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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 6 Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained he had a list of shrubs that were being considered to assist with screening the traffic. He indicated only 17 shrubs were being proposed to be replaced. Councilmember Rousseau asked if the irrigation system could be installed next year with the 30 trees and 17 shrubs being replaced this year. Assistant Public Works Director Miller commented he would appreciate the Council considering this request as soon as possible. Councilmember Rousseau discussed how valuable the trees were to block out noise for the adjacent neighborhood. Mayor Grant stated a better solution may be required given the fact the City was now responsible for the trees at TH10 and Highway 96. He understood that a number of trees that were declining were ash trees. Assistant Public Works Director Miller reported this was the case. He noted 14 trees were recently replaced by Margolis. Mayor Grant believed the residents of Arden Hills appreciated the trees along Highway 96. He supported the City finding a solution for Shoreline Lane this year. Budgetarily, he anticipated the City would have to consider how and when to fund the irrigation project. Assistant Public Works Director Miller commented further on the proposed dripline that could be installed along Highway 96. Councilmember Fabel asked if these young trees take at some point and require less watering. Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained this takes approximately five years. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen discussed how this was a harsh environment for trees and watering was very important in order to get them to the five year mark. Councilmember Holden stated that many of the trees along this corridor should not have been planted. She said if the majority that were dying were ash trees, she understood they would have to be replaced. She commented on how the drought impacted the trees and she appreciated the fact that the new trees selected were hardier. Councilmember Rousseau questioned what the County has been doing for the median with Shoreview. She asked if Shoreview had an irrigation system or if they used water trucks. Assistant Public Works Director Miller anticipated Shoreview was responsible for maintaining their medians. He indicated he was uncertain if Shoreview had an irrigation system in place. Councilmember Holden reported Shoreview had an ICWC crew that maintained the watering of medians for Shoreview. Mayor Grant asked if this was an option for Arden Hills.