02-21-23-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — FEBRUARY 22, 2022 related to diseased tree control. The City promotes Friends of the Parks and Trails Annual Tree Sale but, in 2020 and 2021, that program was suspended due to challenges from Covid and after review of their website there is no information shown for 2022. In 2021, the City contracted with Rainbow Tree Care to treat the City owned ash trees, staff inquired if they provide services at a discount to residents to which they replied they offer approximately 30% off their standard rate when partnered with a City. Staff is requesting direction from Council if there is interest in this program. Mayor Grant requested further information regarding the contractors. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained staff reached out to three contractors in 2021 and Rainbow Tree provided the best rate per caliper inch for the treatment of trees. Councilmember Holden questioned if the City wanted to open up this contractor to the public. Mayor Grant reported the City has always done this for Emerald Ash Borer treatments. He stated the City could have an agreement with Rainbow Tree that would allow residents to receive a 30% discount. Councilmember Scott discussed the cost the City paid to treat 46 trees in 2021. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated he was not interested in offering the City's rate to residents because the City was receiving a bid rate and not a standard single tree rate that would be charged to residents. Mayor Grant suggested this item be tabled this evening and staff can bring it back at a future meeting when they can provide more information on the three vendors that were contacted in 2021 and what rates would they be willing to bring forward. E. Council Tracker City Administrator Perrault provided the Council with an update on the Council Tracker. Councilmember Holden requested the water meter situation be added to the Council Tracker. 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES Councilmember Radziej stated he would be attending a meeting with Representative Moller this week. He commented he would be attending a tour of the fire department tomorrow. Councilmember Scott asked when the Council would be making a determination to return to in - person meetings. He reported the COVID numbers have fallen dramatically at this point. Mayor Grant commented on the numbers and noted another variant was out there that was now more catchy than Omicron and also more deadly.