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Councilmember Shryock asked who would pay for the irrigation water. <br /> Chairperson Riley stated that would be a City cost. He noted another option suggested by Parks <br /> and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood is a hybrid to restore one median section <br /> in prairie restoration and use mulch for the other areas. <br /> Chairperson Riley and Councilmember Johns stated they did not support the options to pave the <br /> median. Councilmember Johns stated if the trees are retained, they will need to be watered. <br /> Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the cost to repair the irrigation system is not yet <br /> known and if the mulch option is approved, he would recommend using a water truck for the <br /> trees instead of repairing the irrigation system. <br /> Councilmember Shryock stated she would like to explore the prairie restoration option if it is <br /> manageable over the long term. She reviewed the problems that can occur with mulch, which <br /> may be a better option than pavement, but she would like to first pursue a prairie restoration <br /> project including maintenance as it will look a lot nicer. If the Council decides it does not <br /> support that option, then she would support going with mulch. <br /> Councilmember Johns concurred. <br /> Chairperson Riley stated support for the EPB recommendation to use mulch as he is concerned <br /> with the perception that prairie restoration may only look like weeds for a number of years. <br /> Councilmember Johns noted the plants can include a flowering variety so people are aware it is a <br /> prairie planting. <br /> Councilmember Shryock felt the maintenance package for the first three years would show <br /> residents that it is a developing prairie restoration. <br /> Motion by Councilmember Shryock, seconded by Councilmember Johns, to recommend that the <br /> City Council approve the prairie restoration option for the center median in Sweet Bay Ridge and <br /> direct staff to explore the condition of the irrigation system and if it is not viable, then to instead <br /> recommend the mulch option. <br /> Further discussion: Chairperson Riley stated he supports the EPB recommendation for a mulch <br /> median. <br /> Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Shryock and Johns. Voting No: Chairperson <br /> Riley. <br /> Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood suggested using native flowers to <br /> create a formalized edge with naturalized plantings on the interior median areas. <br /> Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated this will be on the Committee's September agenda. <br /> 5.02: Removal of Abandoned Garage at 16600 Highway 47 <br /> Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated staff is seeking direction on removal of the <br /> abandoned garage located just west of the Rum River Hills Golf Course at 16600 St. Francis <br /> Public Works Committee/July 19, 2016 <br /> Page 4 of 8 <br />