Agenda - Council - 07/14/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7. 4. CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 07/14/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Identify and implement operational efficiencies, cost savings and additional funding sources. Title: Adopt Ordinance #26-09 Amending City Code Section 106-354 (Private Trees in New Development Areas) Purpose/Background: Recently, the City Council approved a variance for a development project authorizing the use of a different methodology to complete the required tree inventory. When the City Council approved this variance, they also directed Staff to prepare an ordinance to amend City Code to allow Staff to review and approve alternative methodologies rather than requiring a project to seek a variance. The purpose of this case is to consider adopting an ordinance amending the tree preservation standards. Notification: A public hearing notice was placed in the Legal section of the Anoka Union Herald newspaper. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Language has been added specifying that alternative methods for collecting significant tree data can be approved by the Zoning Administrator (defined in City Code as the Community Development Department) with sufficient documentation/ information that supports and justifies such a request. Additionally, clarification was added regarding what trees may be exempted from the removal threshold calculation (exempting trees infested with Emerald Ash Borer [EAB] or infected with Oak Wilt or Dutch Elm Disease). The Environmental Policy Board (EPB) reviewed the draft Ordinance Amendment at their May 11, 2026, meeting. There was brief discussion regarding whether any diseased tree should be exempted from the removal calculation or limit it to only those maladies that are generally considered to be lethal without treatment. Ultimately, the EPB unanimously supported and recommended approval of the draft Ordinance Amendment as written. The City Attorney has also reviewed the draft Ordinance Amendment and had no concerns with it. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing regarding Ordinance #26-09 at their May 28, 2026, meeting. There were no written or verbal comments received regarding the proposed Ordinance amendment and the Planning Commission unanimously supported the Ordinance amendment. On June 23, 2026, the City Council introduced Ordinance #26-09 and it is now eligible for adoption. Funding Source: This case is being handled as part of Staffs regular duties. Recommendation: The Environmental Policy Board and Planning Commission both recommend adopting Ordinance #26-09, amending the tree preservation standards to authorize Staff to approve alternative methodologies used for collecting tree data (rather than requiring a project to apply for a variance) and clarifying that certain diseased or insect -infested trees are exempt from the removal threshold calculation. Outcome/Action: Motion to adopt Ordinance #26-09 amending Chapter 106 (Zoning Code) regarding tree preservation standards. Roll Ca11 Vote Councilmember Olson Councilmember Specht Councilmember Peters Councilmember Stewart Councilmember Riley