08-10-2022 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Keis and Members of the City Council FROM: Bill Dircks, Public Works Director DATE: August 10, 2022 RE: Ordinance 866, Amend City Code Chapter 1701 – Tree Management Revisions ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: Motion to Adopt Ordinance 866, amending City Code Chapter 1701, and approve publication of a summary ordinance. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 412.191, in the case of a lengthy ordinance, a summary may be published. BACKGROUND: The ordinance in the City Code referring to trees is outdated and only refers to trees affected by Dutch Elm Disease. With the explosion of Emerald Ash Borer as well as the ongoing problems with Oak Wilt, staff felt a revision of the ordinance was in order. The revised ordinance adds language to include Oak Wilt, Emerald Ash Borer, as well as any fungi or insects that may become an issue in the future. It also covers dead trees that may not be infected with any diseases or insects but are still a nuisance. The ordinance 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. Extensions can be granted in the event of special circumstances. If the tree in question is not removed, the City can abate the tree and assess the costs to the property. 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. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Adopt Ordinance 886, amending City Code Chapter 1701, and approve publication of a summary ordinance. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 412.191, in the case of a lengthy ordinance, a summary may be published. ATTACHMENTS: Existing City Code Chapter 1701 Ordinance 866 - revised City Code Chapter 1701 Summary Ordinance 866 for publication