02-18-14 Jt Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 9 Councilmember Werner commented that State and Legacy funds could assist the City in completing some important trail connections. Mayor Grant discussed the redevelopment of TCAAP and recommended that the PTRC review the proposed parks and trails for this area. He explained that the Master Planning process is still underway and he wants to see the PTRC taking an active role in the park planning. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson provided an update on the Elmer L. Andersen trail extension east to Tony Schmidt Regional Park. She explained that this work was slated to be completed by the County in 2016-2017. The Lake Johanna Boulevard trail from the Tony Schmidt Park entrance to Old Highway 10 is also scheduled to be completed in 2016-2017. Ms. O'Malley asked if the corporate businesses in Arden Hills have been approached to sponsor a trail segment. Councilmember Holden discussed the actions taken by several of the local businesses. She indicated that Bethel will be providing $800,000 for trail connections along County Road E. Councilmember Holmes commented that the Arden Hills Foundation may be another organization to contact for assistance with future trails. Mr. Van Valkenburg thanked the Council for the comments and input provided this evening. Mayor Grant thanked the PTRC members for their attendance this evening. E. Emerald Ash Borer Parks and Recreation Manager Olson provided the Council with an update on the treatment of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). She reported that the treatment of the Ash trees was discussed by the Council this fall. She explained that Precision completed an inventory of the Ash trees in City parks and found that there were 54 Ash trees in the parks and 38 could be treated. The expense for the treatment would be just over $3,000. The remaining trees are smaller or in poor condition. The expense to remove those trees would be $1,900. She indicated that if the trees are treated,the treatment would be needed every two years. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson commented that if the Council were to remove all 54 of the Ash trees it would cost the City over $10,000, and that price does not include replacement trees. She provided the Council with aerial views of the City's parks noting the location of the Ash trees. She stated that if the Council were to proceed with the treatment of the Ash trees it would be scheduled for late May or early June. She requested comments or questions from the Council. Councilmember Werner found the treatment costs to be extremely reasonable. He questioned how effective the treatments are.