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173 time for native plant installation, but overall goals to conceptualize specific <br />174 projects. <br />175 <br />176 Mr. Freihammer advised that County Road C was contract mowing, with in-house <br />177 part-time staff (2-3 seasonal employees) mowing public properties over the summer <br />178 months. <br />179 <br />180 Chair Cihacek opined that if this was an area of genuine concern with area water <br />181 bodies hitting a crisis point for phosphorus, the PWETC should recommend <br />182 solutions and justifications for leading the transitioning from turf grass to native <br />183 plantings on public properties. <br />184 <br />185 Mr. Freihammer advised that staff would further research costs as available for <br />186 tracking in-house and/or contract mowing. <br />187 <br />188 Chair Cihacek recognized that some public areas would be easier to implement <br />189 native plantings versus other areas as it related to aesthetic values, but suggested <br />190 staff identify and address those areas that would be easier for implementing a <br />191 vegetation plan, not only for cost but also additional secondary benefits. Chair <br />192 Cihacek asked that staff prepare their recommended sites and cost benefit analyses <br />193 as time allowed; with a proposed plan to alert the public as to the how, why, and <br />194 where and justification for initial spending and long-term cost savings and <br />195 environmental benefits. <br />196 <br />197 Member Misra concurred, and suggested staff research on potential grant options <br />198 available for habitat development. <br />199 <br />200 Member Wozniak concurred, suggesting that the city could work with grad students <br />201 from the University of Minnesota on potential partnership opportunities. <br />202 <br />203 In starting with city -owned parks and public properties, Chair Cihacek suggested <br />204 educational signage at those test sites providing public education on how to do, and <br />205 their additional long-term benefits to lessen the intimidation for the public while <br />206 providing examples. <br />207 <br />208 6. Annual Stormwater Meeting and Public Hearing <br />209 Chair Cihacek opened the public hearing at approximately 7:23 p.m. <br />210 <br />211 Environmental Specialist Ryan Johnson presented the annual 2016 Municipal <br />212 Separate Storm Sewer Systems (Small MS4) (Attachment A); and 2013-2018 <br />213 NPDES Phase II Permit (Attachment B) establishing conditions for discharging <br />214 stormwater to water bodies within the state. Mr. Johnson noted that additional and <br />215 more detailed information could be found on the city's website, with hard copies <br />216 made available for the public upon request. <br />217 <br />Page 5 of 9 <br />