4.d) Proposed Tree Trimming Policy and Letter to Residents Meeting Date: 10/9/2012
Agenda Item: 4.d)
City Council Agenda Report
City of Scandia
14727 209`h St.North
Scandia, MN 55073 (651)433-2274
ACtion Requested: Review proposed Tree Trimming Policy and recommend changes that
can be brought back to the Oct 16th meeting, if necessary.
Deadline/Timeline: A policy should be adopted before tree trimming begins for the season
which typically starts in November.
Background: The City does not have a policy governing tree trimming. A policy
will give staff and residents guidelines to follow when tree trimming
to allow for consistency.
Recommendation: N/A
Attachments/ • Tree Trimming Policy
Materials provided: . Resident Notice
Contact(s):
Prepared by: Tim Kieffer,Maintenance Superintendent
Page 1 of 1
10/OS/12
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Tree Trimming Policy ' �'`�� `�' ��` ' ��
Ado ted b the Cit Council .1J���
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October 16, 2012
The City in adopting a uniform policy governing tree trimming and clearing of
brush which serves to protect the City's investment in its roads, to maintain safe
roadways for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and to maintain general tree health.
This policy will allow maintenance within the right of way including but not
exclusive to, reshaping ditches, mowing, culvert repairs, and snow removal. The
Public Works Maintenance Superintendent shall determine work based on
priority, safety, and availability of equipment and staff. The Public Works Staff
shall generally follow these guidelines in tree trimming and clearing of brush:
Urban Ri�ht of Wav (Adiacent to Roadwavs havin� Curb and Gutterl:
• Trim trees to allow for a minimum 20' clear height and shape trees for
aesthetic purposes and tree health.
• Remove diseased or dead trees and limbs.
• Remove trees or limbs blocking street signs, signals, or sight distances.
Rural Ri�ht of Wav (Adiacent to Roadwavs not havin� Curb and Gutter):
• Trim trees to allow for a minimum 20' clear height.
• Remove diseased or dead trees and limbs.
• Remove scrub trees and brush.
• Remove trees and brush to allow for routine maintenance.
Schedule:
This work is typically done during the winter months (November-March) by
the Public Works Department during regular work hours. It is the City's
intent to trim trees on all roadways within a 15 year cycle.
Notification:
Property owners shall be notified by mail at least 7 days prior to any
trimming occurring on their property except in the case of an emergency as
determined by the Maintenance Superintendent.
Disposal of Tree Waste:
The City's Public Works Department will either chip or haul the trees and
brush off site. If the property owner wishes to keep non-disease tree
waste, they may contact the City 24 hours in advance of removal.
Emer�encv Cuttin�:
This policy does not apply in the event that cutting is necessary to remove
road obstructions or to eliminate trees or brush that are in imminent
danger of collapse.
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SC DIA
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14727 209`'' St. N. Scandia, MN 55073 (651) 433-2274 www.ci.scandia.mn.us
Date
RE: Tree Removal/Trimming & Brush Removal within the Right of Way
Dear Property Owner:
The City of Scandia will be trimming trees & removing brush within the public right-of-
way and boulevard areas along the roadway adjacent to your property. This work will
begin in late November and will continue throughout the winter months until completed.
Tree trimming and removal is routinely done within the public right-of-way and along
boulevard areas of the City for the health of the tree and to prevent hazardous
conditions for pedestrians, vehicles and City maintenance operations. By trimming
trees in these areas the City is able to improve safety and overall tree health in the
community.
The following is a partial list of examples of why some trees are scheduled to be
trimmed or removed:
• Trees or branches interFering with routine road maintenance
• To allow for a 20' clear height.
• Diseased or dead trees and limbs
• Trees or limbs blocking street signs, signals or sight distances
• Clear and maintain right of way (example: scrub trees and brush)
• Removal of buckthorn
• Snow removal activities
During the tree trimming operations wood chips will be generated. Please contact us if
you are interested in the wood chips. There is no charge for the chips or the delivery.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation while this work is being completed. Please
contact me directly at 651-433-5223 or t.kieffer(c�ci.scandia.mn.us if you have any
questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Tim Kieffer
Maintenance Superintendent