03-13-23-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — FEBRUARY 21, 2023 10 noticeable that Arden Hills is missing from the list of partners. He felt the City should participate with the organization. Mayor Grant noted that Arden Hills was a founding member of the organization. He agreed they could invite the CEO to speak at one of the next work sessions. J. No Mow May Discussion Mayor Grant said there have been some issues in other cities with some residents not coming into compliance and asked whether or not the City should participate. Councilmember Holden thought she had heard that a city was changing their end date to May 20. She thought it was a great idea last year but then it rained a lot the last week of May and everyone's grass sprung up. Councilmember Monson asked if the City would maintain parks, fields, boulevards etc.? Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said they would have to set parameters of what would be expected of Public Works staff. Councilmember Monson supported No Mow May, but thought the City could find areas that they could forgo mowing. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said staff would also need to figure out how to dispose of the excess grass material that would be cut after the month was over. Mayor Grant said they could implement No Mow May for residents and businesses but the city would still do as normal for ball fields, parks etc. so the city doesn't look unkept. Councilmember Holden said it is also during tick season and the taller grass could make that more of an issue. Councilmember Rousseau supported No Mow May and thought staff would have to use their best judgement. Mayor Grant noted the City went silent on it last year, he didn't think they wanted to provide signs, it could get promoted in the newsletter. City Administrator Perrault said it wasn't a public requested event, but that other cities were doing it. After further discussion it was decided a resolution would be brought forth to the Council to allow No Mow May for residents and businesses, no signs would be issued, no enforcement would happen between May 1 and June 10, and the City will mow its properties.