04/28/2010 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 24, 2009 6. OPEN MIKE Open mike closed at 6:34 p.m. 7. ACTION ITEMS None. 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Gardening Club Mr. John Mordlund was in attendance to present information to board members regarding the garden club in the City of Columbia Heights where he is employed. He stated the City has roughly 60 garden plots that are 10 x 15 feet in size. The plots have water available on site. He stated it is helpful to have a designated person to manage the water. He stated there is an administrative fee of $10.00 per plot and interested persons sign up through their Parks and Recreation Department. Ms. Bor questioned if the City enhances the soil and /or tills it. He sated yes, the City does this once in the spring and once in the fall. Ms. DeHaven questioned if there have been problems with people stealing from gardens. He stated yes, occasionally. Ms. Bor questioned if their City has guidelines for use of the garden plots. He stated none that he knows of. Ms. O'Dea stated there should be rules as to what is allowed on the garden plots pertaining to fences, etc. Ms. O'Dea asked if our City was to start a garden club would he be interested in helping us get started. He stated yes. He is a master gardener and needs volunteer hours. Ms. DeHaven questioned if they have parking problems. He stated no. They have roughly 3 to 6 spots. B. Blue Heron Rookery Update Mr. Wayne LeBlanc was in attendance to present information to board members regarding the Blue Heron Rookery. He stated one of his goals was to continue monitoring the heron rookery and maintain or improve the habitat. Ms. Bor stated she is hoping something can be done to reduce the raccoon population. Mr. Asleson stated the reduction of raccoons may not be an efficient technique to save the birds. The date the birds are expected to return to the island is March 17. He stated the island has roughly 1/3 basswood trees, 1/3 ash trees and 1/3 hickory trees. He stated he spoke with a Girl Scout troop about planting bare root trees in August. He will need to check and see if this is possible with the county, etc. Ms. Bor stated the National Honor Society also looks for community projects as well. Mr. LeBlanc stated the flashing is getting tight around tree trunks and some of the flashing is torn and falling apart. He stated the birds tend to move around a little from tree to tree. At the end of this year they will reevaluate to see where the herons are and think a little more comprehensively as to where they move. There DRAFT MINUTES 2 • • •