2023.01.10 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Veiman commented on how he encouraged residents to treat their ash trees that could be saved and noted ones that could not be saved were marked for removal. He discussed how important it was to remove dead or dying ash trees so they do not fall on houses. He reviewed the cost for removing an ash tree versus treating an ash tree every two years. Further discussion ensued regarding the trees that were tagged for removal in 2022. Councilmember Abdulle asked if there was any financial assistance available to help residents that need help with removing trees. Fink reported there was nothing available through the State. She indicated the City was considering a plan or funding pot that would assist with EAB tree removal. She noted the City had received a $100,000 grant from the DNR to assist with the removal of EAB trees on City-owned property. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned if any surrounding communities had an EAB removal policy in place. Fink stated the City had an EAB plan in place. Staff discussed the efforts that were occurring in Roseville, Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, St. Paul and St. Louis Park noting EAB inspections and tree removals were taking place. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas explained she gets nervous with the City marking trees for removal without discussing the options or receiving a second opinion on the tree. Veiman explained there were residents that have opted to treat the trees that he believes could not be saved. Councilmember Abdulle believed giving residents only 30 days to address a tree was not enough time. V eiman reported he always works with residents and grants extensions. He stated the main point was to get a plan in place to address the dangerous tree and to limit the spread of EAB. Massopust questioned if the Council had concerns requiring residents to remove trees from their property in a specific timeline. Councilmember Allen stated he believed 30 days was quick and he appreciated the fact staff was willing to work with residents. He understood if the tree had to be removed, it had to be removed. He noted he had to remove a tree this past year which was an unexpected cost for him and his family. He supported the City exploring a funding source to assist with this expense for residents. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas suggested the City have preferred tree removal vendors in place and that staff investigate how the City can subsidize the expense for tree removals. Fink reported staff could work to create a list of qualified or preferred vendors. Massopust reported this would cost the City up front, which would have to be understood by the Council. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned what the financing options would be for a tree removal assistance program. Foschi stated the big question would be where the City would get a pot of money to assist with tree removals. She noted this expense could be put on the levy, but this would impact all taxpayers. Veiman explained the EAB problem would be addressed at some point in time, but there would be a need to remove a large number of trees over the next three to five years. Massopust asked if there were concerns with the current process in how staff addresses EAB.