06-09-14 Special WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 9, 2014 4 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson commented that due to the flight season of the EAB, staff plans on waiting until fall to remove the trees and the replacement can take place at the same time. The fall is a better time to plant trees based on the weather. Another option available to the Council would be to wait until next spring to replace these trees, and the City could utilize the annual Friends of the Park tree sale. On average, the City receives a donation of 18-24 trees each year. The only disadvantage to using the donated trees is that the City will not have control over the type of trees received. Mayor Grant questioned if by removing these trees would the advance of Emerald Ash Borer be reduced. Public Works Director Maurer stated that staff was hoping to protect and maintain portions of the City's parks by aggressively treating good quality trees, while removing and replacing the poorer quality trees. He indicated that staff was recommending the removal of 16 trees and that seven be replanted this fall. Mayor Grant suggested that the trees remain and be enjoyed until this fall. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that this could be done. Public Works Director Maurer commented that the plan will be to plant trees next spring with donations made by residents. C. TCAAP Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that at the August 19, 2013, City Council work session, representatives from the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) and Ramsey County introduced the TCAAP Redevelopment Partnership (TRP). The TRP was established to educate the public and build support for the project and the legislative funding requests. The TRP is not a formal or legal entity, rather a fluid coalition working toward a common goal—the successful redevelopment of the TCAAP site. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that Mr. Weinhagen, St. Paul Chamber of Commerce, was present to brief the Council on an economic development initiative that SPACC is proposing. Jonathan Weinhagen, St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, thanked the Council for attending the June 6th dedication event at TCAAP. He discussed the event in further detail and appreciated the positive media coverage from this event. He provided comment on the intensive TCAAP curriculum called STEAM that the school district completed this past year. He was happy to report that this curriculum would be continued in the 2014-2015 school year. He stated the Chamber had interest in capturing the history of Building 189. He encouraged the Council to reach out to the Chamber if there were areas of concern that the Chamber can address. Mr. Weinhagen discussed the proposed Accelerate Ramsey County (ARC) economic development initiative that the County is developing in partnership with the municipalities within the County.