments and cost estimates. Options include colored concrete or pavers. Colored concrete potentially has lower short-term but greater long -term maintenance costs. Franchot asked why no barrier fencing was included in the area near the elementary school. Slack responded that the architectural fencing is fairly expensive. The most recent cost estimate was from $55 -65 per lineal foot and long stretches of fence would be very costly. Kellogg added that the school has indicated the most problematic area is between the middle school and high school, but fencing could also be added in the elementary school area. Franchot stated cost has been a constant factor and the assumption has been that the narrower median would be cheaper. An important point to note is that the expense of a narrower median has become high enough that a significant length has no barrier as opposed to the landscaped model where there are • plantings the entire length of the median. Slack continued with images closer to the roundabout between the high school and middle school where there would be a long length of railing to provide a safety component and prevent mid -block crossings. McMillan asked about the height of the railings. Slack responded the railing is shown at just over 3 feet. Another railing treatment at 40-42" at a mid - block crossing was also shown. Slack reviewed images of various treatments that Bonestroo has worked on in other cities. Slack stated two revised cost estimates have been provided. The first cost estimate was originally prepared as part of the landscape. option for the previous meeting but has been refined for the cost of the cable railing. Cost estimates will continue to be refined as the design moves forward. The new cost estimate for the 4' wide median includes three different types of median paving treatments. The colored concrete estimate for 12,000 s.f. is about $61,000. Brick or stone would cost more. McMillan asked for further description of materials used for bricks or pavers. Slack stated the estimates are standard costs and might be a standard 2 x 4' brick or larger square paver. Costs would be revised depending on final selection. Stone could potentially be something like a flat irregular limestone which is generally a nicer material but more labor intensive to install. • Bremer asked about maintenance of various materials. Slack responded that concrete is generally lower maintenance up front but long -term there are issues with cracking and larger repair areas; brick and stone have weed control issues. Page 3 of 12