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e said staff will develop proposals to address this concern. He added that if sidewalks are included, pedestrian use would increase in the area. In response to questions, Mr. Lyle responded that he was not sure if there was enough room to combine a pedestrian walk with a bike lane in this corri- dor; however, there is a planned on-street bicycle lane. Mr. Lyle said that the landscaping strip would be seven feet wide. It is not yet clear who would be responsible for maintaining landscaping if some of it is put on private property. Property owners will be responsible for paying for any curb, gutters, sidewalk, and driveway adjustments required on their property. He said a clear majority of citizens prefer having sidewalks on only one side of the road, but staff preference is for sidewalks on both sides. Mr. Lyle added that bark or gravel would provide low-level mainte- nance compared to grass in the landscaping strips. Mr. Boles asked whether the City should proceed with beautification through landscaping without knowing who will be responsible for the maintenance. Mayor Miller stated that property owners are legally responsible for their property up to the road, except for trees. He added that low-maintenance plantings would be preferable. City Manager Mike Gleason said he supported use of a municipal irrigation system to help maintain plantings as it would be cost effective. Mr. Lyle added that the installation of an irrigation system would be less costly if done during road construction, before the completion of Phase 2. He said that if the irrigation system were public, then the landscaping should be public as well. e Mayor Miller asked where the City of Eugene welcome sign would be located after construction. Mr. Reinhard responded that, due to State requirements, the sign cannot be located on the State highway right-of-way. He said there had been discussion of placing the sign near Airport Road. Mr. Lyle stated that staff has yet to decide about whether to include median islands on the highway and if so whether they should be concrete. He said a review of pedestrian-related accidents in the area as well as business im- pacts will help decide the issue. In response to questions, Mr. Lyle said U-turns could be allowed in the area of the medians. He added that ever- greens along the sides could be used to soften the skyline and hide utility lines. West Eugene Parkway. Mr. Lyle stated that the parkway project is currently in the design process. He said Phase 1 will extend from Highway 99 to Beltline Road. Phase 2 will extend from Beltline Road to Greenhill Road. The project will include enhancing the Bertelsen Slough by adding recreation- al features and water quality features as well as wetlands expansion. In answer to council's questions, Mr. Lyle said that the slough area will be broadened and a view site may be added. He said the changes would only mini- mally impact the waterfowl flyway. He said the western phase will have the most impact on the wetlands and diminish some prairie grasslands. Mr. Lyle added that they are trying to make the parkway design compatible with local e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 4, 1991 Page 2