Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/08/2021

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Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that personally he agrees with those statements. He stated that those were great statements and noted that public education would be a key component. He stated that currently they are spending money and contributing to pollution to maintain areas that serve little purpose, referencing an area that could be better served by wildflower planting. He recognized that residents have varying opinions on turf maintenance. Commissioner Barten commended staff for the scientific approach to this process at Elmcrest Park. Councilmember Musgrove commented that there are regulations within homeowners associations and therefore the City should recognize the difference between private, public, and association properties. She agreed that education would be a key component to whatever is done. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that almost all the townhome developments use municipal water. He stated that if a townhome association wanted to reduce an area with irrigation, they could look towards the park plan as to how they could do that. He stated that for new developments, perhaps some regulations could be relaxed in exchange for more natural areas that require less irrigation and maintenance. Councilmember Heineman commented that it would be great to use this as a learning experience and share the details with the public as an educational experience. Chair Bennett agreed that the City cannot control everything, but they can control the City properties. He stated that this experiment will help to identify the cost benefit and noted that there are also other environmental benefits. He stated that there are practices that could be implemented by the City that could provide a cost savings and reduce the impacts on the environment. He stated that he loves the concept of including an educational component for the public. Commissioner Loss commented that it would be great to have signs available to educate the public as well. Commissioner Barten commented that even on small areas, prairie grass can help to introduce new species to the area. 6. COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that the recreation programs planned were included in the Commission packet. He stated that the Art Fair is planned for July and encouraged the Commission to spread the word to artists that may be interested. He stated that the Recreation Specialist left for a new position and the City hopes to have a new employee on board in June. Commissioner Loss commented that he noticed fencing going up at Alpine for the dog park. He asked for details on where the entrance gate would be located. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted that past cases included the layout and provided additional details on the expansion and gate locations. Park and Recreation Commission/April 8, 2021 Page 4 of 5