Arbor Committee

MAPLE GROVE ARBOR COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 8, 2021 VIRTUAL ONLINE MEETING 6:30 PM Call to Order The regular meeting of the Arbor Committee was called to order by Chair Parenteau at 6:30 p.m. Members Present Chair Mary Parenteau, Vice-Chair Frank Kampel, Sarah Piket, Steve Courtney, Julie Gamber, Cody Lensing, Don Varney, Marilyn Arnlund, Bob Henke, Mike Aasen, Ed Reichow Members Absent Also Present Jesse Corrow, Staff Liaison Joe Hogeboom, CED Director Scott Landsman, City Attorney Kristine Maurer, Hennepin County Approval of Agenda Parenteau requested the addition of 3D T-Zone Ordinance and 3E Arbor Day Event. Motion Kampel, second Varney to approve the amended agenda. Vote all ayes. Motion passed. Approval of Minutes Motion Piket, second Varney to approve the minutes from March 11, 2021. Vote all ayes. Motion passed. Old Business Conservation Easement CED Director Hogeboom explained that the goal of this Discussion discussion is to create a formal recommendation that can be submitted to City Council. Natural Resources Specialist Maurer introduced herself to the committee and explained the Habitat Conservation program she works on. Together with the MN Land Trust, they secure grant funding and work to establish conservation easements in Hennepin County. City Attorney Landsman has been researching title information to get a better understanding of existing easements on the land, and any restrictive covenants that would cause issues moving forward. If this project receives approval, Hennepin County will conduct their own title/information search to officially deem whether these parcels qualify for the habitat conservation program. Arbor Committee Meeting Minutes April 8, 2021 Varney inquired about additional funding and resources available through the Habitat Conservation program. Maurer responded that for every conservation easement established with the land trust, a habitat management plan is required at the onset of each project. These plans guide the work done in each property to increase the habitat value. Piket inquired whether there are resources or funding available for maintaining woodchip trails. Maurer responded that if the maintenance is related to water quality, it may warrant grant funding. The DNR has grant programs related to park maintenance. She also clarified that paved or natural trails are allowed in conservation easements. Varney inquired about the cost share requirements. Maurer responded that for larger grants, the more the city is willing to match, the easier it is for the program to justify spending. For smaller grants, a 25:75 match is required. Hogeboom stated that the first step should be solidifying a forest management plan. Then, the conservation easement would be implemented under that. Hogeboom added that the council is looking for a policy recommendation versus policy direction. If the council endorses it, then the extensive research would be conducted on each parcel. The entire process will probably take over a year, and the recommendation to council is a preliminary step. Moving forward, a formal recommendation will be drafted and sent to the City Council. The goal is to pursue the conservation of this land, with the purposes of forest management. Fall Tree Sale Corrow reported that all of the tree species selected for the sale are available. He is working to promote the event in the upcoming city newsletter. Tree Seedlings Update Corrow reported that not all of the seedlings chosen at last months meeting are available. The seedlings will be placed in the gravel bed, and are expected to be delivered on April 19th. Arnlund, Henke, and Kampel volunteered to plant them. T-Zone Ordinance Parenteau would like to reconsider the signage requirements and discuss at a later time. Arbor Committee Meeting Minutes April 8, 2021 Arbor Day Event Arnlund and Varney will be showcasing how to plant a tree in Central Park, in honor of Arbor’s Day. The committee discussed other ideas for activities, including a photo contest, and voting on landmark trees. New Business Adopt-A-Street Corrow asked the committee to solidify a date. The committee agreed to meet at 5 pm on Wednesday, April 28th to do a street clean-up. Maple Grove Landscape The City of Maple Grove has established a partnership with Partnership MnDOT, who provides funding to landscape interchanges around I-94. They are currently working on phase 2 of Maple Grove Parkway and I-94. Area Reports • Hogeboom gave an update on the Main Street Corridor Project. • Piket gave update on Parking Lot Subcommittee • Parenteau reported that the forest preservation area parking lot is extremely muddy, and would like to have it regraded and add gravel. Adjournment Motion Courtney, second Henke to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m. Vote all ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jesse Corrow, Staff Representative City of Maple Grove Arbor Committee