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Item # 6.1. <br /> <br />TO: <br />FROM <br />SUBJECT: <br />Date: <br /> <br />Elk River City Council <br />Louise Kuester, Council Representative - Ward 2 <br />Update on Tree Committee <br />June 4, 02 <br /> <br />As the Council representative on the "Tree Committee", I would like to share some of my <br />concerns about the Committee's progress. During the past 18 months the Committee has <br />explored many approaches to increasing City involvement/regulation in preserving and <br />promoting the presence of trees in Elk River. There seems to be no single, clear <br />recommendation to adopt. In addition, every option impacts staff work assignments, <br />budgeting or both. <br /> <br />To effectively represent the Council regarding our intentions, I need a clearer <br />understanding of your thoughts regarding the Committee's assignment. This information <br />will help the Committee to establish priorities and/or have closure on the assignment. <br />Following is a general summary of the alternatives we've considered so far. <br /> <br />Developing an ordinance regarding tree preservation. This could apply to all <br />developers or landowners, or land owners of specified acreage, or any mix of <br />groups. Regardless of the specific group (s) included, more staff time and training <br />would be needed for enforcement. The issue of penalties for non-compliance also <br />presents challenges. Timing of the cutting of large numbers of trees was also <br />mentioned as an area difficult to regulate. <br /> <br />Adopting an ordinance for maintenance of trees on City property. As the <br />City develops, it's ownership of property, responsibility for planning for and <br />maintaining these properties grows, too. Software is available that outlines <br />possible city policy in this area. <br /> <br />Working with other agencies such as the county to develop a program of tree <br />education and promotion. This would build on the City's existing reforestation <br />project and encourage "tree health" (i.e. addressing oak wilt). With no promotion <br />and little advertising, Tim Edgerton gets 100-120 calls a year from Elk River <br />residents with tree questions. <br /> <br />Including tree preservation as a consideration in re-evaluating the present <br />zoning and land use. For example, a matching of significant tree areas on hilly <br />terrain with current zoning allows us to consider the impact of density on specific <br />areas of land. <br /> <br />Regardless of the sequence or priorities the Council recommends, an important starting <br />point, according to Tim Edgerton, is a survey of existing trees. If the target area is City <br />property, the survey would help in developing a maintenance schedule and in budgeting. <br />Tim also explained that forestry work can be done in house, or contracted, and that some <br /> <br /> <br />