City Council Minutes 2020 02 25 SP

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City Council Meeting Minutes February 25, 2020 Page 2 of 5 Director Mosely reviewed current practices. For parks it includes a combination of control options including herbicide use and regulations. Herbicides are applied with spot spraying as needed and broadleaf herbicide used once each year. He stated they discontinued spraying herbicides in playgrounds in 2017. Open Space staff uses a variety of methods for weed control, the vast majority is done via mowing and hand pulling. Open Space uses a wide variety of herbicides. He noted the Open Space Division is mandated by the State Department of Agriculture to control noxious weeds. The goal is to allow native species to thrive. He stated the Open Space Board (OSAB) supports changes to the IWMP and current operational practices related to weed management on Open Space Properties. The Parks Board (PPLAB) feels strongly the City should reduce the application of herbicides and also recommends an outreach campaign. Director Mosely reviewed the operational alternatives for Open Space. It could remain status quo, it could allow for the use of 2, 4-D and Glyphosate on specific properties or in certain instances, or there could be a full ban of 2, 4-D on Open Space properties. For parks the alternatives include the status quo, targeted reductions in some parts and use in other specific areas, or a full ban on 2,4-D and Glyphosate. Staff is requesting direction on updates to the IWMP, specifically the option of no changes on Open Space, and Parks options for reducing use. He added a communication program will be needed to explain changes to residents. He stated the goal is to serve the community and manage the assets of the City. Mayor Stolzmann asked if the 12 oz. used in Open Space included backpack spraying or if alternatives were used. Brignull stated the two methods used most on Open Space were caution level herbicides and they have replaced Glyphosate with mechanical pulling. They use Glyphosate for cheat grass treatment. Mayor Stolzmann asked how the Department defines a greenway. Director Mosely stated those areas are non-irrigated lands that are designated as park land. Johnson stated these areas might appear as open space to people but they are maintained like a park. Councilmember Fahey asked how Elephant Park is being maintained as it is herbicide free and why can’t this be done Citywide. She suggested using native plants Citywide to be completely herbicide free. She noted the side effects from herbicides are significant and she would like them banned particularly 2,4D and Glyphosate. Mayor Stolzmann asked how long we have not been using herbicides in Memory Square. Johnson stated the Department has not been spraying there since 2008. Councilmember Brown asked what our neighboring municipalities do for herbicide use and how we compare. Director Mosely stated Louisville is probably in the middle. Boulder does