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<br /> STAFF REPORT <br />DATE: 6/10/2025 <br /> Workshop <br /> <br />TO: Lake Elmo City Council <br />FROM: Jason Stopa, Community Development Director <br />AGENDA ITEM: Tree Fund | Right-of-way (ROW) Boulevard Tree Program <br />REVIEWED BY: Ashley Monterusso, City Planner <br /> <br /> <br />CORE STRATEGIES: <br /> <br />☐ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☒ Efficient, reliable, innovative services <br />☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future <br />☐ Managed Growth ☒ Resilient Infrastructure <br /> <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: <br />The City received a $50,000 payment from Greater Stillwater Schools as part of tree mitigation when the <br />new elementary school was approved. The current code allows for a fee-in-lieu but doesn’t specify how <br />the funds should be spent. Using the funds to replace trees was discussed during the approval process. <br />The City does not have a tree fund separate from park dedication funds. The City does not have a right <br />-of-way (ROW) boulevard tree replacement program. <br /> <br />105.12.470 Tree Preservation(f)(2). The City Council may require payment to the City of a fee-in-lieu of <br />tree replacement, payment of additional park dedication fees; the implementation of woodland <br />management practices by the applicant; or the planting of replacement trees on City property by the <br />applicant under direction of the City Public Works Director; or a combination of these methods as a <br />condition of the City approving relief or an exception from the City tree preservation and replacement <br />standards. The amount of the fee-in-lieu of tree replacement is set forth in the City's fee schedule. <br /> <br />ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: <br />Would the Council consider creating a Tree Fund and Boulevard tree program? <br /> <br />PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: <br />The City could amend chapter 105.12.470 Tree Preservation and add section (g) Tree Fund. This would <br />allow for the City to receive donations directly for tree preservation and replacement. It would also provide <br />a fund for the $50,000 payment from the School District. Draft language has been included as an <br />attachment. The fund could be used on boulevard trees and/or to purchase larger trees for the Arbor Day <br />tree giveaway. <br /> <br />Currently, the city does not have a ROW boulevard tree replacement program, or funds dedicated for <br />replacement. The parks dedication fund does allow for tree planting at city parks. A tree fund could provide <br />the revenue needed to start a ROW Boulevard Tree Program. The details of a potential ROW Boulevard <br />Tree Program are attached. Staff discussed the potential program with the City’s landscape architect,