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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 22, 2024 6 Ms. Tucker reported this would be the City contribution over the life of the proposed projects. Councilmember Rousseau asked if the ICWC work crew could be used as in -kind labor for this work. Ms. Tucker explained this would be allowed as the in -kind match. Councilmember Rousseau inquired what the long-term maintenance commitment would be for these projects. Ms. Tucker reported Outdoor Heritage funds came with a 10-year maintenance commitment for the benefiting landowners. She discussed the guidelines that were in place with respect to invasive species noting the City would have to maintain the work that has been done for 10 years. Councilmember Fabel asked if the long-term maintenance would be done by the City in good faith. Ms. Tucker stated the maintenance work would be outlined in the documentation that would be provided to the City. She noted an estimate for the maintenance work would be included in the documentation. She commented her goal with all projects would be to leave a park in a more maintainable state than the upfront work. Councilmember Holden expressed concern that the cost to maintain the park after the up -front work would be too significant for the City. She questioned how much the City spent to maintain the prairie grass at City Hall on an annual basis. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported the City spent $1,400 last year to maintain the half acre of City Hall property. Councilmember Holden commented she was uncertain what species would have to be maintained long term, noting this maintenance could become quite costly for the City. She reported the City did not have anyone on staff that was an expert in this field. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated it would be his recommendation that a consultant be brought in to assist the City with this work going forward. Councilmember Holden questioned when the City had to determine what species would be eradicated and maintained. Councilmember Monson inquired when the City would see a maintenance agreement. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated the timing for this may have to be with the grant funding. He questioned if an amendment could be considered for the cooperative agreement. He explained the Council wanted to see the maintenance agreement prior to fully committing to the project. Ms. Tucker explained she would have to consult with her staff and could get back to the City Council and staff.