10-03-2011 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 3,2011 APPROVED 42 the council have more discussion on the matter at a future meeting; Mr. Hoppe should be 43 kept up to speed. 44 2. Maintenance of Island at Civic Complex—Administrator Karlson noted that 45 there have been comments from council members and city residents about the garden area 46 outside the front door of city hall in that it doesn't appear to be well kept as a city facility 47 should. The area immediately next to the building and entrances are planned for, and in 48 some cases have received, irrigation, plantings and mulch. There are some sidewalk 49 improvements planned that require a delay in working on the area directly adjacent to the 50 council chamber walls. He understands that the Environmental Board is not in favor of 51 changes to the island in the front. 52 Council and mayor comments included that it appears to be too much of the "prairie 53 look"that isn't really appropriate for the front of a government building; the city has 54 development standards and the current landscape may not meet them; perhaps the 55 community would like to decide how the area should be handled. 56 Community Development Director Grochala explained that the City facility was built 57 within a park and was intended to blend in and embrace the natural environment where it 58 was being located. As far as landscaping standards, native areas are allowed although 59 they tend to look different and that can generate concerns. There actually was a study 60 done previously (2003) for the center island; there was no decision made to go forward at 61 that time. It suggested a hybrid situation with some formal planting beds. 62 A council member suggested that the city facility is the "people's place" and he thinks it 63 should be a first class facility. He sees weeds thinks the landscaping should be done more 64 professionally, including the whole city hall area, not just the island. There is natural 65 environment surrounding the building. 66 The council suggested getting input from both the Environmental Board and residents. 67 Public Services Director DeGardner suggested that landscaping changes wouldn't be too 68 complex but he recommends moving quickly if the council wishes to make changes; 69 landscaping costs in the fall are far less costly than in the spring. As far as maintenance 70 of the whole area, this has been a difficult period and it will be addressed better next year. 71 He can put together some ideas for council review at the next work session. 72 3. Organized Solid Waste Collection -Administrator Karlson noted that the 73 council recently received a letter from a city resident requesting consideration of 74 organized waste collection. He has provided some research information on the issue; he 75 was involved somewhat when the same matter was considered in the City of Coon 76 Rapids. It tends to be a passionate issue fueled by the haulers and people's general 77 concern about loss of choice. Looking at the research, it appears there are some 78 advantages to an organized system that are laid out in the research. 2