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Mounds View City Council September 23, 2024 <br />Regular Meeting Page 6 <br /> <br /> <br /> Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. <br /> <br />G. Resolution 9988, Approving a Three (3) Year Contract With Upper Cut Tree <br />Service for Diseased Tree Removals. <br /> <br />Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve a three (3) <br />year contract with Upper Cut Tree Service for diseased tree removals. He explained Public Works <br />had a duty to oversee tree removal services. He reported this included the removal of elm, oak and <br />ash trees. He stated staff was seeking assistance with this service for private tree removal and the <br />City received three bids for this work. He understood tree contracts were very busy due to EAB. <br />He commented on the contract further and requested the Council approve a three year contract <br />with Upper Cut Tree Service. <br /> <br />Council Member Meehlhause asked if this contract was for both City trees and private trees. Public <br />Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this contract would be for City owned <br />trees in the parks or trees in the right of way that need to be removed. He noted the expense to <br />remove trees in the right of way would be split 50/50 between the City and the property owner. He <br />indicated this contract would also allow Upper Cut to remove trees on private property in both the <br />front and backyard at the negotiated rate. He explained homeowners would be able to get their <br />own quotes for tree removal as well. <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom questioned how much money the City had set aside for tree removal at this time. <br />Finance Director Bauman estimated the City had over $160,000 set aside and assessment letters <br />have been sent out for $50,000 worth of tree work. <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom inquired if the City should be in the business of tree removal on private property. <br />City Administrator Zikmund stated there was evidence that tree removal slows the spread of EAB. <br /> <br />Council Member Gunn believed it was a matter of safety to have the dead and diseased trees <br />marked for removal. <br /> <br />Council Member Meehlhause asked if there was anything in State Statute that required the City to <br />inspect trees on private property. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated City <br />Ordinance indicates Public Works will go onto private property to mark diseased trees. He noted <br />the diseased tree policy specifically addresses elm, oak, ash, and hazard trees. <br /> <br />Vince Meyer supported the City pursuing a tree treatment program for ash trees versus only having <br />a tree removal program. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the City <br />partnered with Davie Tree Company to provide EAB treatment at a reduced cost to homeowners. <br />He stated this was only recommended for young and healthy ash trees. <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom requested this item be brought back to the Council for further discussion. <br /> <br />Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated he was seeking direction from the <br />Council on whether or not stumps should be removed. He reported the City would be grinding and