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Parks,Trails&Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 25,2012 Page 2 Ms. Holden mentioned that the buildings between the bank and the dentist office on County Road E are empty. She indicated the landlord has had several rental offers but is not in any hurry as he is waiting for the ideal tenant. Ms. Holden mentioned they had a beautiful day for the Celebrating Arden Hills event. Ms. Holden indicated that Rob Davidson attended last night's Council meeting and was hoping that Council would be in favor of 300 sq. ft. size apartments for the Holiday Inn site. Council was not in favor and indicated they preferred a minimum of 600 sq. ft. size apartments. B. Public Works/Parks & Recreation Report Ms. Olson noted that they just finished with the Celebrating Arden Hills Fall Festival and that the event was well attended and the weather was beautiful. Ms. Olson also thanked Mr. Peck, Ms. Garretson and Mr. Michaelson for volunteering to work at the celebration. Committee Member Messerly asked about the cost of the fireworks. Ms. Olson indicated they were $7,500. Committee Member Messerly indicated he thought that was a very good price for the fireworks. Ms. Olson reported that this past Saturday they finished planting the rain gardens at Valentine Park. She indicated 9-10 volunteers along with 6 staff members planted over 900 perennials, for a total of approximately 1,400 plants, and that they have set up a temporary irrigation system. She informed the committee that staff plan on planting trees next spring. Ms. Olson also thanked any volunteers that helped with the plantings. Ms. Olson mentioned that the fall recreation classes have just started. Ms. Olson reported that this past week she attended a Minnesota Parks and Recreation Conference in Brainerd. She indicated that the sessions were very informative. Ms. Olson recapped that this past year Council approved a trail maintenance plan that included expenses for maintaining the trails. She indicated 3-3 1/2 miles of crack sealing, using Slurry Seal, has been completed in the Cummings Park area and the Elmer L. Andersen Memorial trail. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Parks Tour Evaluation Reports Ms. Olson recapped that they had the park tour on June 19, and that she felt the tour went very well. She indicated the PTRC visited all 14 parks and collected results which she has included along with last year's ratings as a comparison. Ms. Olson indicated the PTRC could use the comments and ratings as a tool for future improvements/projects. Committee Chair Garretson stated she was interested in discussing some individual concerns she had. She noted that this is the 2nd year in a row where there are thistles in the playground area at Arden Manor and she feels that picking the thistles does not work.