Park construction to start; city to remove 30+ ash trees struck by emerald ash borer

City staff told the council that construction on a city park will begin next Wednesday (identified as the 16th), and that park operations will close most park areas during construction. Staff also said an infestation of Emerald Ash Borer has damaged a high number of ash trees on the park property and on adjacent land the city purchased last year.

Staff reported plans to remove more than 30 ash trees in the park and additional trees on the newly acquired property. The contractor’s quoted disposal price was reported at about $150 per tree for removal, stump grinding and hauling; staff estimated a total cost in the neighborhood of $16,000 and said the work would be authorized under the staff’s spending authority. Staff described disposal as cutting trees, grinding stumps and hauling away debris.

Councilors suggested checking for grant programs for tree removal; a council member mentioned the Metropolitan Council (MET Council) or state grants that may help residents and the city with removal costs. Staff said they would follow up on potential grant opportunities for future removal programs and noted the timing may preclude applying for funding for the coming week’s removal work but that grants could help future removals and assist residents.

Staff also noted the city could direct tree-planting credits or replacement planting under existing landscaping policies for new developments to offset tree-loss effects.

Quotes (from meeting):
"construction on the park will begin next Wednesday ... fields ... will be closed" — Staff member
"Emerald Ash Borer has attacked like crazy ... we have over 30 in the park" — Staff member
"I believe MET Council and/or the state has a program for some funding for this type of removal" — Council member

Ending: Work is planned to begin quickly; staff will proceed with tree removal under existing authorization, search for grant opportunities for future removals and explore replacement-planting options under city policy.