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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JULY 26, 2000 <br />installing irrigation. He noted it should have been better communicated to that company <br />that the natural vegetation is a several -year process. <br />Wessel explained that with light industrial, it usually involves smaller companies that <br />cannot afford a complete professional design team. He stated these companies have been <br />using a landscaper to help them put together a landscape plan. Wessel stated it has also <br />been suggested that the City do that for them, but that would have to be further discussed <br />since the City does not have a professional landscaper on staff. <br />Chair Lanyon asked how the business community would receive draft design guidelines <br />and specified plantings. Wessel stated he thinks it would be well received but the <br />business owner may ask for assistance on implementation. He stated a fmancial incentive <br />could be offered via TIF to help with the long-term maintenance. <br />Asleson stated he thinks the business cultural view of landscapes include a certain <br />specific perception. Wessel stated the City suggested a pilot project in a park as a <br />demonstration and the City has also worked with a commercial property. However, his <br />concern is that it does not appear nice so the perception of that concept is not good and <br />may jeopardize that entire vision. <br />Asleson reviewed the landscaping with Lakeland Bank and the problem with the <br />installation of plant materials by a general contractor. He stated the clinic is impatient <br />with their landscaping but staff has been working with them to add more flowering <br />plants. He stated the native landscaping on the property next to the clinic is doing very <br />well. <br />Wessel stated the only posibti <br />ve perception is with the landscaping around the City Hall. <br />He stated it may be beneficial to have a video presentation of what it will look like in <br />several years to demonstrate the positive final result. He reported on a Council tour of a <br />native prairie restoration project. <br />Mach askedif the only plan is for prairie or if it also includes trees. Asleson stated native <br />trees are also part of .the plan. Mach noted these projects are being started from seed, but <br />if started from plants it would appear nice much sooner. Wessel stated that is a good idea <br />and could be. considered. <br />Trehus agreed that it will be hard to convince the business community to support a native <br />prairie landscape plan that looks like weeds for the first few years. <br />Chair Lanyon asked how the City would go about hiring a design/consulting firm to <br />prepare native landscape plans and a recommendation. Wessel stated that is not budgeted <br />for now but if it is considered a priority by the Board, he will revisit the budget and see if <br />it is possible to find funding. <br />4 <br />