HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes 6-12-06City of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
Meeting Minutes
June 12, 2006
Present: Peter Lindstrom, Jim Keilsmeier, Debbie Tretsven, Amy Wojcik Onofrey, Linda Smith, Deb Jones, Greg Hoag (guest speaker), Ila Dunteman (guest speaker)
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM.
Introductions were made, as the Park and Rec Commission and the Environment Commission met as a large group.
Guest speaker, Ila Dunteman, from Garden Works presented the commissions with information on community gardens. Ila works with the west metro areas, and Sarah O. will be the new contact
for east metro community gardens. Ila shared a lot of information about how gardens get started, what the basic needs are, expenses, etc. She did not give a specific dollar amount
for start up costs, or annual maintenance.
She listed the following as things that have costs attached:
water
dumpster (garbage)
tools (shovels, rakes, garden forks.)
tool shed
tool repair
signage
hoses
wheelbarrows
Some other recommendations/info Ila gave:
10x10 or 12x12 would be plenty of space for a single plot.
$20.00 per plot is the norm for most gardens. Some have sliding fees.
Most gardens have gardeners sign up for a few work days for general spring and fall clean ups.
To create/start a successful garden, you need space, water, and at least 10 dedicated gardeners.
She also recommended a book called The Square Foot Gardening Book.
Ila gave printed information, including assessment lists, timelines, sample flyers and letters to community members, and resource guides. All this information will be very useful to
us, as we continue to plan a community garden in Falcon Heights.
During the presentation some discussion and questions arose, as well as information regarding city property.
The front yard at city hall was measured and sprinkler systems and other obstructions were marked. The Environment Commission, along with Ila went out to the front yard to look at the
land. There is approximately 7200 square feet available (90x80). One major road block is that the parking lot at City Hall is scheduled to be redone next year. This would likely hinder
any garden plans for the spring of 2007. Some of the pros and cons of using the front yard were discussed: Where will water come from? State fair is during the height of garden production
– could be problematic for gardeners. What will happen when the parking lot is reconstructed? is
the plan for water to run off into this area? What about the possibility of raised beds? Where would the tool shed go? Is it a good location for most gardeners? It is on the bus
line – easy access. Parking should not be a problem. How will the garden be monitored? What about people who don’t keep their plot up or neglect it? How can we ensure this won’t
fall on city staff’s shoulders?
The next question was, what is the best way to present this info to the council?
MOTION: Environment Commission will conduct a basic feasibility study to make recommendations to the council regarding the start up of a community garden. Motion was seconded and approved.
The environment commission hopes to look at a variety of sites, to determine which city site is the best and most appropriate choice. The council will also have to look in to creating
a budget for start up costs, and annual costs for the garden.
There are other potential sites for the garden. Each (present) commissioner was assigned one or two areas to look at and assess, using the “Community Garden Site Assessment List” that
Ila D. gave us.
Here are the potential sites, and who will asses each one:
City Hall’s front yard (Debbie)
U of M property, west of City Hall (Jim K.) Community Park ( Jim K.)
U of M property at Fry St. and Garden Ave – field side (Linda S.)
Lindig Park (Linda S.)
Area behind Twin Cities Federal Co-op ( Debbie)
Falcon Heights Elementary School (Amy/Peter)
Each will report their assessments to Peter Lindstrom. He will compile info and the commission will hopefully be able to narrow down to the best potential spot(s) for the garden at
the next meeting.
The goal is to have a recommendation to make to the council by their September meeting.
The city ice cream social is scheduled for July 27th. The Commission talked about setting up a table to let citizens know that a community garden is in the works, find potential gardeners,
and citizens who are interested in joining the commission.
A motion was made to approve the minutes from the last Env. Commission meeting. It was seconded and approved.
Next meeting is July 10th at 6:30.
Deb Jones stated she would put a notice on the webpage and add it to the next flyer that the Environment Commission needs more members.
The Environment Commission adjourned at 8:45 PM.
submitted by: Debbie Tretsven