01-26-2021 LIB MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River Public Library Board Page 5 January 26th,2021 �� for maintenance responsibility and the concern for continuing to invest in garden areas when the plants will not survive. High maintenance plants should not be planted in areas where the only watering is from rainwater and snow and salt damage are consistent in the winter. • Chair Dreissig asked if the master gardeners are willing to maintain the gardens if the new plants are put in. Ms. Olson explained that she discussed this with the other master gardeners at their recent meeting and it is not part of their mission to be responsible for garden maintenance.The master gardeners focus on education. Maintaining gardens is out of their scope of practice. • Commissioner Boelter questioned if the board should put more money into plants if they will not be maintained. Mr. Sevcik confirmed that that his staff in parks maintenance can move the boulders in the parking lot raingarden. The board is concerned that whatever is replanted in that location will just die. Mr. Sevcik suggested planting a butterfly seed mix that would maintain itself once established. Commissioner Keifenheim suggested adding mulch as well once the boulders are removed. Mr. Sevcik also suggested decorative grasses for planting with 1 year of parks maintenance watering support for establishment. Commissioner Keifenheim and Chair Dreissig said they would support native grasses and plants. • The board discussed that they would not support the plan presented at the October meeting due to concerns about the survival and maintenance of the plants. • Mr. Sevcik can provide a plan and give it to the board at the meeting in April. Mr. Sevcik and Ms. Olson will get together to put a plan in place.The funds are available in the landscaping budget. The board will then review the plan in April and vote. • Ms. Olson believes that the master gardeners would support the natural grasses idea and she is willing to meet with Mr. Sevcik before the next meeting. Ms. Schake said she defers the landscaping decisions to Mr. Sevcik and will support him in what he decides. Ms. Olson left the meeting and Ms. Schake thanked her and Ms.Lewis for their contributions. Moved by Commissioner Keifenheim and seconded by Commissioner Boelter to decline the proposed plan of plantings presented at the October meeting due to concerns about plant replacement costs and maintenance. Motion carried 5-0. 5.3 City Council Report POWERED 01 NATURE