03-13-2023 City Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 4 landscape methods as there is an education component along with it. He shared that grants are 132 available for native gardens and tree plantings. 133 134 Councilmember Cavegn noted that many residents in Lino Lakes are fertilizing their lawns and 135 likely choking out any pollinator species. 136 137 The Environmental Board recommended considering No Mow May back in 2022. 138 139 The consensus of the Council was to not move forward with No May May at this time. 140 141 Item 4 — Boulevard Tree Policy — Environmental Coordinator Nelson gave a summary of his 142 written report and shared that currently every new residential house gets a boulevard tree as part 143 of the developer agreement. The City maintains and prunes those trees, and if a tree dies the City 144 will remove the tree and restore the area to turf grass. The City has been replacing those trees as 145 they die from the forestry budget. He asked whether the City would like to continue requiring 146 boulevard tree planting. 147 148 The Councilmembers were in favor of the requirement for boulevard trees at the developer’s 149 expense. 150 151 Mr. Nelson asked if the City should continue the practice of replacing boulevard trees that have 152 been removed at cost of about $500 per tree at an estimated 60 trees per year; he clarified it 153 would probably be about 30 trees per year when Emerald Ash Borer is under control. 154 155 The Councilmembers discussed and were in favor of continuing the replacement program. 156 157 Mr. Nelson asked whether a resident should have the choice to opt-out of replacement of the 158 boulevard tree associated with their property if it is removed. 159 160 Councilmember Cavegn noted if the City requires it to begin with, it is part of the aesthetic of 161 trees within the City. 162 163 The Councilmembers discussed an were not in favor of allowing residents to opt-out of a 164 replacement tree. 165 166 Councilmember Lyden stated if someone wanted a more expensive tree they may be able to pay 167 the difference. Mr. Grochala noted the City is very careful about tree selection in the boulevard 168 so they do not run into situations like Emerald Ash Borer. They want to be sure the replacement 169 is a good, hardy tree. 170 171 Councilmember Stoesz asked if someone puts a tree in that isn’t the City standard, does the City 172 make the resident remove the tree? Mr. Nelson noted it is on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Grochala 173 clarified the City does have the ability to remove the tree and charge the resident for it. 174 175 Item 5 — Park and Trail Improvement Fund Projects — Public Services Director DeGardner 176 gave a summary of his written report based on Park Board discussion with an updated list of 177