Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/11/2024

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Parks &Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that the Commission and City Council have discussed the parking lot reconstruction project at Central Park since 2021/2022 and the Commission has provided various recommendations. He stated that the parking lot has been completed but the landscaping was held back as parking lot contractors typically do not complete landscaping and would instead use a subcontractor at a higher cost. He displayed photos of the existing parking lot medians. He stated that the landscaping and irrigation elements have been estimated at a cost of $55,000 or less and therefore asked that the Commission recommend that the City Council pursue quotes for the landscaping and irrigation with a not to exceed cost of $55,000 noting that funding would come from the Park Trust Fund. He provided a brief overview of the landscaping elements proposed. Chair Barten asked if the swales would be wet enough to support the trees proposed. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that Swale would provide the ideal condition,noting that irrigation would be included to use in dry conditions to ensure the plants and trees survive. Commissioner Sis asked the estimated length of years it would take for the trees to provide shade value. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that the 12-foot trees would provide shade value immediately and that would continue to grow each year. He noted that some of the tree species could grow three feet per year. Commissioner Sis asked if there is concern from the birch litter plugging up drainage. Parks &Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that for the first year they would most likely put fabric over the inlet to catch woodchips and other items. He stated that following that, the organic material dropping from the trees would be absorbed back into the ground, or swept up with the parking lot sweeping. Motion by Commissioner Sis, seconded by Commissioner Olson, to recommend to City Council the completion of the Central Park Main Parking Lot Reconstruction project, with installation of landscape and irrigation at a not-to-exceed amount of$55,000 from the Park Trust Fund. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Barten; Commissioners Sis, Olson, Bennett, Ealaine, and Leistico. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Arts. 5.03: The WaterFront— Trails and Trees, a 2024 CIP Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood presented background information on The Waterfront and progress that has been made in The COR. He noted the investment in development within the COR that has occurred in the past several years, some choosing their location based on the future plans for the park and Waterfront. He recapped the discussion the Commission had related to The Waterfront at its last meeting and noted that the intention tonight is for the Commission to consider making a recommendation related to the trails, trees and other related Park and Recreation Commission/January 11, 2024 Page 4 of 7