08-14-23-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JULY 17, 2023 2 3. AGENDA ITEMS A. Buckthorn Removal Presentation PTRC Member Kelliher stated that over the course of the last three years, he and two others have been harvesting mature buckthorn in the Chatham trails area and have made tremendous progress. Minnesota Legacy grant fund monies won't be available until 2025. The PTRC unanimously recommended hiring a goat herd to graze the area which would cost $4,500 each of the next two years. They will be applying for the grant in 2024. Councilmember Fabel said he appreciated the work they have done. He asked how they keep the goats from wandering into people's yards. PTRC Member Kelliher said they can use a double fence system with an electric inner fence, or shock collars without fencing, which the company they'd like to hire wouldn't be using. Councilmember Fabel inquired about liability insurance and damage done from the goats. PTRC Member Kelliher said they interviewed seven goat herders and none of them have had any problems. They have $1,000,000 liability coverage and confirmation of the policy would be included in the contract. Councilmember Rousseau thought this would be a great step in the buckthorn management program. She asked how many members of the PTRC were involved? PTRC Member Kelliher replied that is was rotational, not every member interviewed every goat herder. But all but three members interacted with at least one goat herders. Councilmember Holden thought it was a great plan but was concerned with the expense. She wondered if this would be within the scope of the Arden Hills Foundation. Mayor Grant said probably not, they haven't branched out into ecology and things like that. The Foundation will be funding a new senior exercise program. Mayor Grant felt they needed to get experience with goats before they get into Great River Greening and it would be a shame to lose the momentum with buckthorn that the group has made. He thought it was a reasonable dollar amount. PTRC Member Kelliher said this would be a great opportunity to educate the public by announcing it in the newsletter and for people to go watch the goats. He added that the goats won't eat oak. Councilmember Holden wondered if it was best to use the goats and not spend money on grass seed now. PTRC Member Kelliher said they could do grass seed this time or next year. Goats won't eat the grass.