DATE: September 24, 2015
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
Vernon Gerth, Assistant City Administrator
Joe York, Director of Streets
Lisa Clayton, Director of Parks
Brian Walker, Landscape/Grounds Foreman
Todd Snackenberg, City Arborist
Jerry Garrett, Landscape Maintenance Supervisor
SUBJECT:
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Consideration of the McEwen Interchange Landscape Enhancement Project at an Estimated Cost of $36,594.19 (10/13/2015 WS)
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Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information to the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) concerning the McEwen Interchange Landscape Enhancement Project.
Background
The interchange at Interstate 65 and McEwen Drive is a highly traveled area. First impressions of the City of Franklin can affect visitors’ expectations, satisfaction levels and experiences.
The City of Franklin Parks and Streets Departments have collaboratively developed a multi-phase landscape enhancement plan (see Exhibit A) for the McEwen Drive interchange area that consists of:
• Phase 1 (Late October - Early November 2015) - Preparation of the Northwest and Southeast Turf Areas, including grass removal, soil amendments, layout and plantings. The cost for each area is separated, $6,108.25 for the Northwest Turf Area and $6,474.69 for the Southeast Turf Area.
• Phase 2 (Mid-November 2015) - Installation of approximately 35 trees that will be furnished from the City’s tree bank. City Arborist Todd Snackenberg will coordinate and oversee the plantings.
• Phase 3 (Mid-November 2015) - Preparation of the Northeast and Southwest Turf Areas, including grass removal, soil amendments, layout and plantings. The cost of each area has been separated, $2,926.50 for the Northeast Turf Area and $4,570.00 for the Southwest Turf Area.
• Phase 4 (Late November 2015) - Preparation of the East and West Medians, including the removal of grass, soil amendments, layout and plantings. The cost for each median has been separated, $7,424.05 for the East Median and $9,090.70 for the West Median.
• Phase 5 (Early April 2016) - Planting of perennials, per the landscape design plan, in each area. This cost has been factored into the other phases.
Financial Impact
The labor and equipment necessary for this project can be provided from existing resources of the Parks and Streets Departments. The additional estimated expense of $36,594.19 will be used to purchase materials. The funding source for this project will be the Hotel/Motel Tax. If this project is approved, a budget amendment will be formally presented in the near future. Staff seeks guidance to proceed with implementing the initial phases immediately. On-going maintenance which includes watering, periodic plant replacement, pruning, and mowing will be performed by existing staff from the Street Departments Landscape Division. No additional staff is anticipated at this time.
Recommendation
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Staff recommends proceeding with this project utilizing existing resources and added material cost estimated to be $36,594.19 with the understanding a budget amendment will be forthcoming.