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Enivornmental Board <br />March 31, 2021 <br />Page 3 <br />DRAFT MINUTES <br />Mr. Nelson stated that recently the City has received requests from individual <br />homeowners to treat the boulevard trees at their own expense. Mr. Nelson pointed <br />out that there is no guarantee that the owner or future owner would continue to treat <br />the tree in the future, leaving the City with a more expensive contracted removal in <br />the future. <br /> <br />Staff recommended that resident financed treatments be limited to privately owned <br />trees and that boulevard ash trees be managed in accordance with the City EAB <br />response plan currently in place. <br /> <br /> <br />Mr. Schwartz asked for clarification of the time line for completing boulevard <br />removals. Mr. Nelson confirmed that we are still 10 years out, noting that a possible <br />DNR grant could eliminate 3 years. <br /> <br />Mr. Schwartz suggested that the City prioritize the removal of trees that are on the <br />cusp of not being able to remove ourselves to minimize the number of contracted <br />removals needed. Mr. Nelson explained that we are taking that into account, along <br />with other factors, in our annual work plan. <br /> <br /> <br />Ms. Holmes asked if there was specific distance from a street that defined a <br />boulevard tree. Mr. Nelson noted the distance from right-of-way line/property line <br />can vary from area to area and that there is not a standard distance. <br /> <br />Ms. Holmes questioned whether there was a standard notification process to the <br />residents regarding ash removal and how many property owners were interested in <br />treating their boulevared trees. Mr. Nelson responded that he has had <br />approximately five requests, but noted that if we offer it to one than we need to offer <br />it to all. <br /> <br />Ms. Holmes asked if residents get to pick the type of tree that is replaced. Mr. <br />Nelson responded that currently species selection is decided by the City to ensure <br />diversity and higher survival rates. <br /> <br /> <br />Ms. Nelson asked what grant funds the City was submitting for. Mr. Nelson <br />responded that it was a street tree bonding grant and we applied to replace <br />approximatley 91 trees. She recommended use of door hangers as a good way to <br />communicate. <br /> <br />Mr. Sullivan asked about what year of the EAB plan we are in and what size of trees <br />can the City handle for removal. Mr. Nelson responded that we are approximately 9 <br />years from completing the plan. Tree removal complexity varies from site to site. <br />