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Urban Forestry Committee Meeting
February 9th, 2021
Zoom Virtual Meeting
Members Present: Dave Schacher, Dave Janssen, Barry Johnson, Mike Opat
Others Present: Chad Zander
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM
Mike Opat made a motion to approve the minutes from November 10th, 2021. Dave Schacher seconded the
motion, motion carried.
The first item of old business was the 2021 committee nominations. At the last meeting, it was noted that Lynn
Samsten’ s term was up, Chad reached out to her and noted that Lynn was not going to serve another term.
Currently, Barry Johnson is on the committee as a non-voting member. Dave Janssen made a motion to move
Barry Johnson to a full voting member of the board, Mike Opat seconded the motion, motion carried. This will
leave the non-voting educational liaison position open for a new member.
The second item of old business was the 2021 Community Orchard locations. Chad noted that the department
will install another community orchard or two this year. Chad will narrow down the available options for the
committee to review at the next meeting.
The last item of old business was an update on the Xcel Energy gas main project. Chad gave the update. Chad
noted that the suggestions from the committee were well received. In several of the areas, where the committee
had concerns, Xcel Energy will move the line as far away from the trees as possible. The other area of concern
will still be an issue, with Xcel Energy open cutting (12 inch) in the tree’s drip line. It was discussed that this
will likely kill all those (48) trees, specifically those between 14th Ave. E. and 17th Ave. E. Chad also noted the
city will have a two year warranty for any other trees damaged by the project, that is according to the city’s
current excavation permit.
The next items on the agenda was grant updates. Chad gave the update. Chad noted that the tree planting grant
and program development grant would be applied for again this year. Chad has several areas in consideration
for the grants and will narrow it down in the next couple weeks. The grant applications are completed in March
and Chad will bring copies to the next meeting.
The first item of new business was the 2021 Arbor Day Celebration. After a short discussion, the committee
will try to hold the event in the fall again. Several new honorees were discussed and added to the list of
possible recipients.
The second item of new business was other public events in 2021. Chad noted that with the two new city
plazas, the department will have lots of opportunities to setup our educational booth for the public. These will
be evaluated on a case by case basis for the educational opportunities they can provide.
The next item on the agenda was miscellaneous items. The first was an update on the contracted pruning
project, Chad gave the update. Chad noted that the project was well received by the public and long overdue on

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the trees. The Public Works Department is hoping to continue this project every year, Dave Janssen made a
motion to include a budget, every year, to the contracted services line item for a pruning project. Mike Opat
seconded the motion, motion approved. The next miscellaneous item discussed was a dedication or way to
honor Yvette Gehrke, several ideas were discussed, discussion will continue at the next meeting.
Several committee members had questions that led to further discussions. Dave Janssen had a couple questions
about the rating and health of the trees along the Xcel route. Chad noted that the trees will be rated in
Cartegraph before the project begins, so any change/decline will be noticeable in the ratings. Mike Opat had a
follow up question on where we were in the Moe case, Chad noted that he had not heard anything new, any
further response to the Moes, would be from the city attorney. Mike Opat also had a question on how the
$2.00 utility bill fee was received. Chad noted he had several residents contact him about it, but overall was
received well.
The next meeting will be April 13th, 2021.
Dave Schacher made a motion to adjourn, Dave Janssen seconded. Meeting was adjourned.