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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes <br />Mr. Hermann stated that the trees that are marked for removal will not grow as tall as <br />the previous trees that were in this location and that they were part of the verbal <br />agreement/variance granted in the past. <br />Mr. Hermann stated that his neighbor planted trees in the name of each person in their <br />family and now those trees are marked for removal as well. He said that those trees are <br />reported to be a foot over the line and they are marked for total removal vs. trimming. <br />Mr. Hermann stated that he and his neighbors have been good stewards of the land. <br />Mr. Hermann reviewed the change in contact people at GRE that he has worked with <br />over the years and the changes in the policy for vegetation removal and maintenance. <br />Mr. Hermann stated that his neighbor reported that they were told if GRE was to trim <br />half the tree it would likely die and could land on the house. So, the neighbor chose to <br />have the full tree removed. <br />The Environmental Coordinator confirmed that if a tree is trimmed on one side it can be <br />weakened structurally and can become a hazard. General practice is to remove the tree <br />entirely to avoid potential safety issues. <br />Mr. Hermann stated that there has not been a consistent message to the neighborhood <br />regarding planting allowances, variances, and the level of fire danger created by having/ <br />not removing the plantings. He stated that looking ahead GRE needs a document <br />outlining the planting and land use regulations for the easement. <br />Mr. Hermann stated that he has a copy of the deed/easement from 1968. He asked if <br />GRE could change that easement if they want to expand the area. <br />The City Attorney stated that GRE cannot unilaterally change the easement agreement <br />between the property owner and them. That would need to be coordinated with the <br />private property owner. There is language in the current easement that they can go <br />outside that area if there is a hazard. She stated that private companies cannot use <br />eminent domain. <br />Jean Gobell, 7840 Lois Lane, stated that in 2003 when GRE cut down the tall trees along <br />the easement on her property, she was told that she could plant trees less than 18' tall. <br />She planted Arborvitae that met that qualification. She noted that they were also out of <br />town when they received the door hanger notice regarding the planned removal. <br />Page 5 of 8 <br />