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Request by Danielle Bergner on behalf of the Washington Highlands Association for a landscaping encroachment within the Washington Boulevard and Washington Circle roundabout at approximately 6100 Washington Boulevard.
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Submitted by:
Alex Krutsch and Jennifer Stilling
Department
Public Works
A. Issue
The applicant is requesting to remove the existing landscaping within the roundabout at Washington Boulevard and Washington Circle and replace according to the attached landscaping plan.
B. Background/Options
City staff has had the opportunity to review the proposed landscape design plan as prepared by American Landscape. It is staff’s opinion that the selected plant palette is appropriate for the site and should provide an attractive and relatively low maintenance landscape. The plan also takes into account City maintenance requirements, particularly clearance for lawn mowing equipment.
City staff has recommended to the applicant that the four proposed ‘Golden Glory’ dogwood trees be included in the City’s street tree inventory and maintained by the forestry department. This will ensure regular maintenance of the trees as they mature and clarify responsibility in the event of storm damage or if a tree needs to be replaced.
Existing City utilities within the roundabout include three water mains and one sanitary sewer. Because the proposed landscaping encroachment footprint is either about the same or less than what exists today, staff does not object to the encroachment.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority Area Five: Quality of Life
D. Fiscal Impact
The applicant is not requesting financial assistance as part of this project and staff does not anticipate increased City maintenance at the site as a result of the project. Fiscal impact should be negligible.
E. Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the requested landscape encroachment subject to the execution of the necessary Hold Harmless Agreement and with the caveat that the four dogwood trees be maintained by the forestry department as part of the street tree program.
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Recommendation: Common Council