Rex Fleming                                                                                                                          March 30, 2011

Kansas Turnpike Authority

Lawrence, KS roundabouts

Dear Rex.

This is a letter of intent concerning the Kansas Turnpike Roundabouts (east & west), near the city entrances at Lawrence Kansas.  A more formal agreement may be developed at a later date.

The city is proposing to build similar landscape projects at each of the roundabouts,  with components such as retaining walls, block letters for a ‘Lawrence’ sign & logo,  and landscape materials, including small trees, shrubs, native grasses, and wildflowers.    We have provided a preliminary conceptual drawing showing the enhancements.  At this time no ground lighting will be installed.

The landscape area is approximately 80’ x 60’ and would be centered in the roundabout to face traffic coming into Lawrence.  The components of native stone walls, and supporting native plants will visually enhance the sign and  provide seasonal color and interest.    Other areas of the roundabout would remain the same of general turf and storm drainage. 

The two roundabout landscaped areas would be constructed by a contract landscape company, a contact sign company, and city staff.   Each would need access to the site to complete initial installation.  Due to large native stone wall block components for the retaining walls, a nearby temporary staging areas would be necessary to deliver (via large truck), sort, and select rock  needed for the walls. Additional soils (river loam) may also be needed and would be trucked in and placed directly at the end site.  KTA would need to provide directions for any limitation for delivery of stones near the pavement and vehicle , equipment staging areas.   it is estimated the construction crews would be working on the roundabout project, weather permitting about 2-3 weeks.   KTA would need to provide information for traffic signage and/or  liability requirements to work at this site.  Due to budget restraints it is possible the project may be phased over 1-3 years.

Upon installation completion, city crews would resume maintenance of the landscape plantings immediately.   By design,  the landscape materials will be low water and low maintenance as it understood, no water is available on site.   One would expect initial plant establishment phase to last three years.  City staff will determine the ongoing landscape maintenance schedule.

During this time and beyond, city workers would need access to the site for the following: 

a. On a weekly basis to provide weeding & watering maintenance.  The growing season would be considered April 1- Nov. 1.   

b. Twice a year mulching project to control weeds and improve appearance.

c. As needed for any pesticide application to control  harmful or invasive pests.

d. Supervisor inspections. …etc.

This work may require hauling water multiple times ( up to 4 trips daily in drought conditions), thus having a regularly scheduled water truck on site  for several hours a day.  This would be during normal daylight work hours.   The water truck would most likely utilize the truck apron, or park off road on the dry turf.    The city would expect reasonable access to the site by KTA for on going maintenance.   

Additionally KTA would facilitate mowing the turf apron with aesthetically appropriate frequency and methods during the growing season to assist with beatification efforts.  

              Please review this information and let us know how to proceed.  

            Most sincerely, 

Crystal Miles

Horticulture Manager

Lawrence Parks and Recreation

P.O. Box 708

Lawrence, Kansas 66044

785-832-7970