02/27/2002 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • • 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 within the Tree Trust. Chair Kukonen expressed concern about the cost of the stump removal. Ms. Smith indicated it averaged 50 dollars. She recommended that the money is used for stump removal or for the planting of the trees, or there would not be enough for the trees. Chair Kukonen questioned if it was a real cost for the City. Asleson answered that the City planted trees each spring, and that the planting would not be an added cost, and the trees would be free with the two for one program. Grundhofer asked if there would be assistance wit n of the trees. Ms. Smith stated that Xcel would be reimbursed for chipp <_ thF ees t `_ .ugh the program. O'Connell posed the question would the eown - lowed to choose the tree replacement. Ms. Smith responded that sh e that listed the species the program would accept. Staff would choose `ut v ve different species that the homeowner could choose from, �+ e Cit ould choose the species for the boulevard. Asleson stated that Xcel ergy de 'to keep the clearances, but was attempting to change its image. Trehus asked if the City woul . '`pay for the stump removal. Asleson pointed out that the stump removal cost was a minor expense. Grundhofer inquired about any requirements for the location of the replacement trees. Ms. Smith indicated that the first tree would be at the location of the removed tree, and would need to be less than 25 feet under the wires, however the second tree could be any size, and would be given 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