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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 7 <br /> Mr. Trites indicated that the prairie grass restoration for the 4/10 of an acre at Lindey's would <br /> cost approximately $3,000 for start up and $2,100 for maintenance over the next three years. If <br /> the City would like to add wildflowers to the prairie grasses it would cost an additional $200. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked where the prairie grass would be located. <br /> Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the prairie grasses would be located in the <br /> main middle flat area. <br /> Councilmember Holden did not object to looking into this possibility, but noted that Lindey's <br /> park is used quite frequently by Bethel students. <br /> Mayor Grant agreed stating that he did not fully support this conversion. He questioned if there <br /> was another park or open space in the City that could be used for prairie grasses. <br /> Councilmember Holden suggested that the triangle property be considered for prairie grasses. <br /> Mayor Grant did not agree and stated that the triangle property should remain as is since it is an <br /> entrance point into the City and because it was recently irrigated and sodded. He recommended <br /> that staff investigate the level of use at Lindey's park. <br /> Mr. Van Valkenburg suggested the Council consider other park space that could be used for <br /> prairie grass conversion. He reported that the conversion would have some up front costs, but in <br /> the end, would reduce maintenance costs to the City. <br /> Mayor Grant stated that the bigger issue is park use and he is not in favor of converting park <br /> space that is being used by the public; even if it means reducing maintenance expenses. <br /> Councilmember McClung believed that the space at Lindey's is actively being used. He <br /> suggested the PTRC reevaluate if several compatible uses are proposed for the park. He stated <br /> that he could support a prairie grass restoration project, but it would have to be in the right <br /> location. <br /> Mayor Grant questioned if there is room at Valentine Park for a prairie grass conversion in front <br /> of the rain garden. <br /> Councilmember Holmes believed that the PTRC is providing the City with a solution when it did <br /> not have a problem. She does not see how the prairie grass conversion would fit at Lindey's. <br /> Mayor Grant summarized the Council's comments by stating that the Council has reservations <br /> about the prairie grass conversion at Lindey's. He recommended the PTRC evaluate and monitor <br /> the use of Lindey's Park over the summer. <br /> Ms. O'Malley reviewed the community survey analysis with the Council and noted that residents <br /> have a great deal of enthusiasm for the City's parks. The highest ranked initiatives the public is <br /> interested in are trail connections and adding more trails. In addition, there was a repeated theme <br /> that addressed safety within the trail system. She commented that the PTRC has been working to <br />