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1 <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />ITEM NO. 4 <br /> <br />STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director <br /> <br />WORK SESSION DATE: July 1, 2024 <br /> <br />TOPIC: EAB Update and Forestry Budget Amendment <br /> <br />______________________________________________________________________________ <br />BACKGROUND <br /> <br />The City has been proactive in preparing for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) by completing a plan in <br />early 2010 and beginning a methodical annual ash tree treatment and removal process. Tree <br />removals due to Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has significantly increased as the infestation has <br />reached it peak. This has strained the City staff’s ability to keep up with problem trees. The <br />2024 Forestry Budget for removals and replacements, increased to $50,000 in 2023, has already <br />been expended. Additional problem areas continue to be identified. <br /> <br />Staff currently prioritizes removals based on proximity to structures, places of congregation and <br />roadways/trails. Depending on the degree of difficulty, removals are completed either by City <br />staff or contracted out. <br /> <br />To continue management of this issue staff is proposing the following actions: <br /> <br />1) Amend the Forestry Budget to increase contracted services by $50,000. <br />2) Add an additional seasonal employee (4 months) at cost of $13,200. <br />3) Delayed replacement of boulevard trees. Tree replacement is generally completed <br />concurrent with removals or the following year. This reduces funding for removals by <br />approximately 60 - 70%. Under this scenario a priority list would be created, and <br />replacement would be completed when funding becomes available. <br /> <br />With the proposed increase staff would be able to target multiple high priority areas and <br />complete additional removals in 2024. Staff is proposing to fund the changes through two <br />avenues. Due to other unforeseen hiring priorities the Community Development Specialist <br />position has not been filled as of July 1st. Staff is proposing to use unspent personnel funding <br />in the Community Development Department for the Forestry adjustments. Any shortfall would <br />be covered by reserves. <br />