5.1. DRAFT MINUTES 02-19-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes Page 2 February 4, 2013 4.5 PEDDLER LICENSE FOR MICHELLE REMICK WITH BRAINE FREEZZE VALID UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2013. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0. Open Forum No one appeared for open forum. 6.1 Gina Hugo Soil and Water Conservation — Emerald Ash Borer Presentation Ms. Hugo, Resource Conservationist with the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District, presented a PowerPoint presentation to the Council that outlined Sherburne County's efforts in facilitating an Urban Forestry Program. This program would initiate efforts to actively assess, manage, and plan for urban forest resources in Sherburne County. One area of focus would be the increasing threat of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) insect to Sherburne County. Since Elk River's ash tree population is high, the threat is significant, and the insect has been detected most recently in Ramsey County. Ms. Hugo presented an overview of EAB, providing statistics and samples showing the destruction of what is referred to as "the green menace." A sample piece of wood showed the larval galleries these insects create underneath the tree bark, which eventually kills the tree. She suggested the city prepare for this infestation now in order to not only protect the community's urban forest, but to also reduce EAB's budgetary impacts, as reported by other cities across the country. By supporting the Urban Forestry Program, the city can assist in developing a preparedness plan specific to Elk River. 7.1 Resolution Ordering the Improvement and Preparation of Plans and Specifications in the Matter of the 2013 Street Improvement Project Mr. Femrite presented the staff report. Jason Wedel from WSB and Associates presented a PowerPoint presentation, outlining the project areas, project specifics, and possible costs for residential and commercial properties. Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. Ron Ostrander, 610 and 612 Railroad Dr., asked if it was necessary to upgrade Railroad Drive if MnDOT's future plans may alter or remove this road. He asked about the recent discussion of turning the intersection into a round - about. Mr. Femrite stated the pavement condition of Railroad Drive was poor, and also lacked the proper drainage system. He stated improvements to the road would greatly improve the mobility, noting the feasibility report suggested this road be a good location for a roundabout. Jeff Stenger, of 19010 Carson St., expressed concerns with the length of time between sealcoating this road. He stated Carson St. was last treated with sealcoat in 1995. He felt the heavy trucks traveling on Carson St. during a previous street improvement project in the Baldwin Street neighborhood contributed to the road's current condition. He felt it unfair to assess the cost of the current improvements when the road was subject more than usual wear and tear, and a lack of normal maintenance improvements.