Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 10/03/2005

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City Council Liaison Strommen concurred that she didn't feel people would put their name on it because of their reputations. She noted a certain element of trust. Board Member Max concurred, stating that this is all part of a planned development because people are putting their business on the line, and they may not be willing to take the risk to be dishonest about the trees. He stated that he didn't feel developers would want to hold the process up to risk their investments. Chairperson McDilda stated that honest mistakes may be made, whether they get found is up to the City. Board Member Bentz asked if the City maintained a "black list" of people who are not trustworthy. Zoning & Recycling Coordinator Anderson stated that there is not a list. Chairperson McDilda stated that there are many legalities that exist; however, there will never be an actual list. Board Member Bentz stated that the Federal government can exempt someone from bidding if there have been infractions, so they do maintain a list. Board Member Olds asked if it would be beneficial to stipulate that a certified arborist or someone that is deemed qualified by the City? Chairperson McDilda stated that he didn't feel there was a need for that degree of latitude. Board Member Max asked Environmental Specialist Bacon if the MSA site has a list of people that can do certain things such as inventories. Environmental Specialist Bacon stated that he would have to check. Zoning & Recycling Coordinator Anderson stated that it' you look at the ISA site, there are very few names listed as certified arborists in this area. He stated that some may choose not to have their names on the list. City Council Liaison Strommen asked if Zoning & Recycling Coordinator Anderson has had complaints from people. Zoning & Recycling Coordinator Anderson stated that someone had called stating they were surprised that the City required an arborist. He stated that prompted him to look at what it would take to find an arborist. Board Member Max stated that the University has a couple of students every year create a list from the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture. He stated that he wasn't aware if they include inventories in that list. Board Member Freeburg asked what the arborists do for a day job. Zoning & Recycling Coordinator Anderson stated that they are arborists. He stated that some do private contracting but some have a company that they are always in business with. Chairperson McDilda stated there are not very many tree preservation ordinances on City books. He stated that his thought is to leave the requirement as it is, but if the City gets complaints and they are having trouble, then the EPB could look at it. Zoning & Recycling Coordinator Anderson suggested that the plan specifications content could require that they include the arborist certification number. Board Member Olds asked if there Environmental Policy Board / October 3, 2005 Page 10 of 16