08-10-2022 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 10, 2022 Torkelson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2022-8-93 — APPR O PE MO VING THE B UDGET DISCUSSION TO THE END OF THE AGENDA The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (4). Nays (0). Resolution adopted. ORDINANCE 866, AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 1701, CONTROL OF DUTCH ELM DISEASE AND NUISANCE TREES The Public Works Director stated that City Code Chapter 1701 referring to trees is outdated and only refers to trees affected by Dutch Elm Disease. He explained that with the explosion of Emerald Ash Borer, as well as the ongoing problems with Oak Wilt, staff felt a revision of the City Code was needed. He noted the new chapter language now includes Oak Wilt, Emerald Ash Borer, as well as any fungi or insects that may become an issue in the future. He stated it also covers dead trees that may not be infected with any diseases or insects, but are still a nuisance. He noted that new language also gives the City the authority to inspect trees on private property and send notices to property owners to have the tree removed within 60 days. He stated that extensions can be granted in the event of special circumstances, but if the tree in question is not removed, the City can abate the tree and assess the costs to the property. The Public Works Director reported there are a number of dead and dying trees throughout the City and it will take a long time to address them all, but with an Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan and a revised ordinance in place, staff can start taking the steps necessary to eliminate potentially dangerous trees. Keis asked if staff would be actively looking for diseased trees. The Public Works Director stated to begin with, staff will be addressing them as calls come in and when there is extra staff time to go out and look for issues. Torkelson asked if other cities also have requirements to abate diseased or damaged trees. The Public Works Director stated that many other cities have this language. McGraw introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2022-8-94 — ADOPT ORDINANCE 866, AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 1701, AND APPROVE PUBLICATION OF SUMMARY ORDINANCE The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Torkelson. Roll Call Vote: Keis, Miller, McGraw, Torkelson, Fischer. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. ADOPT AN EMERALD ASH BORER MANAGEMENT PLAN The Parks & Rec/Community Services Director explained that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a non- native insect that has been shown to cause nearly 100% mortality in native ash tree populations. He 2