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Vice Mayor Brown expressed surprise that staff would travel as far as Los Angeles to examine a ZeoFill <br /> installation. She asked whether staff has received any feedback from the sports groups, who are <br /> essentially serving as co-investors, on that particular project. <br /> Mr. Bocian explained that Los Angeles is the closest example of a ZeoFill field. While he could not say <br /> whether the sports groups had an opportunity to examine the product themselves, they did indicate <br /> they had contacts in the area who would take a look at it on their behalf. Prior to that, the groups' <br /> representatives had indicated a definite interest in exploring alternative infill products. Staff also spoke <br /> with a number of soccer players and found there was a general preference for various alternative infill <br /> products. One of the challenges with finding a suitable alternative was that staff was very clear in that it <br /> would not support an alternative product that required regular watering, which many do. <br /> Vice Mayor Brown asked and Mr. Bocian confirmed that all of these products do have at least a minor <br /> cleaning process to remove contaminants from pet waste. Mr. Bocian further explained that while the <br /> proposed product does not necessarily have to be washed down, there is some regular maintenance <br /> and grooming required. <br /> Mayor Thorne opened and closed the public hearing. <br /> Councilmember Pentin said he completely supported the additions to the Oak Woodland project, the <br /> additional split-rail fencing and staff's approach to the play equipment. He said he could not support <br /> Alternate 4 for Bernal Park given the drought but that he would like the opportunity to revisit it at some <br /> point in the future, perhaps if and when it becomes possible to provide recycled water to the park. He <br /> also expressed concern over the proposed shade structure and said he would to see some options that <br /> might have greater longevity and require less maintenance than canvas. He again stressed his support <br /> for the Oak Woodland Area project, stating that the park provides a real opportunity for people of all <br /> ages to enjoy any number of unstructured outdoor activities. <br /> MOTION: It was m/s by Pentin/Narum to approve the staff recommendation, excluding Add Alternates <br /> 2 (pending further design) and 4. <br /> Mayor Thorne proposed a friendly amendment that the Council also direct staff to explore the costs of <br /> replacing the grass warm up area with artificial turf. <br /> Councilmember Pentin supported the request although said he was not opposed to having at least a <br /> small area of actual grass within the park. <br /> Mr. Fialho advised that to convert the area from natural to synthetic turf would require some additional <br /> engineering, which could cost well north of $500,000. Alternatively, the Council could approve the <br /> installation of irrigation but not hydro seeding until drought conditions resolve. <br /> Councilmember Pentin amended his motion to include direction that staff to explore the costs of <br /> replacing the grass warm up area with artificial turf and limit further consideration of the matter to <br /> synthetic turf or irrigation alone, with hydro seeding to be revisited at a future date. <br /> Councilmember Narum proposed her own amendment that the funds for Alternate 4 be reserved for <br /> completion of this portion of the project once conditions warrant. <br /> Councilmember Pentin accepted the amendment. <br /> City Council Agenda Page 5 of 11 April 07, 2015 <br />