Laserfiche WebLink
City Council <br />Meeting Minutes <br />May 17, 2022 <br />Page 5 of 10 <br />Councilmember Brown noted residents are interested in naturescapes and he appreciates <br />the native areas mixed in with the turf areas. <br />Mayor Pro Tern Maloney stated these are assets that need continuing investment <br />including replacing the equipment. <br />Councilmember Fahey likes the idea of making parks have fun with functional activities. <br />She encouraged consistent maintenance and repair. <br />Councilmember Dickinson stated we can't say yes to everything for every park, but these <br />are important in creating community. This is money is well spent. <br />Councilmember Leh noted that these are places that really make or define communities. <br />The City should be careful to think about the kids and adults who are differently abled to <br />make sure the space is inviting. <br />Mayor Stolzmann stated that she has heard a lot of community feedback that the City isn't <br />meeting community desires with regard to maintenance. She is interested in seeing <br />nature play how that fits into the larger budget. <br />Public Comments <br />Cynthia Come asked the City to consider including art, history and sound with the <br />playgrounds, as well as being innovative with the natural terrain. <br />Sherry Sommer, 910 Palisade Court, spoke in favor of moving away from plastic <br />playgrounds, and including more free form play. It would be nice to have native plantings <br />as an educational component; she also suggested a sensory garden. <br />Josh Cooperman, 216 Griffith Street, spoke in support of naturalizing and rewilding a <br />portion of the parks. He encouraged setting aside some areas as natural habitat. He <br />expressed concerns about fire resistance. <br />Mark Cathcart stated that the north end of town doesn't have a park; he would like more <br />parks in that end of town. <br />Stormwater Quality Management <br />Director Kowar stated that in 2019 and 2020 staff began looking at Storm Water Quality <br />and how to add features to the existing infrastructure. These include water quality <br />improvements that create habitat and are aesthetically pleasing. However, these <br />improvements may increase maintenance. <br />Mayor Stolzmann suggested looking at projects around the region for ideas. She is <br />supportive of making the area more functional for water quality and taking the opportunity <br />