8.1. SR 04-20-2009REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
Ci Council 8.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Administration Apri120, 2009 Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation
Director
Item Description Reviewed by
Consider Request by University of Minnesota Extension/4-H Lori ohnson Ci Administrator
For a Community Garden in Elk River Reviewed by
Action Requested
Consider request by University of Minnesota Extension/4-H to have a community garden in Elk River.
Background/Discussion
University of Minnesota Extension/4-H has received a grant to help develop a community garden
program in Sherburne County. A community garden would make available small garden plots for people
who wish to grow food or flowers. Extension/4-H has requested that the City of Elk River make
available a small parcel of land on which the Extension Service could operate a community garden. After
reviewing several potential sites, staff from the Extension Service identified a location near Gary St. and
Business Center Drive as the preferred location (see attached). At the April 8, 2009 Parks and Recreation
Commission, staff presented information about the community garden program, and the Commission
was supportive of the project.
Due to it's proximity to the YMCA, staff contacted the YMCA staff for feedback. Their response was
positive, and -they would like to involve kids in their day camp programs in gardening on the site. Kathy
Held, Sherburne County 4-H Program will be present to answer any questions. Staff recommends
approval of this request with the stipulation that annual renewal is at the City of Elk Rivers discretion.
Financial Impact
The City of Elk River is providing land and access to well water only, and has no financial or staff time
commitment.
Attachments
Site Location Map
Image of site
Participant Info and Waiver
Action Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
C:\Documents and Settings\jmiller\Local Settings\Temporazy Internet Files\OLK3E\Action Request Community Gazden.doc
Sherburne County Community Gardens
Welcome Sherburne County residents to our first Community Garden! Our calendar year begins
with registration and ends with plots being cleaned and tilled.
April 1 -10 Pre-registration for 2009 gardeners.
April 13 -17 Open registration for new gardeners and previous gardeners
who would like to purchase additional plots.
In order to keep this garden as public as possible, gardeners should limit
their plots to no more than 2.
April 20 - 24 Garden will be tilled and cleaned of debris.
May 1 Plots will be staked and Gardens opened.
May 8 Any remaining plots will be assigned.
Please do not remove the stands and remember; all the gardeners are responsible for the
common areas (especially walkways).
Be considerate of your neighbors by supervising young children and keeping them from walking
in other gardener's garden plots.
Have a great growing season and, if you are able, plant an extra row for CAER, Becker Food
Shelf and Zimmerman Food Shelf.
Don't forget: You may exhibit any community garden produce at the Sherburne County Fair -
July 15 -19 in open class. Also, there will be a schedule of educational gardening topics offered
at each of the demonstration garden plots beginning May and throughout the growing season.
These presentations will be hosted by Sherburne County Master Gardeners, University of
Minnesota Extension Staff and Sherburne County 4-H members. Watch for the schedule of
events.
If you have any questions, comments and/or suggestions, please contact Sherburne County
Extension Office at 763-241-2720.
Sherburne County Extension Office -February 2009
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Registration Information
Applicants desiring a garden plot may pre-register by downloading a registration form at:
www extension.umn.edu/county/Sherbume/, print the document `Sherburne County Community Gardens'.
Return the form with payment to:
Sherburne County Extension Office
Attn: Community Garden
Sherburne County Government Center
13880 Highway 10 W
13880 Business Center Drive
Elk River, MN 55330-4601
Please allow enough time for the U.S. mail delivery prior to April 15`. Beginning April 13`h, 8:00 a.m., applicants desiring a
garden plot may register on afirst-come, first-served basis as plots are available. To apply, please contact the Extension
office (see above address and location) or call 763-241-2720. If no plot is available, you may be placed on a waiting list.
Fees
When gardeners receive a plot, they will receive a copy of the garden guidelines and will be asked to sign an agreement
to abide by these guidelines. An annual deposit of $20.00 will be collected. At the end of the season when you have
cleared and cleaned your plot of vegetative matter, this deposit will be returned.
In addition, gardeners will be charged an annual rental fee of $10.00 for the small plot, $15.00 for the large plot. The fee
is non-refundable and covers the period from May 151 to end of Sept. 30"'each year.
Shared/Common Areas
All gardeners are responsible for keeping common areas neat and weed-free.
Composting
We encourage use of compost to keep soil fertile. The city of Elk River has free compost (as available) for use by all
registered gardeners. Transportation of compost is the responsibility of the registered gardener.
Tools
Gardeners will provide their own tools.
Abandoned/Neglected Plots
If a plot is not planted within a reasonable time or left unplanted for three or more weeks during the growing season, or if
it appears abandoned or neglected, or if invasive weeds are allowed to run rampant, the gardener will be asked to take
immediate action to clean up the problem or the plot will be clean and the gardener will lose his/her deposit and their
plot(s). If an emergency contributes to such a problem, please let your fellow gardeners know so the group can help you.
Arts and Decoration
A broad range of garden art (including trellises and whimsical items) is welcome within garden plots, but please avoid
bring junk or trash into the garden. When in doubt, check with your fellow gardener.
Children
Kids are welcome in the Community Garden. For safety's sake and the comfort of fellow gardeners, please keep a careful
eye on your children.
Pets
If you take your pet to the garden, please keep them on a leash. Clean up after pets -remember dog and/ or cat
droppings are not suitable for composting. Please bag them and take them home.
Vandalism and Theft
Vandalism is a common fear among community gardeners. If you notice vandalism or theft, please notify the Sherburne
County Sheriffs Department at 763-241-2500 to report the crime. For your own safety, do not confront the culprit yourself.
Watering
For our first year of Community Gardens, you are responsible to provide your own water. Transporting water can be
accomplished by filling recycled plastic milk jugs, or other containers with lids, with water. A more convenient water
source may be available in the future.
Sherburne County Extension Office -February 2009
Sherburne County Community Gardens
2009 Registration Form/Waiver Form
Name:
Address:
Home Phone: Alt. Phone: - _
Email
Number of Plots which you are registering for:
Small Plot ($10.00 each) Plot #
Large Plot ($15.00 each) Plot #
WAIVER
I, ,hereby release Sherburne County and the City of Elk
River, their elected officials, appointed officials and employees, and members of the
organizational committee of the Sherburne County Community Garden Project from any and all
claims, demands, causes of action from any and all damages, including but not limited to
property damage and bodily injury incurred by me and members of my family resulting from any
and all activities associated with my participation in the Sherburne County Community Garden
Project.
(DATE) (SIGNATURE)
Sherburne County Extension Office -February 2009