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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JUNE 10, 2024 5 Councilmember Monson understood the trees and shrubs were not surviving due to lack of irrigation. She explained an alternative to installing an irrigation system was providing adequate water for the trees and shrubs for the first five years. She commented further on the cost of installing an irrigation system versus the cost for manually watering the trees and shrubs. Councilmember Fabel reviewed the agreement with the County noting the County providing the plantings and the City was to provide all care and upkeep of the landscaped areas. He questioned if the City was holding up its end of the agreement. Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained City staff was doing its best to water and maintain the landscaping. He reported an irrigation system would help with providing more consistency. Councilmember Fabel stated given the condition of the plants right now, he questioned if the City was properly maintaining them at this time. Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated there were 17 shrubs in decline that were being attacked by rabbits. He reiterated that staff was doing the best it can to maintain these shrubs. Councilmember Fabel asked if the City was fulfilling the intent and purpose of the agreement with the County. Assistant Public Works Director Miller believed the City was fulfilling its portion of the agreement. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported in 2012 when this interchange was completed, MNDOT turned over the maintenance to Ramsey County and Ramsey County was going to remove the boulevard trees because they will not maintain them. It was in the Council's interest at that time to acquire the trees and the City would be responsible for the maintenance. He explained the City was doing the best it could to maintain this space and indicated the proposed irrigation would relieve some of the resources that were being focused on watering this area. He stated the residents in this area supported an irrigation system, especially given the recent droughts. Councilmember Holden questioned if the seasonals were allowed to operate the water truck. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained a Class B license was required to operate the water truck, which meant a fulltime employee was required to complete this work. He indicated seasonals could assist. Councilmember Holden stated Ramsey County never maintained this property after the trees were installed. She commented on how $200,000 was a lot of money and would buy a lot of park equipment. Councilmember Monson inquired if the City had to keep the trees, or could a pollinator garden be considered, because this would require less water.