03/19/1996 - City Council Special 000 7f. /
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan, Minnesota
March 19, 1996
A Special workshop meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday,March 19, 1996
at 5:00 p.m. at the Eagan Municipal Center building. Present were Mayor Egan and City Councilmembers
Awada, Hunter, Masin and Wachter. Also present were Director of Parks& Recreation Vraa, Superintendent
of Parks Olson, Director of Public Works Colbert and City Administrator Hedges.
REVIEW BOULEVARD MOWING &OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS
Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa presented an analysis of the current boulevard mowing
program that includes the definition and inventory of boulevards, current maintenance practices, operational
alternatives and recommendations for consideration on trimming, grass discharge, quality, safety and other
operations. City Administrator Hedges stated that the report was written to provide analysis for the City Council
in an effort to determine a cost benefit for continuing boulevard maintenance practices and the use of alternative
pieces of equipment.
Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa stated that the total boulevard miles within the City are
approximately 484. His review of the report provided definitions of various types of boulevard miles, current
maintenance practices and various operational alternatives based on the assumption that the boulevard
maintenance program will be continued. He further stated that it has been the traditional practice of mowing
boulevards for roadway beautification. Superintendent Olson reviewed the types of equipment used and the
efficiencies of each. He noted that the flail type mower also resulted in a degradation of surface water run-off
because grass clippings were not confined to the mowed areas. Further, obstacles, such as sign posts and
power poles,took significantly more time to maneuver around. In response to a question,Olson noted the new
455-D mower would be utilized on boulevards this coming season with an expectation that it will improve
efficiencies because of its wider cutting width.
City Councilmember Wachter suggested that consideration be given to the reduction in the
frequency of mowings by either eliminating certain boulevard areas or experimenting with a planting of a
perennial ground cover that would require minimal maintenance. Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa noted
the current mowing schedule and that staff has implemented the perennial ground cover and"no cut"zones in
several park areas, such as Wescott Station, Thomas Lake and others.
OTHER BUSINESS
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
March 19, 1996 r ,_ _ �
Date City Clerk
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