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<br />3 <br /> <br /> It was noted the City publishes notices in the City newsletter regarding buckthorn <br />workshops. Further discussion ensued regarding how to properly treat and remove <br />buckthorn. <br /> The cost savings measures being seen by the bare root program was discussed. <br /> Councilmember Burg commended City Forester Veiman on his tremendous service to <br />the community. She commented on the high value the urban canopy has for all <br />residents in the community. <br /> Chair Fields agreed and stated the City parks were looking quite nice and well- <br />manicured. <br /> <br />VI. Announcements <br /> <br />A. Council Report – Council Member Burg <br /> <br />Council Member Burg commented the City Council would be holding a Neighborhood <br />Meeting at Freedom Park on Thursday, March 22nd at 6:30 p.m. She explained the Council <br />would be discussing the City’s water, even year elections, the MnDOT MnPASS project and <br />the Korean Church redevelopment. She thanked Larry Justin and Megan Eischen for their <br />service on PREC noting this would be their last meeting. She provided the Commission <br />with an update on the Commissioner that was recently removed from the Planning <br />Commission. She reported that Commissioners serve at the will of the City Council and <br />speaking out falsely against the Council would not be allowed. <br /> <br />B. PREC Chair Updates – Kevin Fields <br /> <br />Chair Fields stated the City had received an invitation to the Metro Environmental <br />Commission Conference. He noted the conference would be held on Saturday, April 7th from <br />8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. He explained all members of PREC were invited to intend this free <br />event. Director Fink reported she would be forwarding this information on to each of the <br />Commissioners. <br /> <br />Chair Fields reviewed the use at the Eagle’s Nest since opening in November and visits were <br />up by 20,000 people. He thanked Commissioners Eischen and Justin for their service on <br />PREC. <br /> <br />C. Department Happenings and Upcoming Events – City Staff <br /> <br />Director Fink discussed the goose management program and noted the City was seeking <br />volunteers. She reported the ice skating season wrapped up and she was pleased to report <br />numbers were up and noted Freedom Park was the most utilized rink. She stated she would <br />be working with a local hockey association to grow rink usage. The Commission suggested <br />staff consider hosting a New Year’s Eve skating event. <br /> <br />Director Fink noted the hiking club morning class was already full and an afternoon option <br />was now being offered. She stated 79 of the 90 slots for the summer adventure childcare <br />program were full and the remainder of the slots had been filled. She commended her staff <br />for offering this high quality program in the community. She reported Brightwood Hills has