Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/10/2020

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Motion by Commissioner Leistico, seconded by Commissioner Barten, to approve the following Park and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes: Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes dated July 9, 2020. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Leistico, Barten, Bayer, Guck, Loss, and Sis. Voting No: None. Absent: None. 5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Receive Status Report on the Bluebird Recovery Program Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood introduced resident and Master Naturalist Carlyn Erion to provide an update on the Bluebird Recovery Program. Carlyn Erion, Blue Bird Recovery Program, stated that in March she presented the program to the Commission and proposed a Bluebird Recovery Seminar for Earth Day. She stated that the seminar was videotaped and encouraged the Commission members to watch the video if they have not yet done so. She stated that two residents watched the March Park and Recreation Commission meeting and contacted City staff to get involved in the program. She reported that David constructed 15 bluebird houses to replace the dilapidated houses. She stated that new bluebird houses were placed between Armstrong and Variolite along Alpine by herself and another volunteer. She stated that the Bluebird Recovery Program also donated five bluebird houses. She noted that the houses were placed late, therefore documentation of nesting successes could not be properly documented. She provided an update on the nesting that has occurred in those houses since that time. She stated that they are working on an installation date for Riversend Park this fall, noting that they have marked the placement for the houses within the park. She stated that she continues to look for volunteers or additional ways to create interest by residents or service groups. Chair Bennett thanked Ms. Erion and the residents that volunteered their time and donated their time. He stated that hopefully they can create additional interest and gain additional volunteers. 5.02: Recommend an Exploration of Options and Alternatives to Turfgrass in Public Spaces Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood presented plans to explore options and alternatives to turfgrass and mowing in some of the park locations. He noted that staff will continue to brief the Commission as options are explored and results are compared. Commissioner Guck asked if staff has looked into the possibility of receiving funds through the DNR for this type of project. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that the first phase will be an examination of the hard costs while the second phase would focus on implementation. He confirmed that staff could look into grant options for the second phase. Park and Recreation Commission/September 10, 2020 Page 2 of 5