2009-09-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Ms. Hildebrand said there will still be root issues if the line is deeper. Mr. Norris asked how wide an area cannot be planted on, and Ms. Hildebrand said 40’. Mr. Norris said that seems overkill, and asked why it needs to be 40’, and Ms. Hildebrand said you have to look at what is needed to get at the line for repairs. Mr. Norris asked what is possible regarding landscaping, and Ms. Jeanette Janicek, VDOT Project Manager, said some of the space can be used for the 10’ path. She said Parks and Recreation is working with RWSA on landscaping, though they are trying to stay away from using trees and shrubs. Responding to a question from Mr. Norris about the discrepancy in the plans, Ms. Janicek said that VDOT is planning to move forward with the grade separated interchange, but if that does not work, they also looked at an at grade intersection. She said the Corps is looking at the worse case scenario for impacts. Mr. Huja said he understands that you can have certain kinds of trees near such a line. Dr. Brown said he agrees with the concern about the language being very firm in the ordinance without providing any flexibility. He asked if the City could own the line rather than RWSA and therefore have more control over landscaping. Mr. Brown said he understands that RWSA is willing to convey the line to the City, and that is an option. Mr. Huja said he would like to see more flexibility, and said there is sufficient land next to the easement for landscaping. Mr. Brown said he is willing to approach RWSA about making the ordinance more flexible. He noted that this easement is similar to others the City has. Dr. Brown asked if the City would pay for repairs since the line only serves City residents if RWSA owns the line. Ms. Judy Mueller, Director of Public Works, said that whoever owns the line pays for repairs. Mr. Norris said that one distinction is that this is a park, and he would argue for more flexibility. Ms. Edwards said she would like more information on the health and safety issues, and the environmental impact of not having the expanded line. She asked if a different route had been considered, and asked that the drawings be shared with the public. Mr. Norris asked if Council wants to have the first reading of the ordinance, or defer it. Dr. Brown said he would support having the first reading with the language changed, and at the next meeting have staff address how they envision the Parkway looking. Mr. Huja said there is still a lot of land available for landscaping. Mr. Taliaferro and Mr. Huja supported having the first reading. Mr. Huja said we need the improved line, and he moved the ordinance and requested that Mr. Brown discuss more flexible language about landscaping.