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Of <br />IUN�WEW <br />BRKATrON <br />the city that works for you <br />Council Worksession <br />November 10, 2015 <br />5:00 pm <br />Present: Mayor Dave Jacobsen <br />Councilmember Gina Bauman (arrived at 5:43 p.m.) <br />Councilmember Brian Strub <br />Councilmember Paul Jacobsen <br />Councilmember Mary Burg <br />Absent: <br />Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Chris Wolla and Jim Veiman <br />Guests in Attendance: Craig Rapp <br />Forestry Update <br />Lotter stated this item was previously scheduled for the October 27th worksession meeting but was held over to <br />this meeting. He explained Chris and Jim were present to discuss Forestry programs in New Brighton with the <br />Council. <br />Chris provided the Council with a forestry update. He indicated New Brighton continues to be a Tree City <br />USA and has been for the past 33 years. He provided comment on the events held each year on Arbor Day. <br />Jim believed the City could receive a tree growth award given the City's forestry efforts. He reviewed the <br />criteria for this award and noted buckthorn workshops would be held. It was noted that EAB has been found in <br />New Brighton. The cause and visual impacts to Ash trees was discussed at length. <br />Chris presented the City's treatment plan for EAB. Staff noted the Community Reinvestment Fund has been <br />used to cover the expense of EAB treatment. <br />Councilmember Burg recommended that the number of Ash trees in Minnesota and New Brighton be provided <br />to the Council in future presentations. Jim noted the tree survey that was completed on boulevard trees within <br />the City. He explained that park trees were being surveyed and added to the City's tree inventory. <br />Jim commented on the City's tree replacement and maintenance plan. He indicated the end goal would be to <br />treat the Ash that can be saved and remove the ones that cannot in order to reduce the long-term maintenance <br />expense to the City. He reported that the City was making efforts to replant its forest with a wide variety of <br />trees so as to avoid a wipeout from future diseases. <br />Chris reviewed how EAB treatments have increased over the past few years and anticipated these numbers <br />would continue to rise. Further discussion ensued regarding the value of City trees both in its parks and along <br />boulevards. He then commented on holding a potential Buckthorn burn in the winter. <br />Councilmember Burg expressed concern with the smoke that would be generated by the Buckthorn burn. <br />