Tree Board Meeting - March 18, 2025
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Approval of January 21, 2025, regular meeting minutes
2025 Treeboard Work Plan adoption
Discussion of Chapter 22, Article 6: Disease control and tree trimming
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) mitigation on private property
Review of city ordinances regarding nuisance tree removal
Assessment of tree removal costs and property owner financial hardship
Discussion of complaint-based versus proactive inspection policies
Areas of Interest (5)
- Rising financial burden on private property owners due to mandatory Emerald Ash Borer tree removal.
- Potential legislative push to allow deferred payments or special assessments for tree abatement.
- Conflict between current 20-day removal mandates and the actual availability of reputable arborists.
- Review of whether Oakdale should adopt a financial assistance model similar to Woodbury's $500,000 subsidy program.
- Discrepancies in enforcement: Should the city move to a proactive inspection model or stick to complaint-driven removal?
Votes (3)
Approve the agenda as presented
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
Accept the minutes from the January 21st, 2025, regular meeting
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
Adopt the 2025 treeboard work plan
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Mike Bender
Notable Quotes (3)
Seeking just approval to adopt as presented.
If the property owner fails to pay within 30 days then we could special assessment under Minnesota statutes.
Would it be possible if if you're notified by the city forester and you call up a tree company and they say 'Yeah... it'll be a month and a half.' If they've got that on record would that be acceptable?
People (4)
Marge SagsteterActing ChairManaging proceedings, roll call, and opening discussion on the work plan and ordinance changes.
Managing proceedings, roll call, and opening discussion on the work plan and ordinance changes.
CoreyCity StaffProviding background on EAB policy, comparative city data, and legislative requirements.
Providing background on EAB policy, comparative city data, and legislative requirements.
Mike BenderCommissionerParticipated in previous tree trek events and raised concerns regarding tree removal timelines.
1 quote
Participated in previous tree trek events and raised concerns regarding tree removal timelines.
“20 days might be a little tight... if I can understand certainly making arrangements within the 20 days.”
Questioning the feasibility of the 20-day removal deadline given industry backlogs.
MelhornCity ForesterResponsible for inspecting nuisance trees and identifying disease.
Responsible for inspecting nuisance trees and identifying disease.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (3)
- October 3rd, 1:00-3:00 PM: Prairie plants class at Discovery Center
- January 21, 2025: Previous regular meeting
- February 25, 2025: Council meeting where work plan was reviewed
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
Disease control and tree trimming regulations for private property trees.