05-21-13-WS Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 7 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson commented the purpose of implementing a management plan is to attempt to mitigate the disruption to the City's urban forest caused by the infestation of the EAB. She encouraged the Council to take a proactive approach to the potential infestation as this would enable the City to address both public and private impacts in an efficient and effective manner. Staff researched the management plans established by surrounding cities and did not recommend treating trees at this time. She then reviewed actions the Council could take such as removing ash trees or replanting with new tree species. Councilmember Holmes was in favor of removing declining trees, but not healthy ash trees. Councilmember Werner indicated there were many parallels between EAB and Dutch Elm Disease. He was not in favor of removing all trees until there was a decline in the ash tree population. Mayor Grant commented it would be difficult for the City to slow the progress of the ash borers given the number of ash trees in the City. Councilmember Holden was in favor of securing or protecting the trees in Arden Manor. Mayor Grant suggested replanting new trees in Arden Manor. Councilmember Tamble stated the disease was not old enough to know how fast it will spread each year. He indicated he could make several calls to discuss new treatment options. He opposed cutting down healthy trees. Parks and Recreation Director Olson indicated residents may be interested in treating their own private trees. Councilmember Holden commented there has been some success on the East Coast with treating EAB with wasps. This may be an option for Arden Hills homeowners. Mayor Grant summarized that the Council was not in favor with options one through three within the Staff report. However, the Council did support the removal or trimming of declining trees. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the City had funds budgeted for tree trimming, removal and replacement. Parks and Recreation Director Olson stated funds were available within the CIP for tree removal over the next five years. She explained that additional funds may need to be added for tree replacement. Councilmember Holden commented she did not feel tree replacement on a one-to-one basis was necessary as some trees were planted so closely in the past,this would not be needed. Councilmember Tamble suggested a tree be replanted within the City somewhere, even if not in the same exact location as the removed ash tree.