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79 Member Fergus also asked about mailbox recommendations and the impact of snow <br />80 plowing on driveways. <br />81 <br />82 Mr. Freihammer explained the challenges of plowing around existing snow banks <br />83 and the impact of residents' driveway maintenance on snow removal. <br />84 <br />85 6. Less Mow Summer/Pollinator Update <br />86 Sustainability Specialist Bakken updated the transition from the "No Mow May" <br />87 initiative to a more year-round approach to pollinator -friendly lawn care. The City <br />88 was moving away from the "No Mow May" initiative due to its lack of additional <br />89 pollinator benefits and the stress it places on lawns. <br />90 <br />91 Ms. Bakken discussed recommendations for responsible mowing, planting native <br />92 flowers and shrubs, and using fine fescue instead of Kentucky Bluegrass. She <br />93 indicated the City's website was updated to reflect the new approach to pollinator- <br />94 friendly lawn care, including resources for water conservation and native planting. <br />95 <br />96 Ms. Bakken announced a native plant and seed sale planned for May 24, with an <br />97 online portal for pre -ordering. The sale will include various kits and seed mixes, <br />98 with prices set to be competitive with retail prices. The goal was to encourage <br />99 residents to plant more native plants to create habitat and forage for pollinators. She <br />100 noted the sale would be structured similarly to the City's tree sale, with plants and <br />101 seed mixes available for pickup at City Hall. <br />102 <br />103 7. Bike Plan <br />104 Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Lowry provided an update on the <br />105 bike plan, including the involvement of MnDOT consultants and public <br />106 engagement. She explained the plan aims to create a safe, comfortable, and <br />107 accessible bicycle network for all ages and abilities. <br />108 <br />109 Ms. Lowry explained that feedback from public engagement and bike audits has <br />110 been incorporated into the plan, which includes a detailed map and priority ranking <br />111 criteria. <br />112 <br />113 Ms. Lowery explained that a demonstration project on Hamline Avenue was <br />114 planned, involving the addition of on -road bike lanes and removing right -turn lanes. <br />115 She explained the demonstration project on Hamline Avenue, which included the <br />116 addition of on -road bike lanes and the elimination of right -turn lanes. The project <br />117 aims to improve safety and comfort for cyclists and pedestrians, with support from <br />118 the school district and the county. The project will be constructed mid to late May, <br />119 with plans to document its impact before and after implementation. The goal would <br />120 be to create a sustainable and effective bike land that could be replicated in other <br />121 areas if successful. <br />122 <br />Page 3 of 6 <br />Page 5 of 57 <br />