White Bear Lake City Council 11/12/2025

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Approval of October 28th city council meeting minutes

Approval of agenda including relocation of items 4C and 4E

Consent agenda approval

Public works engineering biannual report

Public hearing and second reading of ordinance amending Chapter 706 (Trees)

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) grant funding and tree removal strategy

City management of boulevard trees

Review of hazardous tree definitions and abatement procedures

Areas of Interest (5)

City shifting responsibility for boulevard tree maintenance from homeowners to municipal control.
Concerns over financial impact on residents due to $2,000 per tree removal costs and strict abatement timelines.
City staff's interpretation of 'hazardous tree' definitions sparks debate over potential overreach in private property access.
City engineering department reports successful use of natural gas generators for peak energy shaving and reduced maintenance.
Success of EAB grant hinges on 350 planned tree removals in public rights-of-way.

Votes (3)

Approve minutes from October 28th

CarriedUnanimous voice vote

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

Approve the agenda as amended

CarriedUnanimous voice vote

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

Approve consent agenda as amended

CarriedUnanimous voice vote

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

Notable Quotes (2)

If you look on the top picture there, they get a pallet of parts and they turn it into a squad car.
— Mr. Copy

Public Works FleetDiscussing in-house fleet outfitting for police and fire vehicles.

If we're going to hit them with a $2,000 abatement cost... we're at risk, I think, of imposing a significant financial barrier.
— Council Member Edberg

Budget/OrdinanceQuestioning the affordability of the proposed tree ordinance.

People (3)

Mr. CopyCity Engineer

Presented the biannual public works report and the ordinance amendment regarding tree management.

1 quote

“The Emerald Ash borer issue... requires that trees removed and planted are on unrestricted property.”

Explaining the eligibility constraints for the $500,000 state grant.

Council Member EdbergCouncil Member

Raised concerns regarding the financial burden of tree removal on citizens and the language defining 'hazardous trees'.

1 quote

“We are taking over the management of over 200 acres of land. It is a substantial undertaking.”

Commenting on the city assuming control of boulevard trees.

Mr. AndersonCity Attorney

Provided clarification on the legal definition of a 'hazardous tree' within the municipal code.

1 quote

“It is really any tree... that because of its condition poses a likelihood of property damage or personal injury.”

Defining hazardous trees for the council.

Places Mentioned

Highway 61Lakewood Hills ParkHidden Hollow ParkSouth Fire StationWhitaker lift stationDivision and 12th StreetWhite Bear Avenue

Events & Meetings (2)

Regular city council meeting October 28th
Gazebo lighting ceremony (scheduled for next week)

Ordinances & Resolutions (1)

Chapter 706

Amendment to municipal code regarding trees, clarifying boulevard ownership and hazardous tree abatement.

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