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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-24-14 Parks Packet 4k CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA Monday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m. I. Call to Order It. Approval of Agenda III. Approve Parks Commission Minutes—January 27, 2014 (1) IV. Department/Commission Liaison Reports A. Arborist (2) B. Public Works Director C. Other/ Commission Liaison Report V. Visitors/Public Comment This is an opportunity for the public to address the Commission with questions or concerns not on the agenda. Please limit comments to three minutes. VI. Public Hearings A. Swager Park Playground VII. New Business A. Park Bench Donation Request (3) B. 2014 Summer Park Program Schedule VIII. Old Business None IX. Informational A. Next Meeting: Monday, March 17, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall B. Council Representative: Tuesday, February 25—Commissioner Viers X. Adjourn Page 1 of 18 THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Page 2 of 18 ENCL 1 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday,January 27,2014 at City Hall I. Call to Order: Chair Hauble called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Bye, Krieger, and Viers; City Administrator Johnson, Public Works Director Kegley, and Commission Liaison McComber. Absent: Vice Chair Eder and Arborist Widin. II. Approval of Agenda: Commissioner Krieger, seconded by Chair Hauble, moved to approve the Agenda. Carried 4-0. III. Approval of Parks Commission Minutes w October 21, 2013: Chair Hauble, seconded by Commissioner Viers, moved to approve the Minutes as printed. Carried 4-0. IV. D artment/Commission Liaison Rg orts: A. Arborist: A written report from Arborist Widin was included in the Parks Commission packet. Chair Hauble read the report. B. Public Works Director: Public Works Director Kegley reported that the department had been working on the ice rinks and clearing the trails. He provided the rink use data for January to the commission members. C. Other/Commission Liaison Reports: Commission Liaison McComber reported that the Playful City Committee met the previous week. Commissioner Krieger, seconded by Commissioner Bye,moved to accept the Department/ Commission Liaison Reports. Carried 4-0. V. Visitors/Public Comment: Resident Pam Patrick was present at the meeting to express concern about the street reconstruction impact on the Cover Park garden, specifically the boulder wall. City Administrator Johnson reported that the street reconstruction plan was to keep the street widths the same as was. He stated that if the boulder wall could be avoided, it would be. He stated that the City could require the contractor to tarp it and protect it, and if they damaged it, they would be required to repair it. Patrick also questioned whether the City would be relocating the Cover Park warming house building to the former fly ash site. Chair Hauble responded that the warming house relocation idea was still pending, and no decision had been made. VI. Public Hearings: None VII. New Business: A. 2014 Meeting Dates and Council Meeting Representatives: Commissioner Viers, seconded by Chair Hauble,moved to approve the 2014 meeting dates and Council meeting representatives. Carried 4-0. Page 3 of 18 Parks Commission Minutes January 27, 2014 Page 2 of 3 B. Playful Cities 2014 Application: City Administrator Johnson reported that the application was due March 15, and he was working on putting that together. C. Kaboom - $20,000 Construction Grant: City Administrator Johnson reported that the Playful City committee met recently and discussed the project for Swager Park. He reported that the goal was that the playground be for youth and incite play. He stated it was a community build project. He reported the committee would be meeting again on February 13. Johnson stated that the committee wanted to have a public meeting in conjunction with a Parks Commission meeting and present a couple of concepts for the site. He stated that an invitation would be mailed to residents in the surrounding area. VIII. Old Business: A. Park Sign for Oak Park Crossing Park: City Administrator Johnson reported that he included a draft RFP in the Parks Commission packet. He stated they would distribute the RFP to sign vendors within the next week. Chair Hauble, seconded by Commissioner Viers, moved to seek a double-sided sign. Carried 4-0. B. CDBG Trail Update: City Administrator Johnson reported that the City was trying to develop a trail along the east side of Osgood Avenue from 58' Street North to the corner at Highway 36. He stated the City had conversations with the two landowners, and both have granted a ten foot easement to the City for an eight foot walkway. He stated the City received a grant for$30,000 for the trail, Washington County agreed to contribute$30,000, and the total budget was $90,000. IX. Informational: A. Next Meeting: Monday, February 24, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall X. Adjournment: Commissioner Krieger, seconded by Commissioner Bye, moved to adjourn the meeting. Carried 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Pinski Deputy Clerk Page 4 of 18 ENCL 2 Arborist's Report January 2014 To: Eric Johnson,City Administrator Andy Kegley,Pub.Works Dir. City Council,Parks Commission City of Oak Park Heights From: Katharine D.Widin,Ph.D. 2111114 Municipal Arborist In January I attended staff meetings and discussed various tree and natural resource issues with city staff. I had a conflict with the Parks Commission meeting date in January so could not attend. I wrote a short report which was included in the Parks Commission meeting packet. I checked various boulevard and park tree issues in January. For the 2014 winter boulevard and park tree pruning, I inspected trees and prepared the list while updating condition and size of trees. I edited the"Contractor Specifications"and "Quote"pages, sent out quote requests to five tree services,received quotes and prepared the quote summary page for the City Council meeting agenda and communicated with staff and tree services. Two quotes were received,but one was sent and received past the submission deadline,so was not accepted. St. Croix Tree Service was awarded the work at the City Council meeting on January 28th. Tree pruning will commence the week of February 100,and should be completed by March 31S1. In January I completed the second part of an inventory of boulevard trees on U. 5511,St., 56th St., and the Oren Ave. area north of Hwy. 36,where street re-construction is proposed for 2014. The inventory included tree species, size, condition and possible construction impacts. I also reviewed plans after engineering changes,compiled data on additional trees included in plan changes, and sent email reports to staff and project engineers. This month I made a presentation to the Sunrise Rotary club in Stillwater/Oak Park Heights on issues facing trees and native woodlands in the St. Croix River Valley and what people can do to minimize detrimental effects. This included regional information on emerald ash borer. Cost for this work was shared with the city of Stillwater. In January I received confirmation that Oak Park Hts.has received the Tree City,USA award for 2013. The City has been a Tree City for 31 years. This month,due primarily to colder temperatures and snow,there were few telephone calls from residents. January: City work= 18 hrs. Special Project(Tree Inventory, Street Re-construction)= 11 hrs. Page 5 of 18 Forestry Program Report 2013 City of Oak Park Heights To: Eric Johnson,City Administrator Andrew Kegley,Dir.Pub.Works City Council Parks Commission City of Oak Park Heights From: Katharine D. Widin,Ph.D. Plant Health Associates,Inc. Arborist City of Oak Park Heights 2111114 Public Trees & City Forestry/Natural Resources Program Overview: In 2013 1 met with the Pub. Works director, City Administrator, and other staff, as needed, to plan the forestry and natural resources program activities and provide updates as to how the work of the program was proceeding. I attended City Council, Parks and other Commission meetings as needed. I kept records regarding forestry activities and contacts made with residents. I also completed tree inspections for oak wilt and Dutch elm disease. I inspected trees in boulevard and park areas for disease, insects, storm damage and potential risk situations, and made recommendations for maintenance. I inspected trees, wrote tree removal, pruning and planting specifications, and put together tree lists for tree pruning and removal work, as well as tree planting along boulevards and in parks within the city. I reviewed landscape and planting plans for developments,made inspections and completed tree inventories. I met with developers and contractors, as needed, and prepared reports regarding these projects. Education and Outreach A valuable part of the forestry program in Oak Park Heights is the education and outreach component. In 2013 I wrote articles for each issue of the city newsletter on topics which included: Emerald Ash Borer, Ash Removal and Re-Planting, Risk Trees, Oak Wilt, Diseased Elms and Oaks, Watering Trees & Shrubs,New Trees, Fall Browning on Pines, Leafspot Diseases of Trees & Shrubs, Boulevard Trees, Pruning Trees and Tree Planting. The city newsletter and website are both important ways to provide residents with information on tree-related issues and events. I also answered telephone messages and made site visits to residents regarding questions about trees and tree health. In 2013, 1 responded to 177 telephone messages, email, or personal communications from residents, and made 123 site visits to look at trees (compared to 162 tel. calls and 84 site visits in 2012). In all, I spent approximately 54 hours on tel. calls and site visits to residents (compared to 30 hours in 2012), some of which was due to storm damage issues. Tree issues discussed with residents were: Dutch Page 6 of 18 Oak Park Heights Final Report—2013—2 elm disease, oak wilt, ash anthracnose, apple scab, other leaf spot diseases on shade trees, emerald ash borer, pine bark beetle, insect i.d., insect galls on leaves, eriophyid mite galls, Japanese beetles, fall webworm,boxelder bugs, tree selection, nuisance trees, tree moving, tree planting, tree removal, ash removal,pruning broken branches, pine and spruce with brown needles,tree i.d.,woodland management, shrub i.d. and care, falling and leaning trees, insect borers and woodpecker damage, trees with heaved roots and whether or not to save, vole damage, deer damage on arborvitae, death of foundation shrubs, tree splitting main trunk union, private tree issues with trees on neighboring properties,winter injury, site restoration after tree removal, trees planted too deeply,risk trees,tree decay and defects,buckthorn,management of invasive plants,pruning trees, drought stress, storm damage, management of buckthorn in Valley View Park, stump re- sprouting, City use of herbicides for spot treatment of invasives, tree staking removal and construction damage. I did not make a presentation on tree issues to area residents in 2013. Tree City, USA Award Program The City of Oak Park Heights completed all requirements for the Tree City, USA award again in 2013 (which will be a total of 31 years). Earning this award designation is a very positive achievement for a city and indicates a commitment to trees and their care. Applying for this award does not require much beyond activities which the city is already involved in. Per the requirements of the Tree City,USA program, the City Council issued an Arbor Day/Month Proclamation on 2126113. A ceremonial tree planting took place in Autumn Hills Park prior to the Parks Comm. meeting on 5/20113. A northern red oak was planted to the north of the picnic shelter,just east of the parking lot. The Parks Commission serves as the Tree Board for the City of Oak Park Heights. $2.00 per capita in tree-related expenditures are required for this award. The total expenditures for tree- related activities in Oak Park Heights in 2013 (forestry consultant, contracted tree removals, tree planting and tree pruning) submitted with the TCUSA application, came to $80,963. ($44,260. in 2012). The increase in expenditures in 2013 was due to more Pub. Works staff time, additional tree removal and pruning, additional Arborist hours, and hauling/disposal costs for tree debris,because of the storm damage. I completed the TCUSA application in December and submitted it to the state Tree City, USA representative at the MN DNR. The TCUSA report for OPH for 2013 was approved by the DNR and forwarded to the Arbor Day Foundation the end of December 2013. I received word of final approval in January 2014. Tree Protection_and Natural Resource Proiects Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm Disease: Inspections for trees with oak wilt and Dutch elan disease are part of the city's tree disease management program. Diseased trees (trees currently wilting due to the above diseases), on both public and private property, are removed by a tree contractor hired by the city. Page 7 of 18 Oak Park Heights Final Report—2413—3 Only a few diseased trees were identified and removed in 2013. Most were on private property. Emerald Ash Borer: Emerald ash borer(EAB) is native to Asia and was found in Detroit, Mich. in 2002, though it had been active there for at least S years prior to being identified. Since that time it has killed millions of ash trees in Mich., Ohio and Indiana and has spread to at least 20 U.S. states, including Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, and several Canadian provinces. There is virtually no natural resistance to this insect in ash planted in boulevards, parks and yards or ash occurring naturally in woodland areas. In May 2009, emerald ash borer(EAB)was first found in St. Paul, near the St. Paul campus of the Univ. of Minn.. In 2009 it was also found on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River, across from Houston County, MN. In 2010 EAB was found in several areas within a mile of the original infestation in St. Paul, and was also found in SE Minnesota(Houston County). In 2011, EAB was found in Shoreview, the Grand Ave. area of St. Paul and in Winona County. In 2012 and 2013, additional infestations were found in northeast Minneapolis, on the Ft. Snelling golf course and on the east edge of downtown St. Paul, near the Pig's Eye site. In early February 2014, several infested trees were also found on the Metro State Univ. campus in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood on the east side of St. Paul, north of the Pig's Eye site. There are currently quarantines on movement of ash trees or ash wood out of Hennepin, Ramsey, Winona and Houston Counties. Biological control agents (small parasitoid wasps specific to EAB larvae and eggs) were released in 2010 in Houston County and in Minneapolis in 2011. The parasitoids were found to have reproduced by 2013, so these populations may help manage the EAB infestations. These bio-control agents will not eradicate the pest,but, hopefully,reduce its numbers and slow the spread. The insect has not yet been found in Washington County; however, I have advised Oak Park Heights to prepare for EAB infestation and tree damage due to this insect within the next five years. Tree removal and replacement will need to be done by both the city and private property owners. Treatment of some ash with systemic insecticides will probably also be done. In 2013, 1 attended several seminars/workshops which included information on EAB and its management. The draft EAB Management Plan for Oak Park Heights, which was adopted by the City Council in 2009, will be updated in 2014, after an EAB management seminar for Minnesota foresters which I will attend in early March. Originally, ash represented at least 40% of the trees in boulevard rights-of-way and park active areas in Oak Park Heights. This represented 700 trees. In 2010 and 2011 the city was able to complete removal of 100 ash trees from boulevard rights-of-way and park active areas, assisted by a grant from the MN Dept. of Agriculture. In 2012, the city paid for removal of 50 more ash from public property. In 2013 approximately 25 additional ash were removed. These trees were replaced with a variety of native species. Ash currently represent a little over 30%of trees along boulevards and in park active areas in Oak Park Heights. The city plans to continue removing ash in poor condition or in poor Page 8 of 18 Oak Park Heights Final Report—2013—4 sites and replacing these trees,both in boulevard areas and in parks. The city is also in the process of building up a fund to assist private landowners in removing EAB-infested ash from private property once EAB becomes established within the community. In the fall of 2013, I contacted three tree services which provide tree injection services with systemic insecticide to protect ash trees against infestation by the emerald ash borer. There are good reasons to consider tree injection as part of the city's EAB management. I summarized information on systemic insecticide injection as a possible management technique for emerald ash borer(EAB) this fall for the City Council to review and make a recommendation on possibly pursuing more information and quotes from tree care companies which provide this service. Depending on where EAB is found next, if the City decides to implement tree injection as part of their EAB management program, these injections may need to begin in 2014 or 2015. Tree Maintenance (pruninp, and removals) In 2013, a total of 384 trees were pruned, 324 of these during the annual winter pruning of boulevard trees. Other trees along the boulevards and in park active areas were pruned due to storm damage or for clearance for vehicles. A total of 120 trees were removed in 2013, including about 25 ash. Close to half of the trees were removed due to storm damage. Other trees removed were dead trees, risk trees along boulevards or elsewhere in park active areas,nuisance trees, or trees obstructing sight lines along roadways or interfering with utility lines. This year I also removed staking from newer boulevard and park trees to avoid trunk girdling. Tree Planting In addition to the ceremonial tree planting before the Parks Comm. meeting on May. 201, 49 boulevard and park trees were planted in 2013, representing a variety of shade and ornamental tree species. In areas under power lines, ornamental trees, such as flowering crab and Japanese tree lilac,were planted. Costs for tree planting are paid for from the City's Tree Planting Fund, which is funded from tree replacement requirement monies from development projects which remove trees within the City. Development Proiects In 2013 1 was involved with the review of nine development projects within the City. I reviewed landscape plans, made site inspections, attended site design review meetings, did plant inventories, if required, and wrote reports on my findings. About half of the development projects involved the tree preservation ordinance and review for tree removal and possible tree replacement. Developments worked on in 2013 for the City of Oak Park Heights were: Oak Park Senior Living Phase 3, Hall Chiropractic, School District Alternative Learning Center greenhouse, McDonald's, Thomas Grace project Page 9 of 18 Oak Park Heights Final Report—2013—5 (5605 Memorial Dr.), Tire Pros, Pizza Ranch, Xcel Energy(railroad track removal/relocation due to MNDOT bridge project), and 13-1313 Sporting Goods. Other Proiects Prairie Restoration Management: I visited the prairie restorations in both Swager and Valley View Parks in 2013 and made notes on species present and management needs. Both restorations had a management burn done by Minnesota Native Landscapes in early Dec. of 2012. There was good plant diversity in both prairie areas in 2013 with a number of grass and wildflower species present. The Swager prairie restoration is particularly good compared to its slow start in its first full year(2011). I will continue to monitor these sites in 2014 and recommend additional management or over-seeding, if needed. Buckthorn Management Project—The Linear Park: On Sat., October 1211, the city organized and sponsored a buckthorn management event in the two neighborhoods abutting the Linear Park along the north sides of 5611 St. and Novak,just west of Oakgreen Ave.. There were 5 residents from the Linear Park neighborhoods who participated, several residents from Oakgreen Pl., City Clerk Jennifer Pinski, and myself: In 3 hours we cut, hauled and stacked about 5 large pick-up/dump truck loads of buckthorn of which Jenni Pinski delivered two loads and Pub. Works personnel at least 3 loads to the compost site in Bayport. A lot was accomplished and there is a lot more room for planting native trees and shrubs just north of the residential properties in the Linear Park this spring. There will be the need to continue to manage buckthorn in this area for 5+ years, cutting/spraying seedlings and pulling larger buckthorn. I will be working with residents and Pub. Works to manage the buckthorn and will be providing recommendations prior to spring 2014. I have prepared a planting plan for that site to add native trees and shrubs to the area where the boxelders and buckthorn were removed. These native plants will provide food and habitat for wildlife and will add higher quality woody materials to the 30 ft. strip in the park which is just beyond the north property lines of the residential properties on 561' St. and Novak Ave.. The new trees and shrubs will be planted in 2014. Boulevard and Park Tree Inventory Update: In 2013 I collected data to update the 2006 boulevard and park tree inventory. This information includes size and condition of trees and will also reflect changes due to removal and re-planting. This tree inventory update will be completed by the end of 2014. Tree Inventory Proposed Street Re-construction Project 2014: The end of 2013 I completed the first part of an inventory of boulevard trees in the Old Village area where street re- construction is proposed for 2014. The inventory included tree species, size, condition and Page 10 of 18 Oak Park Heights Final Report—2013—6 possible construction impacts. I also reviewed plans after engineering changes, compiled data on additional trees included in plan changes, and sent email reports to staff and project engineers. Summary 355 hours of forestry consulting were estimated for 2012. Actual hours were about 376. The additional hours were due to dealing with storm damage issues with trees on both public and private property. The 18 hours spent on development projects (private and City) were paid for by development fees. The city also provides $150. for me to attend the Minn. Shade Tree Shortcourse each year, and pays for supplies for the forestry program. A proposed forestry work program for 2014 has been submitted to the city along with this report and 355 hours are again proposed for 2014. Eighty of these hours are dedicated for special projects such as a long-term plan for management of buckthorn and other invasive plants, an updated street and park tree inventory(originally completed in 2006), and field surveying for native plants in Valley View Park.. Costs for many forestry activities (preparation of newsletter articles and website info., EAB management plans, prairie management recommendations, information sheets for residents, and attending training for municipal foresters re: invasive pests) are cost-shared with the other communities I work with in Washington County—Stillwater and Mahtomedi—which reduces direct costs to each city. The City Council, Commissions, staff and residents of Oak Paris Heights have a strong commitment to trees and natural resources within the community. I have enjoyed providing forestry and natural resource consulting for the City of Oak Park Heights for the past 16 years, and I Iook forward to providing these services to the city in 2014. Page 11 of 18 Exhibit "A" Forestry Consulting Work Program— 2014 — City of Oak Park Heights To: Eric Johnson,City Administrator From: Katharine D.Widin,Ph.D Andrew Kegley,Pub.Works Dir. Municipal Arborist 2112114 City Council• Parks Comm. SERVICE HOURS WORK PROPOSED Estimated Staff Meetings& 75 Attend city staff meetings and work sessions,council and Reports; Records; commission meetings and work-sessions as necessary-- Parks Commission prepare monthly reports;record-keeping;annual report,work plan 15 Attend monthly Parks Commission meetings,and walk- throughs,work-sessions as needed Maintenance of Public $5 Evaluations of trees on public property to determine nature of Trees tree problem(s)re:tree removal,pruning,planting Evaluation.of Trees on Preparation of lists of trees to be removed,planted,or pruned, Public Property: and preparation of documents re:quotes from tree Boulevard Trees services/nurseries;communication with contractors Park Trees Check work completed Trees on City Property Special Project:Valley View Park—survey of park for native ground layer 12 plants and list of native trees and shrubs Inventory of trees on 15 Special Project:Long-term plan for management of buckthorn and other boulevards and in active invasive plants in parks;monitor and recommend management for buckthorn park areas(e.g.picnic, in The Linear Park play Special Project: Update boulevard tree inventory (completed in 2006);data 35 entry,confirm field data and prepare final spreadsheet 8 Special Project:Complete/update inventories of trees,park active areas Education/Outreach Write Articles 5 Articles for City Newsletter(4 issues); `fact sheets' on plant insect,disease and cultural problems for residents (costs shared With cities of Stillwater and Mahtomedi) Resident Contacts 35 Return phone calls from residents and make site visits regarding tree insect, disease and cultural problems. Send literature to residents regarding information requested. other outreach: cable, 12 For televised Parks Commission meetings,attend and present monthly report website,handouts, and seasonal recommendations regarding tree care.Prepare tree info.for seminars webmaster to put on city website; Tree City,USA 6 Prepare annual Arbor Day/Month Proclamation,organize and attend annual tree planting,write annual TCUSA report. Tree Protection Review Plans and Inspect 15* Review plans regarding landscaping,tree removal and preservation, make Development Sites re: inspection visits to development sites;make recommendations to staff, Landscaping and/or Tree planning comm.and council,attend site review meetings,prepare reports Preservation 25* Street Re-construction Project:U. 5561 St.,56'x'St.,Old Village,Oren Ave. (N of Hwy.36)—City Project—tree inspections and recommendations to minimize injury from construction (*paid for by development project—not included in Arborist budget) Page 12 of 18 OPH Proposed Work Program 2014-2 Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm 5 Survey for oak wilt infection centers within the City;inspect,upon request, Disease and mark diseased elms;provide information and assistance to property owners re: oak wilt and Dutch elm disease management; arrange for removal of diseased elms and oaks from public and private property,records, inspections,reports. Emerald Ash Borer& 25 Inspections and lists for structured removal and replacement of ash trees, Other Invasive Insects& inspection of suspect trees,follow-up inspections,reports,notification and Diseases communication with adjoining property owners and communities re: EAB preparedness planning;prepare info. and make recommendations re: possible tree injection of high quality ash with systemic insecticide as part of management;update EAB Preparedness Plan;inspect for other invasive insects and diseases and update community as to potential threats to tree health Weed Inspection 2 Upon request,inspect public and private properties for tall grass,weeds or local ordinance violations;contact property owners/managers;check work cam feted and provide report. Prairie Restoration and 10 Inspect prairie restorations and remnants for species diversity and weeds; Native Plant Management arrange for annual maintenance by professional prairie restoration contractor;check work done.Inspect other areas with native plants or areas proposed for planting natives.Provide information,reports to city. 5 Special Project: List of plants seen May-September;take photos Special Project: Plot sampling for native plant i.d.prairie remnant area 5 north of City Hall Estimated Hours for 2014: City =355 hrs. (@$52.00/hour) = $18,460. Developer=*15 hrs. (@$52.00/hour(paid by developers)(estimate) City—Street Re-construction=*25 hrs.@52.001hour(included in project budget)(estimate) Page 13 of 18 THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Page 14 of 18 ENCL 3 Jennifer Pinski From: Marymccomber @aol.com Sent: Friday, February 21, 2414 9:48 AM To: Jennifer Pinski; Eric Johnson Subject: Park Commission Agenda Jenny, Can you add an agenda item for the park commission meeting? Mrs. Joyce Simonson would like to donate a park bench in memory of her late husband, somewhere in the vicinity of Oak Park Crossing. She will try to attend the meeting to discuss her request. Thanks, Mary 1 Page 15 of 18 0 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION DONATIONS POLICY AND APPLICATION POLICY Thank you for considering the City of Oak Park Heights as a recipient of your donation. Donations to the park system help provide service and amenities beyond that possible within our allocated budgets. Your donation to the park is an opportunity for you to pay tribute to or recognize someone or an accomplishment, or just simply expressing an interest in the keeping our parks top-notch. Donation possibilities are unique and diverse as the donor; some donations that have been made include: benches, plantings (i.e. shrubs, trees, and flowers), labor, and financial support. All proposed donations must be presented, in writing, to the City Administrator for review and consideration of the Parks Commission and City Council approval prior to any donation activity occurring. City staff, advisory boards and elected officials will to their best to accommodate donation requests within a reasonable period of time, subject to the proposed donations suitability to the City park system. The City of Oak Park Heights desires to encourage donations while at the same time maintain aesthetic impacts and mitigate ongoing maintenance costs. GUIDELINES 1. Appearance and Aesthetics: In maintaining aesthetics to the park system, physical donations should reflect the character of their proposed location of placement and must be installed in such a manner or location that will not substantially change the character of the areas intended use. 2. Maintenance: Donated items become City property. Accordingly, the City has a duty to maintain the donation for the expected life cycle of the donation. The City reserves the .right to remove, alter or discontinue the use of a donated (physical or funded) item, based upon needs assessment for the park system or if the item is in state of condition beyond repair or found to be unsafe for public use. Page 16 of 18 PROCESS 1. Complete the application for proposed donation and submit to City Administrator to begin review/consideration process. 2. Upon receipt, City Administrator will review application and request any supplementary information needed. Once application is deemed complete it will be conveyed to the Parks Commission for their review/consideration at their first regularly scheduled meeting following application being deemed complete. Applicant will be notified of this date and is encouraged to attend the meeting to address any questions that may arise during the Commission review/consideration of the application. 3. The Parks Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council, on the application to for their review and consideration. The City Council will make a make a final decision at the first timely meeting following the Parks Commission meeting and recommendation. City Staff will proceed to follow through with the applicant, based upon the directive provided by the City Council. If you have any questions regarding making a donation or this process, please contact the City Administrator at 651-439-4439. Page 17 of 18 APPLICATION Donor Name: Donor Address: Telephone No.: Fax No.: Email Address: Description of Donation: Proposed Location of Donation: Memorial/Acknowledgment Plaque & Style, if proposed: Donor Signature: Date: Page 18 of 18