2017-05-23_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Evil 82 Further discussion included native plant options based on their particular root 83 systems; public perceptions of native plantings; larger benefits with larger planting 84 areas, even with higher initial installation costs for native plantings and annual 85 mowing in the spring with turf grass requiring more frequent maintenance and 86 mowing; typical non use of fertilizers with native plantings due to their larger root 87 systems other than spot treatment of weeds growing within the plantings 88 themselves (e.g. thistles); with the City Hall native planting area usually requiring 89 less than monthly treatment since it is now more established. 90 91 Commissioners questioned staff as to whether these results could be replicated 92 elsewhere in the city (e.g. parks) and in larger contracted mowing areas to reduce 93 costs. 94 95 Mr. Johnson responded that options for native plantings could be replicated in 96 numerous locations around the city, with plantings available for every condition 97 (e.g. sunny, shady, on boulevards or slopes, or as buffers around wetlands and 98 lakes) with similar results to those shown to reduce pollution. 99 100 At the request of Member Wozniak as to why it wasn't seen more frequently, Mr. 101 Johnson noted the upfront costs for native plantings as well as public perception of 102 them as weeds and preferring turf grasses. Mr. Johnson suggested further public 103 education would alleviate those misconceptions. 104 105 Chair Cihacek suggested another secondary benefit would be in traffic calming, 106 reduced headlight glare, natural habitat, and recharging shallow groundwater; and 107 questioned how those efforts could be funded. 108 109 Mr. Freihammer advised that some efforts could be managed through the 110 Stormwater Enterprise Fund related to stormwater management, using the recent 111 infiltration basins and native materials installed along Twin Lakes Parkway at 112 Arthur Street (e.g. rain garden), and other limited funds available for similar 113 projects in the future as applicable. While native plantings would offset long-term 114 operations due to having less turf grass to mow, Mr. Freihammer noted that the 115 biggest factor was where they should or could be installed to meet resident 116 expectations for manicured, mowed grass, with ongoing complaints fielded of 117 current native planting areas. 118 119 Member Misra noted the research done by the University of Minnesota Landscape 120 Architecture Department balancing and addressing both schools of thought, noting 121 the ratios available for using native plantings that are more aesthetically pleasing 122 to the public. 123 124 Mr. Johnson agreed, noting that with Twin Lakes Parkway, larger groups of more 125 familiar plantings were used that were more recognizable by the public to make 126 them aware of the intentional natural areas; but reiterated the need for continuing Page 3 of 9