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Attachment A May 25, 2023 Subject: Resolution to Complaint and Proposal for Collaboration Dear Jessica Jagoe and David Swearingen, I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to express our gratitude for your openness and willingness to seek a resolution regarding the complaint on file. It was never our intention for this situation to escalate and place strain on City resources. We understand the frustrations that have arisen due to the ongoing violations. However, I would like to provide some background information to shed light on the situation. Our communication with various City officials can be traced back to 2015, with our initial contact being with Sue Polka. At that time, we were granted verbal permission from the City to undertake landscaping at our own expense, on the condition that we obtained approval from Xcel Energy. We diligently followed this process and acquired written consent from Xcel Energy, as per the City's requirement. This was consistent with the majority of properties adjacent to the path. With the necessary approvals in hand, we took steps to address erosion control and remove invasive plants such as buckthorn. We carefully selected deer -resistant arborvitaes (native to MN - Thuja Occidentalis) that comply with Xcel's height restrictions. These arborvitaes not only contribute to runoff and water quality management but also provide nesting sites and cover for birds and small animals. Unfortunately, it appears that there may have been a breakdown in communication along the way, leading to the current complaint. Our primary goal is to find a mutually beneficial resolution to the complaint while continuing to contribute to the beautification of our city. We strongly believe in aligning our efforts with the City's comprehensive plan, which includes natural resource conservation, restoration, and stormwater management. To accomplish this, we propose utilizing the references and resources the City has supplied us, while focusing on Blue Thumbs' guidance for planting to promote clean water and support pollinators. To assist you in visualizing our proposed plan, we've attached a visual representation that emphasizes the framing of pollinators and arborvitaes using mulch. Additionally, we've included existing examples that, to the best of my knowledge, have already received approval for your reference. We genuinely appreciate the work you and the City undertake on behalf of its residents. Thank you for considering our proposal and giving this matter your attention. We look forward to finding a resolution that benefits both parties and contributes to the betterment of our community. Best regards, Robert and Jenna Bonine 3274 Katie Lane Arden Hills, MN 55112