03/05/1990 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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PARK BOARD MINUTES February 5, 1990 A Banner was shown to the board members that is bright yellow and states "Tree Protection Zone" . This banner could be put in areas during construction. Construction workers would not be allowed beyond the banners . Also Ray Johnson suggested that the developer must talk with the City Forester before they could move or remove the banner. A Tree Ordinance would also establish a reforestation plan for the city. Adding greenery adds value to the city and should be a very important part to the development of the city. Ray Johnson suggested asking the developers to come to city hall and discuss how to save trees in their development . Don Volk stated that this is already being done. Developments like Woodridge Estates and Parkview Estates have worked with the city forester in keeping construction damage to a minimum. We want to establish good communication between the city and developers . Also this issue is discussed each year at Builder' s Day which is held in the spring. Don Volk suggested that an additional fee could be added to all building permits . This fee will go directly into a special fund for the reforestation program. Don Volk also recommended that the developer be made responsible for diseased trees within their development . Bill Nissen feels that establishing a tree ordinance is a good idea, but was concerned about the tree size requirement . The ordinance states "large trees , medium trees" , etc. and there are so many variables depending on the species. Bill felt there should be a section specifying what types of trees should not be planted, but omit any size requirements as it is an economic hardship to the resident if they are required to plant a 2" diameter tree base. A smaller size would be less expensive, along with the fact that often times the smaller the tree, the easier for it to survive the transplanting. Marty suggested the possibility of simply stating a "suitable size tree" in the ordinance. Marty stated that for example, as we think about reforestation in the city, cotton woods should not be planted on public streets , but rather plant a cleaner, hardier tree on the boulevard. Issues like that can be addressed in the tree ordinance. Don Volk stated that this tree ordinance concept was discussed by a couple of developers and that the big worry is cost . The city does not want to create hardship to the developer, but work with them in saving what trees they have Page 2