#12 - University of Minnesota Grass Study

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STAFF REPORT DATE: June 3, 2025 Regular TO: City Council FROM: Marty Powers, Public Works Director AGENDA ITEM: UMN Low Input Grass Research REVIEWED BY: Nicole Miller, City Administrator CORE STRATEGIES: ☐ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☐ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☒ Managed Growth ☒ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: The University of Minnesota is proposing to complete research on multi species of low input grass seeds in Lake Elmo. The drought resistant grasses being tested require less watering and fertilizer while still maintaining a desired appearance. The UMN is seeking four locations around the metro, one in the Lake Elmo area. The preferred site would be visible for public viewing, have minimal slope, minimal foot traffic and have access to a water supply for irrigation. An irrigation waiver will be required for irrigating the test plot every day, periodically throughout the day, should regular rain not occur during the establishment period. The new Water Tower #3 site fits these search requirements. ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: Does the City Council support the proposed UMN low-input grass research plot at the Water Tower #3 site and waive irrigation restriction during the establishment period in 2025? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: The U of M is proposing a low-input grass seed test plot at the Lake Elmo Water Tower #3 site located at 120 Lake Elmo Ave. This research is intended to help improve conservation by developing drought resistant grass that requires less fertilizer and irrigation water use, while still maintaining the appearance of a beautiful lawn. An irrigation waiver extending beyond the 15 days for new seed would be required to ensure grass establishment and growth if regular rainfall does not occur. The UMN would install the test plot, temporary irrigation system, and public informational signage, along with maintaining the grasses for the first year. The water used to irrigate will be paid for by the UMN FISCAL IMPACT: No cost to the city RECOMMENDATION: “Motion to approve the UMN Low Input Grass Study on City property for 2025 through 2027 and provide an irrigation waiver to irrigate as needed during the 2025 establishment period”