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