05-21-24 - PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – May 21, 2024 Page 3 Committee Member Jacobson asked if information could be provided regarding specifically which trees would be removed. She also asked if Arden Hills has a list of acceptable trees. Recreation Supervisor Johnson stated he would get more information from Assistant Public Works Director Miller. Committee Member Seemann noted that if the City partners with Great River Greening, this would be part of the area they would be restoring. She requested they be consulted. Committee Member Loosbrock asked when the roadwork would begin. Recreation Supervisor Johnson stated the hope was by the end of May. B. Work Group Updates Committee Member Jacobson stated that she and Committee Member Johnson had attended a City Council worksession in order to provide information to the Council about rain gardens. She said they felt the Council was supportive and asked good questions. She noted the objective was to provide background information regarding what the work group was doing versus asking for funding. She said Mayor Grant suggested a PTRC representative attend the Ramsey County Sheriff’s meeting on July 23 in order to provide a handout to the block captains. She also indicated Councilmember Fabel suggested an article be included in the Arden Hills Notes and Public Works Director Swearingen encouraged them to schedule a meeting with him. Committee Member Jacobson indicated the City of Shoreview was offering a rain garden maintenance class should anyone wish to attend. She explained she spoke with someone from Shoreview about future classes. She noted that in Arden Hills, residents are asked to maintain the rain gardens in the front yard along the boulevard but because that is actually City right-of-way, it is ultimately the City’s responsibility. Committee Member Johnson said they were getting closer to being able to have a good procedure in place and were working closely with the Public Works Director regarding where the members could focus their efforts. She noted a meeting would take place in which more guidance would be provided. Councilmember Jacobson stated she wanted to make it clear that the PTRC work group was not proposing to identify and maintain all rain gardens in the city. Chair Anderson asked if the function of rain gardens was discussed as far as their importance to infrastructure in the city. Committee Member Jacobson replied that Public Works Director Swearingen did provide technical background at the meeting. She also commented that all communities are grappling with this and noted the City of Roseville hires a consultant that reviews all rain gardens each year. She said she would like to know how Shoreview handles this topic since they are offering a class. Council Liaison Rousseau asked if Committee Member Jacobson could obtain a price understanding as she was curious to know what was being done annually.