12-07-2020 Council Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 45 zo Emerald Ash Borer Injection Program — Environmental Coordinator Nelson 46 first updated the council on the Tree City Initiative. It's a program that gives recognition 47 for efforts in the area of trees. He is working to bring that back to the City after a couple 48 years of not participating. 49 50 Mr. Nelson then reviewed his written report on the possibility of starting an injection 51 program to deal with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation in the City. He updated the 52 council on the current situation for trees on public property and the goal of 100 injections 53 per year. Staff also responds to residents on their questions about trees on private 54 property; sometimes providing a path to treatment. There is an existing program that 55 could be helpful to residents; he reviewed the benefits and noted that many other cities 56 are already participating in the program. City staff would remain the primary remover of 57 trees; the program relates to treatment only. Without the program, the cost to residents 58 would be higher. 59 60 Councilmember Lyden confirmed that there are boulevard trees being removed; overall 61 he wonders what purpose injection will serve. Mr. Nelson said the removals are always 62 tied to replacement and the cost related to it. Councilmember Lyden said he feels that if 63 there is a diseased tree it should be removed. 64 65 Mayor Rafferty asked for more information on costs. Mr. Nelson said he will prepare 66 additional information on cost analysis. Mr. Nelson noted that there is also a possibility 67 of grant funding to reduce the City's cost. 68 69 Environmental Coordinator Nelson explained that the City's park staff is very involved 70 and very helpful in keeping outside costs low. The program itself is free to set up 71 (postcard, etc). 72 73 Councilmember Ruhland asked if there is a standard for tree replacement perhaps at a 74 lower cost. Mr. Nelson said that can be investigated; he offered additional information 75 on the downside of planting a smaller diameter tree. 76 77 Councilmember Stoesz asked if there could be two vendors for the program, in order to 78 have some selection and perhaps price competition. Mr. Nelson noted that residents 79 wouldn't be required to choose the company in the program and further the company 80 selected by the City for the pathway information will have to meet certain criteria. 81 82 Mayor Rafferty said he likes the concept brought forward by Mr. Nelson. It meets a level. 83 of specification (by having a vendor to recommend) and provides a route for residents 84 who are interested. This will not come forward as a requirement to residents but 85 provides options. 86 87 Councilmember Cavegn remarked that if this is a no cost program that will work to 88 provide information to residents, he doesn't see any problem moving forward. 89 2