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5.i) Staff Report-Approve Tree Trimming Policy Meeting Date: 10/16/2012 Agenda item: �. � City Council Agenda Report City of Scandia 14727 209th St.North Scandia, MN 55073 (651)433-2274 Action Requested: Approve a Tree Trimming Policy. 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 a11ow for consistency. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Council approve the Tree Trimming Policy, attached. Attachments/ • Tree Trimming Policy Materials provided: . Resident Notice Contact(s): Prepared by: Tim Kieffer, Maintenance Superintendent(651)433-5223 Page 1 of 1 10/1Q/12 �i + ■ � � City of Sca nd ia -�� ,,---�'. � �j---� ,�--� Tree Trimming Policy � `'�=�;� �� ��`" �--�' �� � Ado ted b the Cit Council �� � p Y Y �Ll'1 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 Gutter): • 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 Gutterl: • 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. � � � ° � I � � � � SC DIA . 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(a�ci.scandia.mn.us if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Tim Kieffer Maintenance Superintendent 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.