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1/1 <br />M E M O R A N D U M <br />TO: PARKS AND RECREATION AND FORESTRY COMMISSION <br />FROM: NICK DEBAR | PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR <br />DATE: MARCH 25, 2010 <br />RE: CITY FORESTRY UPDATES <br />Mounds View was recently notified by the City of New Brighton that the jointly-operated City <br />Forester position will not be rehired at this time. Although their 2010 budget included funding <br />for the position, long-term funding for the position is uncertain and a commitment to this <br />position wasn’t made by the New Brighton City Council. Mounds View had made a cost-share <br />commitment of 35% for the position. New Brighton and Mounds View’s Joint Powers <br />Agreement began in 1981 shortly after Rick Wriskey was hired by New Brighton. <br />Since Mr. Wriskey’s retirement on September 30, 2009, each city has been on their own with <br />forestry needs. The Public Works Department has taken on some of the city forestry services <br />during this time. Some of these tasks have/will include: <br />• Re-inspecting diseased oaks marked for removal; <br />• Trimming trees in parks and right-of-way; <br />• Contracting for trimming services (bucket truck and chipper); <br />• Applying for Tree City USA Recertification; <br />• Coordination for the spring tree sale; and <br />• Considerations to deal with the Emerald Ash Borer. <br />Mr. Wriskey spent a considerable amount of his time meeting with Mounds View residents and <br />inspecting the City’s lands and private property for diseased trees, mainly Oak Wilt. Public <br />Works does not have the necessary training or the adequate staff time to assume these <br />responsibilities. <br />City staff is looking for recommendations from the PRF Commission on how to handle Mounds <br />View’s forestry needs presently and in the future. <br />ITEM NO. 9B2