12-28-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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