Arbor Committee

Maple Grove Arbor Committee Regular Meeting Minutes June 9, 2022 Mayor’s Conference Room 7 p.m. Call to Order The regular meeting of the Arbor Committee was called to order by Chair Parenteau at 7 p.m. Members Present Chair Mary Parenteau, Sarah Piket, Cody Lensing, Don Varney, Bob Henke, Frank Kampel, Jake Wanek Marilyn Arnlund, Julie Gamber and Mike Aasen Members Absent Steven Courtney Also Present Jesse Corrow, Staff Liaison Approval of Agenda Motion Bob, second Julie to approve the agenda. Vote all ayes. Motion passed. Approval of Minutes Motion Don, second Sarah to approve the minutes from May 12, 2022. Vote all ayes. Motion passed. Old Business Hy-Vee North Property Jesse checked with parks on the lakes around the government center and parks is proposing that it remains more of a native prairie grass area. It is possible there is some room for some trees – nothing too heavy to over shade prairie grass. The Rotary Club is looking to plant trees on the east side of the lake. There may be an opportunity to extend tree plantings to the north side of the lake. The committee discussed a forested parcel of land west of 94 and north of country road 30 and north of Menards. The committee and city could partner together to use the money to purchase land to preserve trees. Sarah mentioned buying the land and using the rest of the money to plant trees around central park. Cody added that some of the money could also be used to rid the property of invasives and upping the quality of the land. Don mentioned that the committee should evaluate the land and determine its suitability. Sarah also mentioned we also should determine what designation the land would be given to ensure it was not sold and developed in the future. The group discussed what, if any, designations, or contingencies can be put in place to protect the land now and in the future. Jesse to find out if committee can put a forest preserve designation on the land. City Forester Jake and Mary met virtually with city staff on the possibility of hiring a City Forester. The city is pulling together information and will have more for the committee at a later date. The committee approved a motion to formally recommend the city hire a City Forester. Arbor Day Venue Frank visited the Central Park Pavilion and felt it was a great space for the Arbor Day Event. He did mention new signs would be needed with the new location and that there may be an issue with kid’s activities. Mary noted no separate area for kid’s activities and doesn’t know if the raptor center would be able to participate at that location. Mary was also concerned about the size of the venue and not wanting to count on the weather. Sarah mentioned scaling back kid’s activities and trying it out for a year. Need to make sure raptor center would be able to make it work. Maple Grove Days Parade The Arbor Committee is in the parade. Jesse will send parade lineup ahead of the parade. Committee will need someone to be Smokey and EAB. Jesse will deliver trees and candy. New Business Forest Preservation Area The city received two quotes for treatment of the forest Invasive Treatment preserve. Minnesota Native Landscapes and Ed’s Buckthorn Control. The two quotes also had two different approaches. Mike mentioned Ed’s proposal is much more thorough. The committee recommends Ed’s Buckthorn Control and approved motion to do so. Area Reports Cody made a report that the secondary parking lot at Forest Preservation Area had a ton of garbage. Jesse to see if it can be blocked off or a gate added so people don’t dump garbage. Adjournment Motion Julie, second Frank to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 p.m. Vote all ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jake Wanek, Arbor Committee Member