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

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Chair Bennett stated that he appreciates the approach in attempting to determine the value of the alternatives. He noted that education will be an important element to ensure that visitors are aware that is how the area is supposed to look, and that it is not undermaintained. Commissioner Barten asked if staff will be analyzing the impact of the growth inhibitors along with the different types of plantings. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that to be true and noted that he would look for the Commission to help in that analysis. He stated that Elmcrest Park will be used for side by side comparison to ensure that it is a true comparison. He stated that he will be obtaining quotes from the contractor for that service and provided details on the application schedule which would begin in May 2021. He believed that additional funds and staff time could possibly be identified through best practices well. Vice Chair Sis asked if any other communities have done activities of this nature. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that Minneapolis implemented some of these no-mow alternatives in the past and believed that was considered a success in the end, although there were negative comments along the way. He agreed that education and signage would be an important element of implementation, should this move forward. Chair Bennett commented that perhaps this will be embraced by the community and its desire to maintain its rural character. Councilmember Musgrove agreed that education would be an important component in the public embracing this type of activity. She asked for thoughts on no-mow grass rather than non-mowed areas that use prairie grass and other things that require maintenance. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood explained that they hope to identify short-term and long-term costs for each of the alternatives. He noted that while many of the alternatives will not be cost-effective in the first one or two years, they would provide a long-term cost-savings. Motion by Vice Chair Sis, seconded by Commissioner Guck to proceed as discussed and proposed by staff. Further discussion: Brian Walker stated that he has been a turf grass manager for 30 years and in his experience, growth regulators help to create a healthy turf that requires less maintenance. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that all elements including staff time, administration, equipment, etc. will be considered in the cost analysis that will be completed. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Barten, Bayer, Guck, Leistico, Loss, and Sis. Voting No: None. Absent: None. 6. COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT Park and Recreation Commission/September 10, 2020 Page 3 of 5