Tonka Bay City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Story
Tonka Bay Weighs Public Event to Mark City's 125th Anniversary
Story
Tonka Bay Weighs Tree Removal Costs Against Safety as Council Advances Subdivision, Trail Work
Tree Removal Policy and Budget Management
Excelsior Fire District 2027 Budget Proposal
Simple Subdivision Approval (75 Birch Bluff Road)
Votes (3)
Tree Removal Policy and Immediate Actions
Dissent: None
Moved by Anderson [00:24:42] · Seconded by Bross [00:24:58]
The council discussed the ongoing challenge of managing dead trees across the city, particularly the significant cost discrepancy between the budgeted amount ($3,500) and the lowest bids for three sets of urgent tree removals (~$12,453). A resident from 125 Pleasant Lane East emphasized safety concerns for their family due to large dead trees. The discussion extended to developing a long-term comprehensive tree plan, including a city-wide survey to prioritize removals, exploring annual contracts for better pricing, and considering options for residents to finance private property tree removals through assessments. Council decided to proceed with all three urgent tree removals, funding the additional cost from the streets budget.
Approval of Simple Subdivision at 75 Birch Bluff Road (Resolution 2026-12)
Dissent: None
Moved by Anderson [00:27:44] · Seconded by Bross [00:28:16]
The City Planner presented Resolution 2026-12 for the approval of a simple subdivision at 75 Birch Bluff Road. The proposal involves splitting the property into two lots, both meeting all existing ordinance requirements for size and width. The application includes standard conditions of approval and the charging of park dedication fees of $3,825. This item was presented for a second time after an initial public hearing and motion at a previous meeting.
Reschedule August 11th City Council Meeting
Dissent: None
Moved by Anderson [00:31:36] · Seconded by Bross [00:32:02]
The council discussed the need to reschedule the August 11th, 2026, city council meeting because a primary election is scheduled for the same day, preventing a public meeting. Options for rescheduling included August 10th or 12th, with the 12th being the preferred choice to avoid conflicts with other potential meetings. A formal motion was required to officially change the meeting date.
Notable Quotes (6)
Just real quick, just wanted to start by saying I appreciate you guys taking the time to revisit the tree removal item and adding it to the agenda tonight. Just wanted to take an opportunity to communicate again our concerns regarding the trees. I happened to be out there when the city was getting one of the quotes on the trees... And he paused for a second and just said, "I don't want to panic you, but I'd be worried." And I was like, "Okay." So I just, again, really short, but I just wanted to reemphasize that. And I understand there's budget considerations and all that, but just wanted to reemphasize that it is a risk to my family's safety right now, because it really just takes one bad storm to knock them down.
Certainly, some of the challenge right here is you've got a budgeted item of 3,500, but you've got almost 12,700 between all three sets of trees that need to be addressed. Certainly, I think a longer-term plan about doing an inventory and an understanding of which trees have significant urgency and severity. But certainly, the question today is how do you want to manage the three sets of trees that we have in front of us and with the budget constraints that we have as well?
I think part of this is we need to come up with a comprehensive plan. We had a comprehensive tree plan some time ago, but anyway, it sounds like we should re-tee that up and have that conversation as well.
And I would... When I was in Bloomington, we came up with a budget for annual tree removals based on the expected growth of the ash borer die-off. And so here's a question then, too. And I know this is probably more of a budgetary question, but just out of curiosity, if we were able to identify a significant number of trees, can you contract- Yes ... and get a better price to take out trees en masse as opposed to-
You saw this item at your last meeting, and as you know, the City Council sees these item land use applications twice. So at the first meeting, you held a public hearing and made a motion, and now we're asking you to approve the resolution for this. I won't go over through my whole staff report again, but this is a pretty simple minor subdivision, or simple subdivision is what it's called in the ordinance. Adria Sasek-Haenas is proposing to split 75 Birch Bluff into two lots that meet all ordinance requirements for lot size and width.
There's a primary election on that day. Oh, duh. Yeah. Can't have a public meeting at the same time you have an election.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Item on the consent agenda providing information regarding the 2026 election.
Informational report from the SLMPD included in the consent agenda.
Resolution approving the simple subdivision request at 75 Birch Bluff Road.
Budget proposal presented by the Excelsior Fire District for the year 2027.
A past and proposed city-wide plan for managing trees, including an inventory and prioritization of removals.
Report detailing a future project area, with an upcoming open house for public input.
A plan from the Minnesota Department of Health requiring renewal every 10 years, with a presentation scheduled for the next council meeting.
The Capital Improvement Plan being developed and worked on by the Parks Commission for city parks.
A planning document for Manitou Park showing a proposed extension of the parking lot.