HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04/11/2016COUNCIL WORK SESSION
April 11, 2016
04:30 p.m.
Harold E. petty Council Chambers
Members present: Jacobs, Morrissey, Jones, Schmitt, Lind, Welper, and Amos.
Moved by Schmitt, seconded by Lind that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried
Emerald Ash Borer Update
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, introduced Todd Derifield and explained that the first
Ash tree infestation was found hi 2014.
Todd Derifield, City Forester, reviewed the Emerald Ash Borer history and the programs put in
place since 2014 to combat the infestation. The City has removed 1,377 of the 4,481 Ash trees in
the City of Waterloo. If they continue at the rate of removal that they are currently at, they may
be able to remove the remaining trees over the next four years. The stump removal has been
contracted out every spring and fall. The 10 year systematic trimming has been cut back due to
the infestation. Chemical treatment covers for two years and does not allow the insect to kill the
tree but it is costly. About 30 trees have been treated in parks. Adjacent property owners are
allowed to treat the trees in the right-of-ways if they choose.
The City has been replanting trees in the parks but not in the right-of-ways.
Mr. Lind asked how the tree removal is prioritized. It was explained that the infested trees in
parks and right-of-ways are the priority.
Mr. Amos asked how complaints are handled. It was explained that if a citizen files a complaint
or if Code Enforcement or the Forestry Department notice an infestation, the property owner is
notified.
Mr. Schmitt questioned how many trees will be saved. It was explained that it will be less than
100 trees. Some cities are treating the trees to prolong the removal process.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, explained that some of the cities trying to save their trees
have less trees and the chemical treatment can have side effects because it is a pesticide.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if there was a way to determine how many trees are in each
neighborhood association. He also questioned if the road use tax could be put towards the
removal of the trees.
Mr. Derifield explained that the road use tax is used towards regular operations which include
the removal of the trees. He will work on getting numbers for each neighborhood.
Mr. Welper questioned if the State of Iowa is still quarantined. It was explained that firewood
cannot be taken out of the State unless it is a state that is also quarantined.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Schmitt, seconded by Morrissey
that the meeting be adjourned at 4:53 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Suzy Schar
, CMC
City Clerk/ uman Resource Director