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<br /> STAFF REPORT <br />DATE: May 13, 2025 <br /> WORKSHOP <br /> <br />TO: City Council <br />FROM: Marty Powers, Public Works Director <br />AGENDA ITEM: UMN Low Input Grass Research <br />REVIEWED BY: Nicole Miller, City Administrator <br /> <br />CORE STRATEGIES: <br /> <br />☐ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services <br />☐ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future <br />☒ Managed Growth ☒ Resilient Infrastructure <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: The University of Minnesota is proposing to complete research on multi <br />species of low input grass seeds in Lake Elmo. The drought resistant grasses being tested require <br />less watering and fertilizer while still maintaining a desired appearance. The UMN is seeking <br />four locations around the metro, one in the Lake Elmo area. The preferred site would be visible <br />for the public viewing, have minimal slope, minimal foot traffic and have access to a water <br />supply for irrigation. Irrigation requirements for this test plot may require additional irrigation <br />outside of the city’s irrigation restrictions if regular rain does not occur during the establishment <br />period. The new Water Tower #3 site fits these search requirements. <br /> <br />ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: Does the City Council support the proposed UMN low-input grass <br />research plot at the Water Tower #3 site and waive irrigation restriction during the establishment <br />period? <br /> <br />PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: The U of M is proposing a low-input grass seed test plot <br />at the Lake Elmo Water Tower #3 site located at 120 Lake Elmo Ave. This research is intended to <br />help improve conservation by developing drought resistant grass that requires less fertilizer and <br />irrigation water use, while still maintaining the appearance of a beautiful lawn. An irrigation <br />waiver extending beyond the 15 days for new seed would be required to ensure grass establishment <br />and growth if regular rainfall does not occur. The UMN would install the test plot, temporary <br />irrigation system, and public informational signage, along with maintaining the grasses for the first <br />year. <br /> <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />Slide show presentation <br />Irrigation Ordinance