5.b PW-Staff Report
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: 7/7/2022
For: PRC
From: Charles Fischer – Director of Public Works
Subject: Staff Report
Lilleskogen Park:
Starting on June 22nd Public Works staff began cutting fallen trees and logs along the trail within
the park. This effort was to assist the volunteers of the Forest Lake Football team to pull the
material to the edge of the trail during their time at the park on June 27th. On June 29th and 30th
Public Works staff then followed up by chipping all of the material and recycling the chips back
on to the trail. After the chipping process was complete the wood chips were then spread as
much as possible on the trail. Not all areas were covered but a majority was able to be covered.
The effort of the Forest Lake Football team and Public Works staff really made a difference in
the visual appearance of the trail.
Story board signs have also been repaired with the number of parts we could use from
purchasing new signs to use as parts inventory.
Ballfields:
Over the past month Public Works has been busy with ballfield prep due to a number of rentals
and a tournament. Public Works provides the rentals with mowing and dragging of the field.
One additional item for the tournament included painting the foul lines in the outfield.
Public Works has also been working on spraying the fence lines and infields to reduce the weed
pressure and also reduce string trimming.
Volunteer:
Currently a resident is assisting Public Works by volunteering their time mowing parks on
Mondays and Wednesdays. With the additional help our seasonal has been able to focus on
catching up with string trimming at each site.
Landscape Beds:
Public Works staff have been spraying landscape beds to kill unwanted vegetation in the
preparation for it to be pulled. Once the product has had time to destroy the root system the
vegetation can be pulled. Without completing this step, the root system will regenerate new
plant material. The main targets we have been spraying are the thistle and unwanted grass
plants. Fortunately, most of the thistle was sprayed before the plant had the opportunity to
flower which will help reduce future plants.
Playground Update:
The City has been awarded the playground grant by the DNR. Currently the grant is in the final
approval process and will be signed by the City once the final contract is submitted. Following
the signing purchasing can begin for the playground structure and necessary materials for the
project. Public Work staff will begin breaking ground this year with an anticipated completion
next year. Public Works staff will be removing the old play structure and completing the grading
work for the new playground area and the concrete sidewalk and curb. Following the
installation of the curb and sidewalk restoration will take place by Public Works staff.