09/26/2001 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 adapted to meet the needs of the City and the residents. The reimbursement was based on the size of the trunk removed, and there was usually two trees given for each tree removed. She stated that the trees would be trimmed be Xcel Energy in the near future, so Tree Trust comes to the cities prior to the trimming to offer the program. Trehus inquired if Xcel was locked into trimming, and was she thorough in reaching the residents. Ms. Smith answered that the program would be run through staff. Trehus asked the number of people who staffed the program. Ms. Smith responded that she was the only staff member for Trade a Tree program wit t. e Tree Trust. Chair Kukonen expressed concern about the cost of the stump rcmva1 M s. Smith Akt indicated it averaged 50 dollars. She recommended that the money is usetf for stump V4V,It5.1 414 removal or for the planting of the trees, or there would not be,eentkg.,mfoythe trees. 5biTh, ,41:1L.47,5,r Chair Kukonen questioned if it was a real cost for the Cit.y. Asleson answered that the City planted trees each spring, and that the planting ou Id notadded cost, and the trees would be free with the two for one program. eeA' Grundhofer asked if there would be assistance With t1i,chipping of the trees. Ms. Smith stated that Xcel would be reimbursed for c nitg, the trees through the program. - O'Connell posed the question would the homeownerbe allowed to choose the tree replacement. Ms. Ms. Smith responded that she.:had afguide that listed the species the program would accept. Staff would1:cyppse about five different species that the homeowner could choose from. :w .,:-1.'City would choose the species for the boulevard. Asleson stated that Xcel Ene change its image. to keep the clearances, but was attempting to Trehus asked if thef,(64 wou., ay for the stump removal. Asleson pointed out that the ,-:„i stump removal cost n'W41&hiliitir expense. ,4.410fA, Grundhofer ,e aou any requirements for the location of the replacement trees. X ..Iff7 Ms. Smith iri le-gted that the first tree would be at the location of the removed tree, and Nil'e'ee would need tothelless than 25 feet under the wires, however the second tree could be any . size, and wouldtOgiven to the City. The program was trying to branch out and has recently included a mini -arboretum at an elementary school for educational purposes, so they were trying to meet all the needs. Trehus asked where the City would be planting the trees. Asleson explained that they might be put in open spaces, or wherever a tree was needed. Chair Kukonen called for a motion. 7