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Board Member Olds asked if the tree inspector would have an occasion to view infected trees <br />that weren't called in to him by a citizen or a business. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda stated if the tree inspector was called, the City was required to come out to <br />inspect and notify because the City's tree population may be at risk. Chairperson McDilda stated <br />that he didn't know if this was enforceable as an abatement process. Board Member Olds noted <br />that Section 14.7 mentions interference prohibited. Board Member Max stated if the City is <br />called by a citizen, the tree inspector is free to investigate. Board Member Max stated the City of <br />Ramsey tree inspector has been known to do that for Oak Wilt. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda stated this wasn't enforced as an abatement policy to notify citizens. <br />Environmental Specialist Bacon concurred, stating that a question came up with Pat Trudgeon, <br />Community Development Director, this past summer. Environmental Specialist Bacon stated in <br />the past there previously wasn't staff time to activate this program. Environmental Specialist <br />Bacon brought this subject up with Mr. Trudgeon because people were asking about diseased <br />trees. Chairperson McDilda noted the frustration of one neighbor going through the abatement <br />process while another neighbor does absolutely nothing about it. <br /> <br />Board Member Max stated one of the problems in making the language of the ordinance too <br />generic is that to look at the Emerald Ash Borer and Asian Longhorn Beetle the inspector has to <br />chip the wood. He recommended adding an appendix to look at the diseased trees to diagnose a <br />remedy. Chairperson McDilda concurred stating the tree inspector should notify the owner and <br />tell him how the tree has to be disposed of in the language of the ordinance. He noted that would <br />be the certified letter part that stipulates the date, what the tree is infected with, how it can be <br />remedied, and what is required. <br /> <br />Board Mmnber Olds asked if a chipped diseased tree can be transported without risk of infecting <br />other trees. Environmental Specialist Bacon stated it was safe for most infected trees. <br /> <br />Board Member Max asked if language should be specific in an appendix or make it as simple as <br />saying that a certified letter would include best management practices. Board Member Olds <br />concurred the City would not be limited to specifics detailed in the ordinance. Chairperson <br />McDilda concurred that the City would be relying on the expertise of the tree inspector. <br /> <br />Board Member Max noted on the back page, first paragraph at the end of 3.b, the City tree <br />examiner will advise accordingly. Chairperson McDilda stated if a certified letter went out, he <br />felt that a citizen would initiate a contact and react, adding that it would open up a dialogue. <br /> <br />Board Member Max stated adding language would take care of the issue but wondered about <br />transporting wood. Chairperson McDilda stated he felt the EPB should make a recommendation <br />about what the options are, depending on what it is. Board Member Olds asked how the property <br />owner might identify whether or not a tree is diseased when they cut it down. Chairperson <br />McDilda stated that was outside of the scope of this. He stated this ordinance pertained to <br />known diseased trees on property. Chairperson McDilda stated this gives the City the ability to <br />try to have it removed. <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board / November 7, 2005 <br /> Page 4 of 10 <br /> <br /> <br />