4.1. DRAFT HRA MINUTES 10-07-2019

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 3 September 3, 2019 ----------------------------- planters needing to be watered on weekends. She noted her own personal planters aren’t watered on the weekends and seem to do well and overwatering isn’t good for planters as too much water just runs out. Commissioner Chuba stated the hanging planters seem to take more water but he agrees with her questioning the need for weekend watering. Commissioner Ovall stated he would give Street and Park Superintendent Tim Sevcik the benefit of the doubt when determining how often and when to water the hanging planters, noting we’d have to see how it goes. He indicated there was no expense included for the use of city equipment or water, and because every other light pole will have a hanging planter, safety and efficiency navigating around vehicles and people will not be easy without the right equipment. Commissioner Eder asked if other cities were contacted about the number of days per week their hanging planters were watered. Ms. Othoudt indicated she had contacted other cities and they had all incorporated 7 days per week watering into their budget, noting she hasn’t come across a city that doesn’t water 7 days a week. Commissioner Kuester asked why the Parks Department isn’t responsible for this when they already maintain the downtown park. Commissioner Ovall stated it’s more than a downtown business effort and the city has been leaning on them a lot for their time and resources, but with volunteers it’s sometimes difficult to maintain consistency along with proper planter maintenance and safety. He stated after reflecting on that, it seems to make sense to use HRA budgeted funds for this purpose because it benefits more than just the downtown. Commissioner Chuba asked if this cost includes plant fertilizer when needed. Commissioner Eder stated she assumed fertilizer would be added to the water. Ms. Othoudt stated it was her understanding it would be just water and does not include fertilizer. Chair Toth asked if she could check with other cities. Commissioner Eder asked for clarification that other cities didn’t fertilizer their flowers. Ms. Othoudt stated that was one of the questions she asked other cities and she wasn’t aware that there was fertilizer applied with the water. Commissioner Chuba stated the city of Rogers has very large planters and they look good. Commissioner Eder stated the city of Anoka’s planters are similar and beautiful and would assume they are fertilized periodically.