04-05-2021 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes April 5, 2021 Motion carried 5-0. 5. Open Forum No one appeared for Open Forum. 6. Public Hearings There were no public hearings. 7.1 Downtown Beautification Page 2 Ms. Fischer presented the staff report and outlined the details of 11 other city's basket purchasing and funding source programs, the types of baskets and planters used, some other options like lights. Commissioner Ovall complimented Ms. Fischer on the detailed survey information she presented and felt it was important to emulate the high quality, successful baskets shown from other cities. He asked her if she was aware of any cities that use the water labor saving baskets she presented, noting he is reluctant to use a product that has not survived Minnesota weather. Ms. Fischer stated she was not aware in Minnesota but stated she could try one this year and if it works, the city could change over to them next year. Commissioner Chuba asked for clarification of the number of baskets. Ms. Fischer stated 24 baskets are required with a 60 -pound weight limit per pole. Commissioner Swenson stated she liked the lights idea Ms. Fischer presented. Commissioner Wagner asked for clarification of the staff and labor used for 2020. Ms. Fischer stated Street and Park Superintendent Tim Sevcik indicated he used two seasonal employees at $15/hour to water for 2 hours/day, 420 hours a week, at a cost of $6720 for the summer months. Mr. Sevcik suggested including an additional $2000 for any additional equipment, for an annual labor total of $8720 before purchasing the plants or pots. Based on these figures, Ms. Fischer recommends using a different type of basket that requires less watering. Chair Toth asked what kind of equipment can be shared. Ms. Fischer stated sprayer nozzles and hoses plus they may need an additional water truck. She stated some cities find it more cost effective to hire a contractor to do the water and care for the year.