Minutes - 2025/02/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 9 and Recreation Director Peterson stated the timeline for the tree removal depends on the tree. He indicated elms have to be taken down immediately to assist with not spreading Dutch Elm. He reported oaks have to be taken down after the first hard frost or before March 1. He explained ash trees should be taken down immediately because they become more and more brittle over time. He stated he has given homeowners more time to receive quotes for the tree removal, but most times, they are not able to find a contractor that can do it cheaper than the City’s contractor. He commented on how the City works with homeowners on repayment of assessments and noted there may be grants available to assist homeowners that have to have multiple trees removed. Council Member Meehlhause stated the City controls the timing of the trees being removed from the boulevard. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the case. He commented on how the number of trees needing to be removed was going to go down, because the ash trees will have been removed. A resident attending the meeting asked if trees in the boulevard were the City’s full responsibility if needing to be removed. Mayor Lindstrom reported there would be a 50/50 cost share between the City and the resident for these trees. A resident attending the meeting stated he did not believe a dead pine tree in the middle of his yard should be a City issue. Council Member Smith reported the program being discussed only addressed diseased trees. Luke Edmond asked if the City would be replanting trees given the number that have been removed. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported when the City removes trees from public property they have to be replaced at a 2:1 ratio. He indicated this was not the case for trees removed on private property or within the right-of-way. Sharon Kircher stated she had eight oak trees in her yard and asked if oak wilt was growing in Mounds View. Public Works Director Peterson explained when oak trees are stressed or in a time of drought, oak wilt can spread. Council Member Smith asked if it was necessary to remove the stumps for diseased oak and ash trees. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported it was not necessary to remove the stumps. Council Member Clark commented on how oak wilt would spread into her yard quicker if her neighbors diseased trees were not treated. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated generally with oak wilt, the disease cycles after drought years. He commented on how new tree varieties were being created that were more disease resistant. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10066, Approve the Directive with Option 1, keeping the existing program in place, Regarding Diseased Trees on Private Property.