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City Council Minutes <br />November 19, 2007 <br />MOTION CARRIED 5-0. <br />4. Open Mike <br />No one appeared for Open Mike. <br />5.1. Arts Alliance Presentation <br />Patrick Grace, Executive Director of the Elk River Area Arts Alliance requested an <br />additional $5,000 contribution from the city in 2008 for programming, exhibits, and <br />performance needs. He thanked the city for past support. <br />Councilmember Gumphrey questioned if the Arts Alliance is receiving support from other <br />cities and businesses. <br />Mr. Grace stated he has increased his request to Otsego and would not be receiving any <br />contributions from Rogers. He provided examples of business support. <br />Ms. Johnson noted that $10,000 is already in the 2008 budget for the Arts Alliance. <br />Councilmember Farber requested that the Arts Alliance bring their requests to Council <br />earlier in the year as the budget is already set for approval. <br />Councilmember Gumphrey stated the Arts Alliance is an outstanding program and <br />suggested the city consider adding $2,500. <br />The Council agreed to include this item in the next budget discussion. <br />Ms. Johnson noted the funds would come from Council Contingency or be cut in another <br />area of the budget if approved. <br />5.2. Buckthorn Presentation-Guenther Sagan <br />Mr. Sagan gave a presentation regarding the noxious weed buckthorn and the methods for <br />removal. He stated some cities have purchased a Weed Wrench for rental use to its <br />residents. He stated he has tried many ways to eliminate it and feels people are not aware of <br />how bad the weed is to the environment. He stated he has contacted the county, the city, <br />and even done mailings to residents and would like to see a more proactive approach to <br />eradicate the weed. Mr. Sagan would like the Council to designate the last Saturday in <br />October as Elk River Buckthorn Day. He stated he would like to see volunteers get together <br />in the woodlands/parklands and work on removing the weed. <br />Mayor Klinzing suggested having the city's weed inspector work on this project. She <br />suggested an educational campaign and would like to see a report of what is being done by <br />the city. She also suggested staff look into purchasing the Weed Wrench. <br />Ms. Johnson stated she would discuss the matter with Assistant Weed Inspector Phil Hals <br />and noted the city could put information on its website and in the newsletter. <br />Page 2 <br />• <br />• <br />A citizen stated he worked with the DNR and provided contact information to Sue Birks, <br />the invasive species specialist for advice and potential grant sources. • <br />