08-10-11 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 10, 2011 CAPITAL It was again stated that parks and recreation capital improvements IMPROVEMENT should be a part of the City's capital improvement planning process. NEEDS WATER WORKS RR CROSSING ASH TREE INVENTORY The City Administrator reported that the City obtained a permit for a trail crossing over the railroad crossing and is currently trying to get an extension of that permit. It noted that the original estimate for the trail crossing was $30,000 to $40,000. However, due to the requirements of the railroad, that estimate has increased to $140,000. The Administrator indicated that the City will be pursuing grant funding to help defray those costs, but in the meantime is trying to get the permit extended. The current permit is for 2011. Sanders indicated that grant applications would be due by next February or March. The Administrator pointed out that this trail would be part of the Trout Brook Trail, and should that trail receive regional trail status, grant funding may be less difficult to obtain. There was discussion about whether or not it would be less expensive to tunnel under the railroad rather than do a surface crossing. The consensus was that the City Administrator should have the City Engineer put together cost estimates for a tunnel, the City should pursue extension of the railroad crossing permit, and Sanders investigate both the County's designation of the Trout Brook Trail as a regional trail and whatever grant funding might be available. A report should then be submitted to the Council. The Director reported that he had the City's Tree Inspector put together an ash tree inventory in critical areas of City property. It is estimated that there are slightly over 170 as trees in these areas. Given the potential for emerald ash borer infestation, the Director suggested that the City take a proactive approach in dealing with that problem. The most aggressive would be for complete replacement of this species. Another option is treating the trees. The Director pointed out that it has not yet been determined whether treatment is effective. He indicated that treatment would involve an annual injection into the ground at root level for each tree, and estimated cost of that treatment is $35 annually, or $64 every other year. The Director was asked to put together a plan for addressing the issue and to submit it to the Council for action. The City Administrator indicated that he would include $6,000 in the budget for reforestation /treatment. 6