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(16. LURTON PARK IMPROVEMENTS, Continued) Olson commented he was not involved in the original discussions regarding the money but that he became involved when the money was donated to Big Island. Franchot stated the concept of maintaining Lurton Park probably fell to the wayside when Big Island came up and that in his view there is a moral responsibility on the part of the City to maintain this property. Franchot stated in his opinion the City should take care of the buckthorn in the next year. Once that donated money is used up, the City will have to take on the responsibility of maintaining the property on an annual basis. Franchot indicated he would be in favor of the City maintaining the property since the City has used the money that was designated for that for another purpose. Mark Simenson, Prairie Restorations, Inc., stated he did look at the property and that it is a gem of a property. The Lurton property is one of the few remaining basswood/oak forests in this area. There is also a lot of ground cover, wild flowers, and contours to the property. Simenson stated he would recommend removing the buckthorn before it becomes well established. McMillan asked whether some type of screening barrier would be lost if the buckthorn is removed. Simenson stated they are speaking primarily about removal of buckthorn along the north side of the property. Some other portions of the property have a small amount of buckthorn along the road and near the trees. Removal of the buckthorn on the north side would result in some bare areas and that he would recommend removing all the buckthorn but then in specific areas plant some native shrubs in pockets to fill in the voids. McMillan asked whether he would wait a couple of years after killing the buckthorn before planting the new vegetation. Simenson stated that is normally his preference. Once the buckthorn is removed, the stumps need to be treated to prevent it from spreading and coming back. McMillan commented the replanting might be a better volunteer opportunity than the removal. McMillan asked how the buckthorn would be removed. Simenson recommended the bigger buckthorn be cut and burned. The smaller stuff could be cut and left to decay. McMillan commented that spending some money up front initially to improve the park would probably be the best option. McMillan noted the park is designed to be passive in use so it should not cost a tremendous amount of money to maintain it over time. McMillan stated she personally is not in favor of doing the work within the Hennepin County right-of- way and that she would prefer to take that money and put it towards the park. Franchot asked whether the close proximity of the weeds in the right-of-way would put any pressure on the restored parts of the park. Simenson stated the road grasses will try to creep into the prairie grasses. Simenson stated he would recommend the ditch area be left alone but that the side grasses should be taken care of to prevent it from creeping into the prairie grass. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 12/12/2011 Approval of Council Minutes 11/28/2011 [Page 13 of 16]