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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes October 18, 2022 Page 3 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Park Stewardship Committee Member Seemann stated that one of the GreenStep Cities best practices is to develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects. She thought it was something they could work on to advance in the GreenSteps program. Committee Member Seemann said she had residents around Hazelnut Park tell her that the people in their area feel they are responsible for maintaining the park adjacent to their yards so they are clearing out buckthorn, making forts and planting flowers, some of which are invasive species. New owners don’t know what their responsibility is. Assistant Public Works Director Miller responded they are not supposed to do work on City property without filling out the proper forms and coordinating with staff. Sometimes people take it upon themselves to do things that the City hasn’t approved. Committee Member Poelzer said there is a statement on the City website that says residents are encouraged to take out buckthorn in their yards and on park property. (Staff note: The City website under Public Works/Forestry/Buckthorn states “The City encourages residents to remove buckthorn from their own property to maintain and protect the ecological habitat.”) Assistant Public Works Director Miller said they have had complaints with people taking more than the buckthorn and they’ve had to put a stop to it in the past. Committee Member Poelzer said she had posted on the Arden Hillbillies Facebook page that they were looking for people to help. She described the buckthorn removal tool. She would like to see the City newsletter promote the website pages about invasive species. It was decided to bring this item back again when more committee members are present. Committee Member Poelzer said the sign on the north end of the Elmer L. Anderson trail near County Road E near Lake Johanna Beach needs repair. Assistant Public Works Director Miller asked her to report it through the City’s website. B. Park Restroom Locks Committee Member Poelzer said she had seen automatically locking door on restrooms at a Lakeville, MN park. She would like the committee to consider making a motion to request a cost feasibility study to install similar locks at Parry and Cummings Parks. Currently Perry and Cummings parks’ indoor restrooms aren't open unless the facilities/ball field are rented or when the city holds an event. The porta-potties at these two parks could then be used at other AH parks where there currently are none.