04-22-2010 Agenda and Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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1/2 M E M O R A N D U M TO: PARKS AND RECREATION AND FORESTRY COMMISSIONERS FROM: NICK DEBAR | PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DATE: APRIL 22, 2010 RE: DISCUSS CITY FORESTER POSITION Background: In 1981, the cities of New Brighton and Mounds View entered into a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to cost-share the City Forester position (an employee of New Brighton since the late 1970’s). At that time, Dulch Elm Disease was fast becoming an epidemic to the many mature elms in the region. At first, the position was assigned at a 40% cost split allowing the Forester to dedicate an average of two days a week toward Mounds View urban forest needs. This cost-share amount was tweaked in the mid-1990’s to 30%, or 1-1/2 days on average a week for Mounds View. This cost- share split remained until the Forester’s retirement last year. Mr. Rick Wriskey has been the only City Forester known to Mounds View for 28 years until his retirement on September 30, 2009. The two cities both expressed interest in continuing the JPA and rehiring of the vacated position. The Mounds View City Council was interested in returning to a 35% cost split with a potential up to 40%. New Brighton advertised the position and interviewed candidates from January through March of 2010. However, the rehiring of the position (as existed) was not approved based upon uncertainty with financial commitments toward the position beyond 2010. In lieu of rehiring the City Forester position, New Brighton is opting to pursue the hiring of a Forestry Intern. This position will be a temporary, non-benefit position geared toward a current college student majoring in forestry or a related field. This intern position will be largely focused on preparing for the Emerald Ash Borer and will be performing work for New Brighton only, whereby officially ending the JPA between the two cities. Discussion: Mounds View’ urban forest what it is today due in large to the efforts of the City Forester. Much like management of public works infrastructure, the urban forest also needs regular maintenance, repair, and replacement. Proper forest management has many positive effects including increasing property values, aesthetics, reducing energy costs, attracting wildlife, reducing stormwater runoff, and providing an overall high quality of life. The City Forester was responsible of management of trees on public property, including 43+ miles of roadway right-of-way, 125+ acres of park land, and 5+ acres of building grounds. Specific tasks included: • Tree trimming, planting, and landscaping; • Inspection/detection and removal of hazardous trees; • Administer and implement Dutch Elm and Oak Wilt Disease control per City ordinance. Includes coordination and oversight of removals on public and private properties; • Monitor and oversight of invasive/exotic plants and species (buckthorn, loosestrife, etc.); • Plan, bid, and administer contracts with independent contractors; • Review plans and provide recommendations for trees in street project areas; • Administer and manage of City’s forestry program (budgets, grants, articles, and meetings, etc.); • Respond to calls, inspections, and information requests; and • Plan and perform storm clean-up and recovery management. Now, much like the unavoidable threat that Dutch Elm Disease was nearly thirty years ago, Mounds View is again facing an imminent battle with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The first known outbreak in the Twin Cities was discovered only 10 miles away in the St. Paul neighborhood of St. Anthony Park (near Hwy. 280/Como Avenue). Many cities have already begun to implement an ITEM NO. 7A