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- 4- <br />Mayor Neisen called the meeting on Dutch Elm and Oak Wilt Diseases to order at <br />8 :34 P.M. He explained that approximately 170 letters had been sent to people <br />with diseased trees and the purpose of the meeting was to explain the program and <br />answer specific questions people may have. Mayor Neisen turned the meeting over <br />to Mr. Doug Bryant, Park & Recreation Director who is in charge of the diseased <br />tree program. Mr. Bryant introduced Mr. John Heineman and Mr. Dennis Reger who <br />are employed for the University of Minnesota Plant Pathology Department. He <br />explained that Mr. Zylla, former Clerk Administrator had initiated the program <br />in June and contacted Mr. French of the University. The inspectors mad a survey <br />in the City in late June and reported back to City Hall, July 1 when Mr. Zylla <br />left the City for another position he turned the program over to Mr. Bryant. <br />The Park & Recreation Department sent out letters and release forms to persons <br />on the first survey. Of about 250 letters sent, about 70% of the forms have <br />been returned allowing City employees to go on private property and vapam <br />diseased trees. The inspectors have been busy vapaming the trees. The key to <br />the success of the program is being able to check the trees as soon as one <br />suspects they are diseased and itauediately chemically treat them. Trees may <br />be removed 20 days after being treated with vapam. The City will remove the trees <br />and assess the property owner for the cost or the owner may remove the trees <br />himself. We are presently working on a disposal area. <br />Only about 5% of the oak trees affected will have to be removed. However, we <br />would have to comply with our nuisance ordinance if the trees were dangerous <br />left standing. Specified oaks have to be removed by April. By next spring <br />there would be another survey taken. <br />Robert Shelquist, 8025 Fairchild Avenue, asked what the purpose of vapaming <br />the trees was. Mr. Bryant stated that by putting down a vapam barrier it kills <br />the root grafts and prevents the disease from spreading through the root system. <br />After 48 hours the sterilization is gone and you can replant and resod. After <br />20 days the tree is checked and if there are no beetles the tree (elm) can be <br />removed. If beetles are present it has to be sprayed with penta before it is <br />removed. <br />Mr. James Bergstrom, 8400 Red Oak Drive said he had vapamed some trees himself <br />last year and wondered if he had to do it every year. Mr. Heineman answered <br />that he didn't. However, you may have to give up healthy trees sometime to get <br />ahead of the disease. <br />Mayor Neisen asked what would be done about the guy who doesn't want you on <br />his property. <br />Mr. Bryant stated that ideally he would like a release form signed from every <br />resident in Mounds View. Therefore, as soon as any trees start to wilt, the <br />Park & Recreation Department could be notified and they in turn would notify <br />the University and the inspectors could come out and treat the trees immediately. <br />Attorney Meyers stated that by the Ordinance we have a right to go on the property <br />but the legal way may be a court injunction. <br />Mr. Bergstrom asked how the program is funded. <br />Mr. Bryant answered through the City's General Fund at the present time which <br />includes inspectors fee, communications, postage and publishing in 1974. <br />