7.a)1) Staff Report-Pollinator Planting Project�S/ CANL IA
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: November 17, 2015
To: City Council
From: Judi Negus, Office Assistant
Re: Pollinator Planting Project
Background:
Janie O'Connor and Karen Schik attended the October 5, 2015 Parks and Recreation Committee
meeting and presented a proposal for a Pollinator Planting Project at the City of Scandia park
land located at the corner of Oren Road North and Olgilvie Avenue North. The Soaring Eagles
4-H Club received a $3,750 donation from Pheasants Forever and Quails Forever to create a
pollinator habitat plot on public land, a minimum of .5 acres in size, by June 2016. Although
Committee members supported the project, the Parks and Recreation Committee wanted
clarification of an easement as well as documentation of support from residents in the
development.
O'Connor and Schik attended the November 2, 2015 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting
to provide clarification regarding the parcel of land that was thought to be an easement, which is
actually Outlot D that has the pump house used by the development, and documentation of
support from the residents in the development. The documentation presented at this meeting is
included in the meeting materials. Schik received clarification from Bruce Swenson regarding
the Development Contract which states the developer shall install playground equipment and
backstop for softball diamond on Outlot A of Swenson's Goose Lake Farm Estates. Swenson
informed he installed lime rock, graded the area, and prepared to put in a ballfield. Swenson
shared the City decided it did not want a ballfield at the site because of the maintenance and
agreed to accept the Development Contract without requiring a ballfield. Swenson also shared
the residents in the development didn't support a ballfield at the site. Swenson informed a
ballfield could be finished someday and stated the site could accommodate the pollinator
planting project as well as a ballfield.
Issue:
Should the City Council approve the pollinator planting project as recommended by the Parks
and Recreation Committee?
Proposal Details:
The Soaring Eagles 4-H Club and Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails are proposing a pollinator
garden and youth education site. The planting project would occupy approximately 1.7 acres on
Outlot A of Swenson's Goose Lake Farm Estates. The planting would include native plants and
seed. There is no maintenance required; however, mowing trails could be done by the residents
of the development.
Fiscal Impact:
None. The project would be donated to the City with proceeds from a grant received by the
Soaring Eagles 4-H Club from Pheasants Forever and Quails Forever program. A signed
Donation Form is included in the meeting materials.
Options:
1. Approve pollinator planting project as presented.
2. Amend pollinator planting project and then approve.
3. Do not approve pollinator planting project.
Recommendation:
Option 1.