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<br /> <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Parks & Recreation Commission <br /> <br />FROM: Bill Dircks, Public Works Director <br /> <br />DATE: May 30, 2018 <br /> <br />RE: Landscaping in Thunder Bay/Westwinds Park <br /> <br />City Staff met with representatives from Xcel Energy on May 29 to discuss the future of the land under <br />the transmission line corridor in Thunder Bay/Westwinds Park. As you are aware, a contractor for <br />Xcel cleared out nearly all of the trees in the Xcel easement and right-of-way. Some of that work was <br />in the yards of residents who abut the park. Xcel’s easement extends into private property along some <br />areas of the corridor. The area was left looking quite barren and the mulch left behind from the <br />operation is not very aesthetically pleasing. City staff has been in discussions with Xcel about what to <br />do about the area moving forward so that it can be a low maintenance but appealing area that does not <br />interfere with the transmission lines above. <br />Xcel has some experience with re-establishing grasses, wildflowers, pollinators, and other features in <br />areas that have been cleared of tree growth. Jake Sedlacek will be attending the meeting to discuss <br />past projects, what the City can expect going forward, and the steps involved in getting to the final <br />product. <br />Xcel has sprayed the entire area with a chemical that kills all deciduous tree growth so any seeding or <br />pollinator planting the City plans to do cannot begin until late-summer or fall. As staff stated a few <br />months ago, the area is not going to look very good this year. Staff has been assured by Xcel that <br />mulch covering the area will not inhibit the growth of grasses either in native form from under the <br />mulch or seed that is introduced over the top of the mulch. <br />Some things to consider for the project are: <br />- Which areas should be seeded versus letting grasses come up naturally? <br />- What types of grasses, wildflowers, pollinators should be incorporated? <br />- Is there a possible site for a community garden that should be set aside? (The area off of Arcade <br />may lend itself to a garden as there is room for on-street parking and Xcel has said they have no <br />problem with gardens on the easement.) <br />- Are there areas that should be set aside for storm water ponding/infiltration? (The area east and <br />west of Greenbrier is a probably spot for future infiltration associated with the reconstruction of <br />that roadway.) <br />- How much money are we willing to dedicate to the project? (Xcel has no money budgeted for <br />these types of project so it is unknown what kind of participation they will be able to provide.) <br />Xcel will be showing the area to Minnesota Native Landscapes to give them an idea of what needs to <br />be done and they will provide some ideas on what can be done. There will likely be a cost for those <br />services so staff can also talk to another company, Prairie Restorations and see what their cost would <br />be. <br />Staff will lead a public meeting in conjunction with Xcel to get input from abutting properties and any <br />other residents who would like to participate. This meeting will likely be held in late-June so that staff