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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JUNE 10, 2024 8 Councilmember Monson indicated she wanted to better understand what was required of the City for beautification. She stated if staff came up with a concrete plan for these areas, taking into consideration what was required by the City, she would be happy to reconsider how to approach these projects. Councilmember Fabel feared the City was throwing good money at bad. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated staff would continue to water with the resources staff had. Councilmember Monson explained she would need more details from staff on the irrigation system. She indicated she could not support purchasing and replanting 17 more shrubs that would just die again in this environment. Councilmember Fabel anticipated that ongoing watering would be necessary in order to maintain any vegetation or landscaping at this corner. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated residents in this area were very concerned that this corner was not being watered properly and this was why this matter was brought to the City Council. Councilmember Rousseau questioned how many new trees were being watered. Assistant Public Works Director Miller indicated half of the spruce trees were planted last year. Councilmember Rousseau stated these trees have to be watered. Councilmember Monson stated she was hearing from staff that there was a need for this area to be irrigated. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated he believed this was the case given the amount of resident feedback staff has received. Councilmember Fabel supported this area being irrigated as well. Mayor Grant stated this meant staff had support from four Councilmembers to irrigate this area. He questioned how the Council wanted to address Highway 96. Councilmember Holden suggested there be half the number of trees without an irrigation system. She recommended that if a tree were to die that it not be replaced. Mayor Grant indicated he supported the trees being watered. Councilmember Rousseau agreed. Councilmember Monson explained she did not support an irrigation system for this portion of roadway in 2024. She indicated she wanted to see a full plan for Highway 96 and wanted to understand if the 30 trees had to be replaced.