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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee — August 20, 2024 Page 13 mitigation progress in Chatham Trails Park at minimal cost to the city. While their progress is noticeable, they are just beginning. The Public Works Department has supported Arden Hills Greening by providing herbicide to kill the roots and stumps and by picking up and disposing of the cuttings. They are very appreciative of that collaboration. The group keeps Public Works informed of their activities and try to allow adequate lead time when making requests. This approach works with just a few people working in just a few sites. In the future, they would like to work with the PTRC and Public Works to develop and define a process for working together. Adopt -a -Spot is an idea that may be worth exploring. It would be similar to the Adopt -a -Park program but on a smaller scale. It would be like the work they are already doing. Arden Hills Greening would like to work with the City to define what such a program may look like and get it started. Steve Erler thanked the Committee for their time and asked if anyone had questions. Committee Member Olson asked if the group has 501 C-3 non-profit status. Steve Erler replied that they do not. There have been discussions and they will pursue that when they feel the time is right. He has been through that process with other organizations he has worked with. As a group, Arden Hills Greening has decided to put that off for now. Committee Member Olson asked how the group is funded. Steve Erler said there is no funding. They have a bank account but there are no income streams, at this time. Committee Member Seemann noted the only income was $14 raised at the Penny Carnival. That does not offset the hundreds of dollars spent on printing flyers. Steve Erler said the project is being funded by members of the group, right now. The group shared appreciation for the members spending their own money. Committee Member Anderson said the idea of Adopt -a -Spot or Adopt -a -Park has come up in this committee a couple of times. She thinks there is a good foundation to start talking about that. It could help all these entities come together to do this work. She thought the PTRC's role could start with the organizational piece and make a proposal to the City Council about what this could look like. Committee Member Olson asked if the Friends of Minnetonka Parks runs the Adopt -a -Park program or if it is city -run. Committee Member Seemann wasn't sure. She knows the group works closely with the City's Natural Resources Department.