Summary
To: Mayor & Commissioners
From: JP Murphy
Date: 8/31/2018
______________________________________________________________________
Subject: Hallett Park Maintenance
Summary:
The Town is in receipt of a letter (see attached) where Mr. Whiddon and his surrounding neighbors have offered to have Boen's Tree service, trim the bluff. Their proposed methodology would trim 6 to 12 inches above grade, down the bluff and remove invasive species and trees smaller than 4". This one-time maintenance would be provided at their shared expense. Staff would recommend that the project, if approved, be executed as a grant-funded project, with project management and oversight conducted by Public Works.
Body
Previous Commission Action: The Commission previously approved simply conducting reach mower cuts as far as practical. The means and methods being proposed are more invasive than a simple "trim off the top" if you will, but staff does not believe it will affect the stability of the bluff. The vendors the town solicited to do the work last time declined to bid on the work again citing safety concerns. Mr. Allison previously spoke with Mr. Boen and was assured that they thought they could do the job safely.
Background/Problem Discussion: The Master Landscape Plan (Adopted in 1997, Sec. 50-2 in code of ordinances), gives direction on how the bluff edge at Hallett Park should be maintained. The exact language is summarized below:
"The Grounds Maintenance Personnel shall mow the existing slope vegetation of the Hallett Park embankment with a 12 to 15 foot reach sickle bar mower. Mowing frequency will be as soon as the vegetation within the reach of the mower blade is 2 feet above the top of the slope. More frequent mowing may occur at the direction of the Town to maintain a clear "view shed" of the waterway. The mowing shall be at an angle of - 30 degrees to the top of the slope to minimize mowing frequency. Maintenance of the "view" shall include the full length of the line...
Click here for full text