12-19-22-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — DECEMBER 19, 2022 3 Councilmember Scott asked if they replaced the buckthorn with native species, wouldn't the buckthorn outcompete the plants again? Councilmember Holden said they may get rid of buckthorn, but there is a lot of private property with buckthorn that could spread back into the park. Ms. Seeman replied that the areas would need to be weeded for a few years while the plants get established. Mayor Grant wondered what would the total dollar amount be that would be asked for. Ms. Seeman said she had that in her original proposal but had to make changes as she wanted to grow the plants herself and get reimbursed from the city but was told that wasn't an option. The original proposal included several trees, shrubs and other plants for about $3,500.00. Mayor Grant discussed the new Landscape fund that could be used for shrubs and plants. He asked what was the time frame they would like to get started at the park. Ms. Seeman said she wanted to start this past fall and work on it next spring and summer. Mayor Grant wondered if where they wanted to work would be impacted when the park was re- done. Discussion ensued regarding what parts of the park wouldn't be impacted by reconstruction and where would be best to start planting native species. It was decided to start in the area of the small wetland pond. Mayor Grant felt the City could fund the plantings for the first year and after that they may have funds in the Landscape Fund that could be used. City Administrator Perrault wondered if there were plants that required less maintenance than others in case in a few years they weren't being maintained by volunteers or staff that the area would turn back the way it was. Ms. Hinton suggested they look for drought resistant plants. Mayor Grant said that PTRC should come back with how many plants they'd like to put in along the trail by the little pond and approximate cost. Ms. Hinton explained their request for name badges for park volunteers and volunteer appreciation/recognition. Councilmember Holden wondered why they weren't also thinking of other types of volunteers such as coaches. Ms. Hinton said they've had requests to highlight some of the long term volunteers that work in the parks and gardens.