9.a) Staff Report-Tree Trimming PolicySCANDIA
Staff RepoVt
Date of Meeting: November 18, 2014
To: City Council
From: Kristina Handt, Administrator
Re: Tree Trimming Policy
Background:
The City Council adopted a tree trimming policy on October 16, 2012. A copy is included in your
packet. As stated, the purpose of the policy is to apply uniform practices to the trimming and clearing
of brush in the right of way to protect the City's investment in roads, maintain safe roads and
maintain general tree health.
In late October, some residents around Bone Lake were concerned after the public works crew
cleared some scrub brush along the roadways. Margie Schmidt expressed concern for erosion around
Bone Lake if the trees were removed up to the shoreline. Staff met with Margie on Oct. 28th on 238th
St near the landing. It was revealed at this meeting there was some misunderstanding about how
many trees would be removed. Ms. Schmidt thought it was 30 feet from the pavement edge. Staff
informed her the right of way (ROW) was about 30 feet from the center line. Furthermore staff
walked the road with Ms. Schmidt and identified the things looked for in deciding to take down trees
such as dead or dying trees, trees that are leaning over the roadway, and trees that are so close to the
roadway they may hit some of the larger vehicles i.e. snow plows and fire trucks.
David Bakke also expressed concern about the possibility of removing all trees in the City ROW. He
is offering alternative language which is included in your packet.
Beryl Halldorson also met with staff and does not want all of the trees in the ROW to be removed.
She also does not like the look of all of the scrub brush laying in the ditches.
Issue:
Should changes be made to the City's Tree Trimming Policy?
Proposal Details/Analysis:
Residents are asking the Council to amend the tree trimming policy so that trees would only be
cleared within 8 feet of the paved edge of a road. They have cited policies such as Scandia's
Scenic Viewsheds, Chap. 2, Sec. 3.11 of the Development Code Woodland and Tree
Preservation, and the Shoreland Management Regulations.
Staff would be concerned about limiting the ability to remove trees to within 8 feet of the edge of
the pavement. For example, there could be a tree with a trunk that is outside the 8 feet but it
could begin to lean towards the road as it grows and have branches that come within 8 feet of the
road. Also, by not clearing trees back further from the edge of the pavement, when we have
storms or high winds it is more likely that when those trees fall they will block the road thus
creating a public safety hazard. Furthermore, sight lines around curves are improved. Drifting
problems are eliminated and hazards to people when they go off the road are eliminated. There
could be possible root damage when re-establishing the up-slope when ditching occurs if trees
are only cleared 8 feet back. Lastly, allowing trees just past 8 feet from the pavement may make
it more difficult to keep the ditches clear and allow for the proper drainage (both rain and snow)
away from the road surface. The current policy, as written, gives staff the ability to leave some
trees if they do not pose a hazard in the future. Having an exact distance would limit staff's
judgment.
Secondly, while the residents point to various portions of the Scandia Development Code to
support their position, those sections apply to incentives or requirements related to development
not the maintenance of roadways.
Scandia's Scenic Viewsheds:
The purpose of the Guidelines for the Protection of Scandia's Priority Scenic Viewsheds is
twofold:
1. To provide incentives for landowners and developers to preserve Scandia's scenic heritage and
2. To provide clarity for the regulation of cell phone tower placement within the city.
The guidelines are designed to be applied to new development in Scandia, but may also have
value to those existing homeowners who wish to enhance their property. In new development,
both individual homebuilders and developers can take advantage of the Guidelines to site and
design new houses and buildings in such a way that they support the historic, rural nature and the
natural beauty of the community.
Woodland and Tree Preservation:
(1) Purpose.
The preservation and protection of trees and woodlands can significantly add to the quality of
the physical environment of the community. The City recognizes the value of trees and
woodlands for improving air quality, scenic beauty, protection against wind and water
erosion, shade, natural insulation for energy conservation, wildlife habitat, and protecting the
integrity of the natural environment.
(2) Applicability.
(A) A Woodland Preservation Plan shall be required for:
Any Preliminary Plat when significant trees or significant woodlands exist in the
proposed construction zone.
2. Any Minor Subdivision when significant trees or significant woodlands exist in the
proposed construction zone.
Any Landscape Plan as required by Section 3.12 of this Chapter when significant
trees or significant woodlands exist in the proposed construction zone.
(B) A Woodland Preservation Plan shall not be required for:
Removal of Diseased Trees. All diseased, hazardous, dead and dying trees may be
removed.
2. Removal of invasive tree species. Invasive tree species are encouraged to be
removed and chemically treated with appropriate herbicides and application
methods to discourage re -sprouting and minimize ecological impacts.
Shoreland Regulations Chap. S:
Sec. 9.1(5): Vegetation alteration necessary for the construction of structures and sewage
treatment systems and the construction of roads and parking areas under validly issued
construction permits are exempt from these vegetation alteration standards.
Fiscal Impact:
Limiting the ROW that may be trimmed or cleared by staff may require more frequent tree
trimming in an area. It will cost more in the future to remove trees when the trees are bigger.
Once cleared, it is easier and cheaper to mow the ditch.
Options:
1) Amend Tree Trimming Policy
2) Make no changes to the Tree Trimming Policy
Recommendation:
Option 2.