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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, June 10, 2013 Page 15 Councilmember Laliberte again expressed her appreciation of the Commission’s very helpful report. Chair Holt recognized the numerous issues the City Council needed to consider; however, he opined that there came a point where no more further efficiencies could be found. Chair Holt noted that a significant way the City saved money was through utilizing its volunteer pool and their efforts; and a coordinator could provide additional gain for the city beyond the focus of cost of the position. Chair Holt opined that he was of the firm belief that the position would actually be cost- neutral or save the City money in the long-run; and asked that the City Council change their thinking along those lines, and encouraged their efforts for that con- sideration proving very beneficial overall. Commissioner Doneen, in the Commission’s role as the City’s Tree Board, pro- vided a report on the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation in Roseville, referenc- ing the original Management Plan providing five (5) options, and the one-time set-aside of $100,000 in funding for potential infestation, now being realized. Commissioner Doneen reviewed various options in how aggressive the City chose to be related to removal and replanting, and asked for their consideration during budget deliberations, and how it fit with other natural resource management prior- ities as well. Commissioner Doneen opined that this infestation would make a huge impact in many areas of the community and its entire eco-system, with fund- ing and proactive measures needing to be reviewed and updated. At the request of Mayor Roe, Commissioner Doneen clarified that the Commis- sion was currently focused on boulevard and City property, but not targeting for- ested areas of parks, but those in the city-wide public property tree inventory for those that could be mowed around for diversity planting, with no focus to-date on private property. Commissioner Doneen advised that he was advocating initiating a diverse replanting now by identifying areas through use of the tree inventory. Discussion included an historical review of other communities having had an in- festation and whether there had been a recurrence; 25% of the City’s current trees of the Ash species; treatment versus removal; special consideration of the City’s Golf Course with substantial Ash trees; treatment strategies being a delaying tac- tic, not a cure; and the Commission’s search for any available grant funding to help lower costs in addressing the infestation(s). Councilmember McGehee requested more detailed information on treatment types and available historical data for future discussions. Mayor Roe questioned if there may be some assistance from the State, County or Metropolitan Council to more broadly address the infestation, since it was region- al and not city-specific.