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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Brad also mentioned the lighting upgrade at the FSC. Many improvements have <br /> been made in cooperation with Xcel Energy, who provided a rebate for more <br /> energy efficient lighting in areas where we needed new lighting any way. The <br /> rebate was about $6,000. The energy savings almost pay for the monthly <br /> payment. <br /> <br /> All Night Parties <br /> Brad stated there were two all night parties. Irondale on Tuesday, on June 5t` and <br /> St. Anthony on Fri. June 8 h. Both parties were a success. <br /> <br /> C. Staff Report - Rick Wriskey <br /> <br /> Rick Wriskey, City Forester, mentioned the concerns and danger about losing ash <br /> trees in New Brighton because of the Ash borer insect. Millions of ash trees in <br /> Michigan have been lost. It has moved to Ohio and Illinois and is now in the <br /> Chicago area. It is just a matter of time before we see it here. <br /> <br /> There are about 1,300 ash trees on New Brighton public land. The cost to remove <br /> an average ash tree is about $400. The cost to replace a tree is about $200. That <br /> would be about $780,000 if the ash trees in New Brighton were lost. There is a <br /> large campaign in the State to not allow people to bring their own firewood to <br /> parks. Also, you need to make sure any firewood you purchase comes from <br /> Minnesota where there are no known cases of ash borer. The cold does not affect <br /> the ash borer. <br /> <br /> Rick mentioned his continued work with diseased oaks and elms and also with <br /> hazardous tree removals. Some of the hazardous trees being removed are still <br /> from the 2005 storm. The elm and oak wilt diseases are under control. Rick stated <br /> he is dealing more with landscape and tree maintenance issues with residents. He <br /> does as many as 1,500 site visits per year and he receives as many as 2,000 calls <br /> per year. He is very busy trying to follow up with these. <br /> <br /> The Forestry Department does work closely with other City Departments such as <br /> the Planning and Engineering Departments; especially on development and road <br /> projects. <br /> <br /> We have taken advantage of numerous grants, but there is not as much grant <br /> money available lately. <br /> <br /> Concern was mentioned about some of the tree contractors in New Brighton. Rick <br /> suggested not considering door knocking companies and to also look on our <br /> website to see if the contractor has a license in New Brighton. <br /> <br /> Rick mentioned that buckthorn removal in the Hansen Park area is ongoing. There <br /> is not currently any buckthorn in some demonstration areas. However, he stated <br /> that it is not totally eradicated because seeds can come back eight years later. If <br /> the seedlings come up, it is very labor intensive to keep up with them. Rick is <br /> hoping that research will bring something new to eradicate it. <br /> <br /> Page 3 <br />