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Council approves $22,000 mulcher purchase to clear buckthorn at Paracade Park
Summary
Stewartville City Council approved purchase of a Diamond SK 50 mulcher from Echo Equipment for $22,000, with roughly half the cost coming from the city’s CEP funds and half from the stormwater fund, to help clear invasive buckthorn at Paracade Park and improve pond maintenance access.
Stewartville City Council approved the purchase of a Diamond SK 50 drum mulcher from Echo Equipment for $22,000 to support vegetation management at Paracade Park and around the city’s ponds. Staff recommended the 50-inch Diamond over larger alternatives because it requires lower hydraulic flow and has quicker recovery time, according to the meeting materials.
Staff said the machine will complement the goats already used to control buckthorn but is needed where taller plants and berry drop make goat grazing insufficient. Funding was described in the staff summary as a 50/50 split between the city’s CEP (Capital Equipment Program) and the stormwater fund; council approved the purchase by voice vote after a motion and second.
Council discussion acknowledged aesthetic concerns that mulching and clearing will temporarily leave areas appearing barren, and staff said the intent is to create access for further work and to prevent loss of mature oak trees by addressing invasive species before native seedlings are outcompeted. Staff also noted the city will operate the machine in-house and explore options for reclaiming or disposing of larger woody material.
The meeting record includes alternative quotes from other vendors for larger mulchers but the approved, smaller Diamond SK 50 was selected for operational compatibility with the city’s equipment and requirements.
