Oakdale Tree Board Advances Growth Award Application, Updates Park Plans
The Oakdale Tree Board unanimously approved amended meeting minutes and moved forward with several initiatives at its September 17 meeting, including an application for a Tree City USA Growth Award and planning for an upcoming tree giveaway event.
The board unanimously approved minutes from a June meeting after Vice Chair Marge Sager identified a clarification needed regarding tree giveaway eligibility. The amendment specified that residents who sign up for trees two years in a row but fail to pick them up would become ineligible for future sign-ups or placed on a waitlist.
In a significant development, the board reported that Oakdale has already doubled the points needed to qualify for the Tree City USA Growth Award, a recognition program that goes beyond basic Tree City USA status. Sager and board member Mike Bender identified 10 to 15 key accomplishments from 85 possible categories, including tree debris recycling, Buckthorn removal, and tree giveaways. Staff will finalize the application, due in December, and plans to highlight continued education events like the shade tree short course.
The board also directed staff to move forward with planning for the Pete Grassy Arbor Tree Giveaway, ordering 200 trees from Bailey's Nursery—White Pine, Kind Crisp Apple, River Birch, and Japanese Lilac. The early order aims to avoid logistical problems from last year. Bender recommended selecting single-stem River Birch varieties over clump varieties for better longevity. The board discussed relocating the giveaway event to the North Fire Station for weather protection, which received support from members.
Regarding the zoning code update project, Bender proposed that the city adopt the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' list of discouraged tree and shrub species—such as Amur Maple and Norway Maple—and follow American Nursery standards for minimum shrub sizes. Staff will share these recommendations with consultants and city staff.
As the board develops its 2025 work plan, members emphasized the need for better public communication about events. Sager noted that some community activities, like tree plantings, haven't been listed in the "Oakdale Update" publication, limiting volunteer participation. City Administrator Chris Vulker clarified that while the board can suggest ideas, the City Council must ultimately approve the work plan and direct staff accordingly. The board is encouraged to propose new initiatives, including adding the Tree Track project to the plan for council consideration.
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Votes (6)
Approval of Minutes from June 18th, 2024 Regular Meeting (with amendment)
Moved by Mike Bender [4:13] · Seconded by Laura [4:26]
Board member Marge Sager identified a typo in the minutes under 'arbitrary giveaway', Item B, regarding resident eligibility for future tree sign-ups. The clarification stated that residents who sign up for two consecutive years but fail to pick up their trees would be ineligible for future sign-ups or placed on a waitlist. The board moved to approve the minutes with this specific amendment.
Zoning Code Update Project Review
The board discussed recommendations for the zoning code update. Mike Bender proposed adopting the Minnesota DNR's list of discouraged trees and shrubs (e.g., Amur Maple, Norway Maple) and following American Nursery standards for minimum shrub sizes (e.g., 'number fives' instead of 'five gallon'). A board member acknowledged a forgotten follow-up on tree replacement language (diameter and quantity requirements). Staff will share the board's recommendations with consultants and city staff for consideration.
Tree City USA Growth Award Application
Marge Sager and Mike Bender reported on identifying 10-15 key items from the 85 total categories that contribute to the Tree City USA Growth Award. They confirmed that the city has already doubled the necessary points for 2024 through activities like tree debris recycling, Buckthorn removal, and tree giveaways. Staff will finalize the application, which is due in December, and plans to include continued education events like the shade tree short course.
Tree Track at Oakdale Park Reserve Update
Mike Bender provided an update on the Tree Track, noting that issues were addressed by removing problematic trees from the map and updating GPS coordinates. Marge Sager reported positive feedback from guided tours for the Oakdale 50+ group and mentioned upcoming tours for AARP's 'Nature Heals' class. The board discussed map improvements, incorrect tree labels (e.g., High Bush Cranberry), and the challenge of trees being far from the path. A similar initiative at Sally Manzer Nature Center was noted.
Pete Grassy Arbor Tree Giveaway Planning
Tim provided an update on proactively ordering 200 trees (White Pine, Kind Crisp Apple, River Birch, Japanese Lilac) from Bailey's Nursery, emphasizing early bird ordering to avoid last year's logistical issues. The order allows for local pickup to save on shipping costs. Mike Bender questioned the River Birch selection, recommending single-stem over clump varieties for longevity. There was also discussion about moving the giveaway event to the North Fire Station for an indoor, weather-protected option, which received support from board members.
2025 Work Plan Development
The board began discussions on the 2025 work plan, using the 2024 plan as a reference. A key point raised was the need for increased public communication for events, specifically utilizing the 'Oakdale Update' book in addition to online platforms, to boost volunteer participation. The City Administrator clarified the process, stating that the board would discuss ideas and suggest changes for the January meeting, followed by discussion with the City Council, who ultimately approves the plan and directs staff work. Board members were encouraged to add new events, like the Tree Track, to the proposed plan for council consideration.
Notable Quotes (10)
they asked if the city could make residents who sign up for two consecutive years but did not pick up there and then I think we need to insert tree they would be ineligible for sign up in the future years is the pro was The Proposal
I would recommend that um that the city uh consider adopting the list that the Minnesota DNR establishes for trees and shrubs they discourage planting not that they can't plant them but they discourage them
it was it seemed a little Draconian
it looks like we have doubled the number of points we need to apply for that so um I can send off if you want Tim or talk to you afterwards about um the suggestions where we can have the points
I've only heard positive comments from the Oakdale 50 plus group that we took about what 15 people through
High Bush cranberry they've got it as uh viburnum opul as which is European High Bush and this is American so it should be viburnum trilobum like I told March only somebody like me would notice that
they came very close to the the due data when we needed them so I want to kind of get on top of that
I just would rather see a a single stem rather than a clump just for longevity purposes for those trees rather than giving people a tree that's prone to falling apart
I'm not sure they've all been in like the Oakdale update this year this past year and I don't know I remember talking to the mayor about maybe it was um our tree planting that wasn't listed in there and that was is always open to the community
my caution though is um the staff cannot take work direction from the tree board that does have to go through Council and me because I'm they're I'm the only one that can give them that work Direction
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Ongoing project to update the city's zoning regulations, specifically regarding tree and shrub standards.
List of discouraged tree and shrub species established by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Industry standards recommended for minimum shrub sizes in the zoning code.
Award recognizing efforts beyond the basic Tree City USA designation, requiring documentation of various tree-related activities.
Current work plan used as a reference for developing the next year's plan.
Future work plan under development, to be discussed with the City Council.
Document hosting concepts and surveys for city parks, including Tanner Lake Park.
Source document
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