Report Prepared by: Ken F. Elwin, PE, Director of Public Works
Title
SUBJECT: Applegate Park Rose Garden Improvements
REPORT IN BRIEF
Requests Council direction on proposed improvements, including replacing irrigation lines, replanting rose bushes and repairing Laura’s Fountain at the Rose Garden located at Applegate Park.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on how to proceed with the proposed Rose Garden improvements.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Direct staff to proceed with an option outlined in this report; or,
2. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
On December 15, 2017, City staff met with representatives from the Merced Garden Club, Council members Belluomini and Pedrozo as well as other community stakeholders, to discuss improvements at the Applegate Rose Garden. These improvements include alterations to the irrigation lines, as well as replanting approximately 200 rose bushes and the repair of Laura’s Fountain.
In 2016, as part of the Department of Water Resources Institutional Turf Replacement Program, approximately 150 older rose bushes were replaced, drip irrigation was installed in the newly planted areas, and over 10,000 square feet of decomposed granite was added. Last year, City staff made further improvements to the irrigation system in two of the existing rose beds and replanted some bare root roses. Unfortunately, the replacement rose bushes did not fare well over the past year and many already need to be replaced. To ensure future replacement bushes will survive, staff recommends improvements to the existing irrigation lines.
Staff is seeking direction from Council on how to proceed with the project. Possible options include (1) hiring a landscaping contractor to complete all work associated with irrigation improvements and planting roses, (2) purchasing the irrigation materials and roses directly and performing the work in-house, (3) City furnishing the irrigation materials and roses and hiring a contractor to complete the installation work, and (4) hiring a contractor to repair the fountain. Since the December 15, 2017 stakeholder meeting, staff have been working to obtain the necessary actual costs and quotes from contractors in the community. Below are estimated costs for each option. Updated information on contractor quotes will be provided at the Council meeting.
• All work and material by Contractor: $ 14,500
• Materials & City labor: $ 5,500
• City furnished Materials & Contractor labor: $ 10,500
• Laura Fountain repair by Contractor: $ 35,000
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding for the project as proposed was not budgeted in the FY 2017/18 Budget. Should the Council approve an option as proposed to the Rose Garden, a Supplemental Appropriation from the General Fund will be required to allow for the project to be completed.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Location Map