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