07-01-2024 - Council Work Session Minutes

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c) Delay replacement of boulevard trees. Tree replacement is generally completed concurrent with removals or the following year. This reduces funding for removals by approximately 60-70%. Under this scenario, a priority list would be created, and replacement would be completed when funding becomes available. The Community Development Director stated that with the proposed increase, staff would be able to target multiple high priority areas and complete additional removals in 2024. Staff is proposing to fund the changes through two avenues. Due to other unforeseen hiring priorities the Community Development Specialist position has not been filled as of July 1st. Staff is proposing to use unspent personnel funding in the Community Development Department for the Forestry adjustments. Any shortfall would be covered by reserves. uncil Consensus It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to move forward with the EAB funding and management plan as presented. Shenandoah Park Water Quality Improvement Project The Community Development Director provided a project overview. He reported that in 2022 the City Council authorized a partnership with the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) to identify potential water quality improvements to reduce volume and sediment/nutrient loading to Rice Lake. A private ditch system maintained by the City runs through the park, under Birch Street, and discharges into Rice Lake. Staff is of the opinion that opportunity exists for a restoration project that would enhance water quality and provide an improved greenway element to the park. The Community Development Director stated that due to the estimated cost of the projects, it was recommended that the City pursue grant funding through RCWD or other agencies. The City's 5-year Capital Improvement Plan identified this project for implementation in 2025. The Community Development Director reported that the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) has established the Watershed Based Implementation Funding (WBIF) Grant Program. The grant program allocates funding to each watershed area for allocation in a collaborative local process. City staff and RCWD have proposed the Shenandoah project for funding through this program. Staff is currently researching funding that would include alternative selection and preparation of plans and specifications, estimated at $55,000. Once design is completed, the City and RCWD would pursue additional construction funding through the program. Depending on the alternative selected total project costs could range from $250,000 to $500,000.