All right, it is 7 p.m. We will call this uh city council meeting to order. If we could all rise for the pledge of allegiance. Pledge >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> Doing roll call. All members are present minus the vacant city council seat. Uh is there any public comment tonight? We'll open up for public comment. I'll just remind people that there is a 3minut time limit. Uh we will limit it
to a total of 15 minutes tonight and we will not allow uh personal or political attacks. So please keep it to city business. Uh council member Heman will be a timekeeper. Uh and he has a one minute sign. Is there anybody for public comment tonight? >> Coming up and just state your name and
address. Thank you for coming in. >> Keith Kohler 702 Marian Street. >> Um I was here I don't know if it was last council meeting or two council meetings ago. I don't remember. I think it was two council meetings. >> Yeah, we kind of talked a little bit and you gave me a call the next day and we discussed stuff a little bit further. Um
>> I guess I'm here tonight looking for council direction because when I talked to you I heard one thing and then I told you that I was going to reach out to Director Becker and spoke with him and he's still waiting for any kind of directive from council on what he can
do. So I guess what I'm asking for tonight is can you guys give him directive to as time allows to go start doing this stuff. >> Yep. Can we add that as an agenda item >> for this evening?
>> Yeah, just a discussion. >> Yeah, council, you are permitted to do that. >> Okay, sounds Thank you. I thought we had clear direction on that, but maybe maybe we didn't. So, >> and I watched I try to watch all the council meetings, especially if that's an agenda item, and I know that you guys have talked about it several times, but I've never heard any directive come out
of council. So, I guess that's kind of what I'm here asking for tonight. >> Sure. other than the grant that we had talked about and and uh director Becker said that he had applied for the grant and they're waiting to hear back from I know that process can be lengthy too and I know you guys did do the tree survey but
>> yeah just give us directive I know they were down my street last week trimming branches on some neighbor properties so yeah looking for directive >> sounds good we'll talk about that thank you uh >> anybody else for public comment Tonight
hearing none, we will close the public comment and we will go on to adopting the agenda uh with the proposed change of item K4 uh Emerald Ashbbor. Discussion if you guys are okay with that. >> Make a motion to approve with change.
>> Second. >> Motion by uh council member Lundy. Second by council member Peterson. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carries 40. Uh next we will go on to the uh approval of the city council meeting minutes. So
we will do these separately. Uh item G1, February 4th, 2026, city council goal setting meeting minutes. Uh I did have a couple slight changes. Um it says that uh we had a goal to talk about not leaving snow at the end of driveways and
I think I think that should be struck. We did talk about that. Um, but I don't think that's a reasonable thing for public works to have as a goal. We could talk about it more throughout the year, but I think we should strike that off of there so there's no u miscommunication about that being a goal that we have.
>> No, that was never intended to be a goal. Just >> And then uh another one uh another that I saw under our top three priorities, it says uh properties not assessed to owners for street projects. And that was another thing. You know, we talked about looking into it this year, but I don't
necessarily think it's a goal. Um because again, we don't want to give a false a false goal that we're going to hopefully accomplish this by the end of the year when we really haven't talked about that much. Um so I think we should remove that from goals, but still talk about it at some point this year. And I
know Jason was going to look into some of that with the assessment policy and stuff like that. So if we could remove that from goals or from the minutes there so there's no uh misunderstandings. >> Yes, we will make that change. >> Any other changes from council?
All right, then I'll entertain a motion to approve with the changes. >> Motion to approve with the changes. >> Second. >> Motion by Council Member Mendine, second by Council Member Peterson. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? >> Motion carries 40. Item G2, the February
4th, 2026 city council meeting minutes. Any changes or questions? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion to approve by Council Member Lundine. Second by Council Member Heman. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries 40. Uh,
next we'll go on to announcements. The park and rec board meeting is Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 6 p.m. The economic development authority meeting, Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. City Council meeting, Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at 7 p.m. And that is that.
Uh, next we have the county communications. So, we again added this slot oh probably 3 4 months ago to allow uh county officials to come in and give any sort of communications or updates. So, I know there's one county commissioner here with us tonight. If you'd like to come forward,
state your name and address for the record and thanks for coming in. >> Hey, I like the mic mounted up here. This is This is nice. >> Hopefully it works better. We've been trying different things. >> Yeah. So, Todd Christensen, County Commissioner, District 4. I just have a couple of things for you. I just wanted
to update you. Um I think they've been talking back and forth about the speed limit sign on Whiskey County there on that. Oh, it's not on. >> Yeah, it's on. Okay, maybe I need to just get a little closer. There you go.
Oh, look at you. I'm not that tall. Anyway, yeah. So, let's see here. Hold on here. There we go. Let's try Let's try that. >> There you go. >> Anyway, so the uh Whiskey Road there and the speed limit sign we talked about. So um I believe our the highway engineer
has been in contact there about what you guys can do to get this ball rolling for for the speed. Right. Am I right there with uh >> You are correct. Yep. Justin County Engineer did reach out and Chief Myers is collecting that data to get over to him. Sounds good. >> We're all ears on that one.
>> All right. That sounds good. And then um well the thing to remember with that though is like with the uh speed study if it comes back and they say you know it's 40 miles an hour in that right >> we do risk we do risk that a little bit. My main objectives is to get that 30 m
the in 30 mph sign moved down after the crosswalk. >> Right. >> So and then um also I was going to say today we voted on the uh the resolution for the no parking over here on Kasa 5 there by the apartment building. We're doing uh both sides of the road. So, in
front of the in front there and on the other side where it's been such a hazard with all those cars cars parking there. And uh >> what's the layout on that? Are you guys going to just put out no parking signs and then cover them for events or what was >> Yeah. So I mean there was a little talk about what what we would do but the
cemetery is right there too and you know uh so yes like say in the event of Veterans Day or something like that a holiday they can they have the right to put some you know bagged sign as they call it in case there needs to be uh parking for that or say there's a large funeral or something like that. >> So is that the county that does that or
the cemetery? >> Um actually I'm not entirely sure. I want to say that uh the police can go out and do it too if I'm not mistaken. Is that >> possible? Okay. All right. Well, the way it's set up now though, we're just going to It should work pretty good. And if it
doesn't, then we can adjust things as far as where else we've got to post it. But it it was terrible over there. >> Yep. Okay. >> And uh then off over here on uh the roundabout. So, so May, June, we're going to start construction again there.
And I got that information for you guys. I also got a uh a map of some of the stuff with Kasaw 5 plus some of the other things in the county that you know some of the people might be interested in. So, um yeah, I think that's I just
have one here so you guys can make copies and have it on hand. >> Okay, sounds good. And you' said made May or June for the uh reef pavement to the west and to the east of the roundabout. >> Yes, that's exactly right. So, you got that? I got that for you. And then I thought you might like to have this.
This is a map showing some of the other projects along with the top five >> and some of the budget stuff. >> Sure. >> Didn't you need that? >> No, you guys can have that. I had extra copies for you. Here's the layout you were talking about. >> Yep.
>> We're going to do the no parking signs. >> Okay. >> And it's going to be the resolution there. That all got signed today. So, >> sounds good. Thank you for that stuff. >> I'm going to try and do that. But I'm going to try and get copies of things that you know are pertain to here. So >> that would be great. I appreciate it.
>> You guys can have those dates and post them for the residents. >> Sure. >> All right. Any anything else, guys? >> You guys have any questions? >> All right. Thanks for having me up. >> Thank you for always being an open line of communication, too. >> All right. I don't see any other county officials here, so we'll move on to
council committee reports. Who wants to go first? >> New community ad. Okay. >> So, uh we got updates regarding their strategic plan and their department goals. Uh the biggest things that they were talking about was that there was
some changes with how they are requiring the uh kindergarten teachers to have their certifications. They're talking about the cost per every teacher going up $20,000 times 13 teachers for the mandated basically to be like a higher teacher level. So, the same as it is 1
through 12. Uh so the prek is going up and they just thought about overall uh their their costs went quite a bit. So trying to figure out how to keep the programs going and funded. >> George, do you have any?
>> No. >> Okay. Uh I have a couple comments. Uh so I went to the Arts and Science Academy budget and policy committee um meetings last week. uh they have some definite budget concerns and are hoping to offset the concerns uh with additional enrollment. Um obviously you get uh more
funds from the state when you have more students enrolled. Um so they discussed potentially pursuing a billboard to advertise for their school. Uh I know there's a lot of people that don't even know the school is there. Uh so their school is uh in Sani near Falcon National Bank across the highway from
Minnesota Equipment. Uh they offer a unique alternative to ISD 911 district. Uh it's a charter school and parents can choose to enroll their children there uh for that slightly different style of education um if that works for their family. I think it's important that people know there are options um and every family
has different wants and needs for their kids. Uh I also talked to them about their meal program and other budgetary items uh and overarching state policy uh including this summer unemployment uh which is an unfunded mandate uh and it's caused issues with their budget. Uh, and I told him that I could potentially
advocate uh during the LMC committee meetings this year because I think there does need to be some uh further discussion um about the uh unfunded mandates that have come down to schools and what that means for the schools. You know, the schools have to pinch uh in a lot of places and it's it's tough for
everybody. So, I think it's important that we continue to to battle on with that, talk to our legislators, get them get them to change policy or look further at uh how the schools are funded. Um, and obviously that's not going to happen overnight, but it needs some work. Uh, the ISD 911 district
board meeting is this Thursday and the Chamber of Commerce meets tomorrow and I'll come back with a report on both of those. Anything else? Hearing none, we will move on to business item K1. Resolution to consider approving special event permit
application for Rum River BMX Governor's Cup event. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Staff is requesting action on approving a special event permit for the Rum River BMX Governor's Cup held at the Sani Indoor Arena from February 20th through
the 22nd. This is a three-day racing event. expects a daily attendance of 800 to a,000 people that utilizes arena facilities and se several designated overflow parking lots including park and the soccer complex.
>> I think it's a great event. They've always been a good partner with the city. Um just what did you have something to say? No. Okay. And I know there's a couple guys from River BMX here. I don't know if you have anything to say. If you want to give a little plug, you're welcome to come up. or if you have any questions for us.
Come on, Randy. State say your name and address for the record, please. >> Tim uh Tim Dovaski, Rum River BMX 101 Sandy Parkway. Um yeah, so it's a three-day event. Um it's a combined event where you have to race all three days. So that on average gets us about
300 riders per day, which translates to that 800 to,000 people coming up from the five state region. and beyond. So, um it's kind of a unique thing that we brought back that USA BMX did years ago um where you can actually race through
um across all proficiencies and the top points at the end of the uh weekend get a a pretty sizable cup. So, it's kind of a cool thing for the kids. So, um and also I figured I'd come up here and say this because uh Randy is our new president over there. I've moved up to
the track operator position. So, you'll be seeing Randy a little bit more uh as the president usually does the city business. >> Well, I for one want to say that the BMX I just wish there was an easier way of
just getting their if we get a list of their races and just approve them once for them so they don't have to keep coming in because I for one would not turn them down for anything other than their parking overflow is the only issue that I see. I mean, they manage that building the way it is. So, if that's
what they want to do. So, I for one I uh motion to approve. >> I'll second. >> Uh motion approved from Council Member Lundine, second from Council Member Peterson. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Motion carries 40. Thank you guys for coming in. Continue the good work. We
appreciate it. Uh item K2, resolution to consider approving Hemp Drive THC market signage at Sani Liquor. Keith, >> good evening. Mayor and Council, thank you for having me here tonight. Um, bringing this back from the previous
council meeting where we talked about having some signage to direct folks to easily contact their legislators to voice their um, I guess they could voice their support or opposition to the uh, hemp derived THC ban and just kind of spread awareness that that is coming. um
that is an important source of revenue for the liquor store and one that I think is in the city's best interest to protect you know so that we can legally and responsibly sell that um just like we do alcohol. So I'm here asking you for permission to post signage in the store doing that.
>> This was the same signage way was verbag when we discussed it. >> And I had I had a quick question here. So I see the resolution just specifies signage in the store. Um, I I'm fine with that language as long as there's understanding that the signage will be near the THC product. And I assume you'd
be I maybe you'd be partners with some of these THC. I don't know how that works, but uh I I I would assume that's the intent. Correct. >> Yeah, it it's not like we're putting together signage or anything. It's basically just allowing vendors to come in and put up signage um for it. And
then it's got a QR code on it to just make it easy for people to to get to the site and fill in their information. And then it's all automated, goes to their representatives based on their address um of where they're at. >> Okay. And did you did you have like a limit that you were you were considering
for that or what would that look like? >> The only Well, I'm not going to put signs everywhere, you know, I'd have it right by the THC. Um and then once it's not applicable, say like either the ban is implemented or it's revoked, then there's no point in having the signage
up anymore and it would it would disappear. Okay. I also want to make note, I mean, you kind of touched on it, but Dani THC sales in 2025 total $259,000. Uh, so that revenue stream is significant and city taxpayers do
realize lower taxes as a result of this the profit on those sales. So, I think it, as you'd mentioned, it is important and it does lower everybody's taxes. So, any further discussion or questions, concerns? >> Hearing none.
>> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion to approve by council member Heman. Second by council member Lundine. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Motion carries 40. Uh, next we have a res resolution to consider accepting purchase of source state bid for a
Bobcat T450 skid steer. Mr. Becker. Yeah. So, the CIP includes an allocation of 53,000 for the addition of the skid steer fleet. Um, it's source bid from Crawford's Equipment is the best option
for the city's need. The final bid amount is 57,936.86. The 4,93686 difference between the CIP estimate is basically the bid we got last year in 2025. There was no uh tariffs in place
which are now in place now. >> And we had talked about this last year. Did we just give you you guys haven't purchased a new skid steer already like last year when we talked about it? We just gave you permission to per to look into purchasing one. Correct. I think at that time you came with two potentially and we decided just to go up.
>> You said that uh we were supposed to get two, you said to buy one this year. >> Yeah. Okay. And we didn't buy one last year, that was four this year. Okay. That's what I thought, but I couldn't remember. Steve and I were like, was that bot or did we just talk about it? Okay. >> Yeah. I don't remember. >> Okay. Do you know how many hours are on
the skid steers that we have by chance? If you were guess. Uh, I don't want to guess. >> Okay. >> I could find out on the I have a master file. >> Okay. And we would be keeping all the skid steers we have, not trading or
getting rid of anyone. We just have another one essentially. >> That's what you guys wanted because you wanted to keep the older ones and then have a backup. >> Sure. Okay. >> Have you tried chopping around a little bit more since you seen the price increase? >> I did.
>> Thank you. Thanks. >> Do you see a value in in keeping the the Bobcat uh everything Bobcat? I know the ASVs uh seem to have better commercial applica applications. Um, but I don't know if you guys are familiar with the
ASVs as much, if the mechanic would be able to work on that as much or has that been a discussion item at all amongst you guys. >> We talked about it. The ASV is a low flow unit only. >> Okay. >> Um, for the size that fits on our sidewalk, it would work, but we'd be
buying different attachments and then the price was a little bit higher. >> Sure. Okay. What about eight grand difference, you know, from the difference from last year to what the Bobcat is? Nick, is there extra
money in street funds to cover that difference? >> Yeah, we'll have enough funding there with what we're currently sitting at in our reserves and kind of our long-term plan. That $5,000 difference will be okay over the long term.
I just think the longer we wait on this, it's going to be more and more money. >> Yeah. Who needs it? >> I make a motion to approve. >> I'll second. >> Motion to approve by council member Lundine. Second by council member Heman. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed?
>> Motion carries 40. Uh in the consent agenda. >> K4. >> Oh yeah, K4. Sorry. Good catch. Item K4, Emerald Ashbor discussion. So I know we had talked about the grant. Um Josh, do you know when we may hear
back on that grant? >> I think we're just at the will of the grant of the people approving the grant. >> Okay. So, it could be next week, it could be next year type of thing. Okay. Um, and I know we had done the uh the survey and I thought we had discussed I
I don't know if maybe we didn't make a formal vote on it, but I thought we had discussed, you know, uh segmenting the ones that are the most imminent need of coming down and trying to hit those as time allows. But maybe we waited we maybe we wanted to wait till the grant was done to start that or do you
remember what we had? >> That's what I thought. >> Mayor and council may I did put the minutes from our last two discussions so I can give a brief summary. >> Yeah, thank you. Okay. So, we discussed it at the city council meeting on September 2nd, 2025.
And that discussion um is where we discussed um the scope of the affected trees, potential management strategies, and the grant requirements and reviewed that grant at that time. And staff was directed to return with recommendations, potential fundings, and um and to look
at what would it would entail to complete the grant for affected parkland trees. And then it was brought back to October 21st, 2025, committee of the whole. And there it was that uh the city did apply for the grant to fund the
removal and replanting of 481 ash trees in the city parks. Uh the additional 817 rightway ash trees were identified but were not included in the grant application. Um grant decisions are expected in early 2026 at that time. That's what staff was
told. Um, some of the discussions did uh cover what to do with rightaway trees, but no formal direction. Uh, the discussions included potential voucher reimbursement program for residents who voluntarily removed the rightway trees that were affected. Staff estimated
replanting costs at approximately $450 per tree. Council expressed interest in prioritizing removal of hazardous trees near the park infrastructure. And then council discussed the need for a policy to address mandatory removal of hazardous trees in the rightway and some
potential costs and would that potentially be assessed to home owners. Uh the consensus was to have staff monitor and remove immediately hazardous park trees. Um wait to hear back from the grant and then a full discussion
would be coming in the near in the future to address rightaway trees the policy and long-term planning. >> Okay. So Mayor Merrill. >> Yep. >> Remember I sent you that deal on that guy that was doing that study? >> Yep. >> Did you find that guy or
>> he never he never returned my email? But I'm curious about the fungi. I know there's been some more discussion on that, but I don't know how fast that's >> I don't know why he didn't get back to you because he was like pretty passionate. I mean, if you watch, just so everybody knows, there was a
deal on channel 11 news about a guy that's doing studies on basically it's, lack of better word, sterilizing the emerald ash boore. It's a study that he was doing so that they wouldn't be
damaging or reproducing any more trees. And he is from Minnesota. >> Sure. and he was pretty passionate about curving this problem. So that was a look into seeing what we maybe can get something
out of him or whatever. >> Yeah, I can try emailing from a different email too. Maybe it went to junk or I can get his phone number. I'm sure he's getting a lot of emails is my thought. You know, it's >> there's probably a lot of cities in this predicament and we'd all like to have a more natural solution that doesn't cost
taxpayers, you know, five500 to $700,000. So, >> well, did I just hear correctly that we have out of all those trees, there's 800? That's a problem. >> I thought it was more like 400 something.
>> 400, right? >> There was an additional 817 rightway ash trees. So, that's in addition to what was in the parks identified. Okay. >> I don't have the um the survey pulled up at this time.
because yeah, that's that's 360 if we go with 800 at $450 a piece. >> So, it's at least >> the tree inventory. I just pulled it up. Uh counted a total of 477 ash trees. Of these 396 are within the street
rightaways and 81 are within the mode and maintain areas of parks and city- owned buildings is what the report says. Unless their report that they gave us was wrong. I hope not. >> That could be that these are total trees then.
>> I thought it was a total four >> 477. >> I think that is what I remember. Yeah, I remember that number. Around 400 something. >> So Josh, do you know or have you noticed um or looked at the report to see which ones in the rightway are in the worst
condition by chance? >> Honestly, I haven't looked at the report in a while. >> Okay. >> We just haven't been thought direction was just to wait to see. >> Sure, >> no problem. What are you guys' thoughts? >> We make contact and ask them for
approximation on the grant process. >> Just >> I don't know if proddding them and asking about how the grants coming is going to help. That might even hinder. >> So, you're from a different city, >> but we would like to know, you know, if
there's if it's still early 2026 or if it's 2027. >> I guess be nice to have an idea. I guess if you find out when that, you know, when they are going to release that information, I wouldn't specifically ask if you're approving us, right? >> I mean, that's
>> that does address the park trees potentially, but we still do have to discuss the rightway. >> Yep. >> Call it right away a park. I think we're going I think I think we got to address the the most hazardous
trees first and foremost. And I think that's more of a >> how we how are we going to do it? >> And I thought that's what we talked about, but maybe it just got mixed in with park conversation, just the hazardous park ones. Are there hazardous park ones at the immediate?
We haven't done anything immediate yet that I've noticed in the parks, but yeah, they're getting there. Some lose their parking places. >> Sure. >> I'm I'm not be honest, I'm not willing to vote on some type of policy on what we're doing with this tonight.
>> I think we need another discussion. I think we need all the information in front of us again >> before we make a really good decision. I mean, if if we're going to start paying to have these trees, where we we have to budget the money. I mean, that's $214,000 to $360,000 worth of trees take
down if we have somebody else do it at $450 a piece. So, that's why I'm not willing to >> That's the replanting cost. It's going to cost a lot more than that, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Well, that was with 477 trees at 450 is 214,000.
Um, yeah. I'm not willing to set policy on that until we look at it. Again, I know right now under ordinance we're not responsible for. >> Um, it's the way our ordinance is set. >> Do they need to be replanted? >> No.
>> No. I I thought we had discussed not replanting them unless the grant requires us to replant. We had talked about only if the grant requires us to and if we get funding. Otherwise, I don't think there's >> Well, first of all, if they're in a rightaway, >> city ordinance does not allow planting
in rightways anymore. And that's why my stance has always been the city went in and planted those trees long before I even lived here because those trees are older than I am, which is hard to believe, but uh that's why I feel and I've actually seen court cases where
something like that was done and judges awarded the plaintiffs or the property owners that the city had to take care of the problem no matter what because it was done by them, not by the owner. So it's >> but then I like I said you're not
allowed to plant them in the rideways anymore. So any tree that's in the rightway cannot go back in the right way. Right. >> And I think that was what part of that grant was if it was removed from there it has to be planted there again. So that became that gray area on that grant because we're not allowing them planted
in the rightway. >> Right. >> And that's why we just decided for the grant for the parks. I thought the grant said when possible or when practical it must be planted in the same spot. >> I thought it said I thought it said it had to be replant tree had to be replanted where you took the old one out. >> There's a caveat on it.
>> That's what I understood it as. I mean, I we can sit here and blame previous mayors, previous councils, and everything, but we're talking something that's 60, 70 years ago that was done city. >> Blame to put on any of this. I mean,
it's an invasive species, >> but I mean, it just comes down to who's going to pay for it. That's the problem at this point. >> So, I know we had discussed the the vouchers, and I I think that's an interesting idea. Um, I still think it's interesting because some property owners
might not want public works on their property cutting down a tree. They maybe they want to do it themselves or maybe they can fell a tree themselves and they get paid two or three hund bucks or whatever to do it. If that makes sense. So, I I like the voucher idea. Um, otherwise if we can get a list of, you
know, the most imminent or look at the stud, have Josh look at the study and try and take down the worst ones first and just see what we can do in house and see where we get in a few months if that seems reasonable. And then, you know, maybe next meeting we can talk more
about uh considerations for a like a some sort of reimbursement. I know we talked about it at length before. Um, and maybe we'll know on the grant, too. Just I think there's a lot of moving parts. Um, and I think it's difficult to make the right decisions. So, I agree
with Council Member Heman. Uh, just have it on the next agenda and provide as much information as we can in the packets so we're all prepared for it. Um, if that sounds reasonable with you guys. >> I don't disagree with that. I this I mean I've been thinking about it ever
since we all start start talking about it. I mean, that's obvious when I contacted you about it, but >> it's I don't want to say it. I don't want taxpayers to have to pay any more than they have to, but I still think that we're almost in my opinion is we need to
take care of them right away. If we can get public works to do some of the worst ones right off the bat, you know, I I think we even discussed this at the last conversation where we would do so many
a year and try to stay up on it. I mean, you we can't keep throwing things at public works because those guys got a lot of work to do in the summertime as well as even this time of year. But if that's going to help taxpayers taxes, it's going to help that, you know,
general fund, then I I think that's a way we should approach it, >> right? like we should just start notifying which one, you know, noticing which ones are the worst, tag them and as public works times allows, maybe they can get out and deal with it, >> right? And I think it's just important
to mention that this is something that we have to consider because if we have to pay to get these trees removed, everybody here pays the the community has to pay for it. So if we take our time and make an efficient effort to save taxpayer money and get the job done at the same time, I think that's the goal. You know, it' be easy to just say,
"Hey, let's just get them all taken down." But then everybody has to pay more on their taxes to account for that. So, it's >> it's a guaranteed levy. I mean, if we're doing it all in one year, I mean, there's we don't have >> that much room in a budget to to do it all at once.
>> Have we ever tried just going out to bid again on this to see if there's anybody out there that would want to take on a project like this at a lot cheaper? I mean, >> to my knowledge that I think that the previous public services director maybe
got some quotes for some tree removal, but that's been a while now. >> I think we had one in the last packet >> in October. >> I mean, you get you get two people who want to just work >> four months for 60 grand. They could
probably take down one of these trees. >> No, it's not just that. It's liability insurance. It's it's the insurance is eats up a company very rapidly, you know, and if and if the and if public works goes out, we're going to have to get damage waiverss from property owners
because >> on every one of them. >> I think so. I forever it happens. Cutting down trees isn't >> I know >> I've cut down trees and it went the total wrong way that I planned and it cost the roof, you know. So I mean
fortunately it was my own roof but it wasn't you know somebody else's but it happens and that's why we have I think we have to look at more than just doing this. How are we going to implicate it? >> So I don't see I don't see quotes in
September or October but we did get quotes sometime mid last year. >> That was like 200ish per fell or something like that wasn't it? >> No it was more than that >> to drop it. Yeah. >> To drop and haul. >> It was more than that. >> It was 450, I think, >> or more.
>> I would trust what Councilman Heman has brought up because you've pretty much noted what that was. It was 450 a tree. I thought >> that's what I heard. >> Somebody mentioned a number tonight of 450. >> That was to replant. >> What? >> That was to replant a tree.
>> To replant. So, >> I can plant a lot of trees for 450 bucks. >> No kidding. step this to the next um I mean if we want to add it to committee the whole or city council but I do think it'd be good to collect all the information because it's been since 2023 that this has been
ongoing discussion and also with the ordinance and that's that it's the property owner's responsibility also needs to be reviewed >> I think we should maybe push it to committee of the whole and it gives Mr. record time to maybe see if you can reach out and get some fresh quotes,
as many as you can get. >> We'll also provide the full report. Um I actually don't have it. What was in that packet was a summary that staff um had put together. So we'll get the full report as well and and so we have all the accurate information in front of us.
>> Okay, that sounds good. And then how would uh can we get more information on if we were to say implement a a reimbursement program, can we have that added to the agenda as well? I know we've done that for like the the rain gardens. Um but maybe if there's any sort of precedent
or or rules for that, just we can have that handy at that meeting, too. Any other discussion? >> Would you guys like to have a cow next month? I think that gives them it gives them a month's time to get stuff together. That's my personal thought.
>> So, we did Mr. Strand was able to pull up the two quotes that we had. This was in May of 2025 for tree removal service for 500 ash trees. One quote was 7,000 and the other quote was
>> it's 7,000 >> for removing all 500 trees. I'd like to see that. >> We'll sign that right now. >> I think that might survey. >> But I think when we when we do have this
discussion is, you know, there's >> that's another audit. Yeah, that was inventory. >> So, another discussion there's going to be trees that don't need to come down right now, but then we should maybe implicate something that maybe public works could
do. X amount a year a summer or fall. When's the best time? I don't know when the best time to cut them is. I'm not an urbanist. So, >> there's a lot of moving parts of this situation, too. I mean, do we want to break it up into two years, three years, or do it all in one year? Because
>> I think we need to >> This isn't budgeted money to do, >> but I think we need to we need to recognize the most hazardous trees for personal injury, property damage. Those need to be addressed first and foremost. If the tree is diseased, it it could be
five years before it's going to be at that point where some of these are already. I mean, I don't know that, but I I would be willing to bet that. Uh so that we need to address, you know, which ones need to be addressed immediately. That could change how we do some things
as well. >> When we had that survey done, it was just a count. It wasn't. This one isn't like this one. >> No, they were they were doc they were documented like that. >> They were Yeah, I need to see that again. That's why I wanted to
>> I mean there's >> kick the can again on this. >> Yeah, come on up Keith. >> I know you have experience in this field. So >> there's some misinformation that's going around too. So >> first thing is I first came here now we're 11 months from the first time I came here
>> and this has been talked about and then it turns into everybody just kind of like nobody wants to do anything on it then member Lund Dean touched on some pretty important things >> when I came 11 months ago I brought you your guys' insurance company in writing stating
you don't want the residents doing it right away the voucher will not work I mean >> okay >> they will pay out three times the amount of damages so if I lose my life whatever my life's worth. They'll pay out three times that. I brought that to you guys in writing. Property damage. And then, okay, so you got Boulevard trees and say
I got a 40 foot Boulevard tree. Well, I can't drop it. I got a small lot. My house is close by. So now I'm dropping trees across the road. You don't want residents doing that either. I got a chainsaw. You would rather have your public works department or a professional tree company doing it. You're looking at this by having it all
subcontracted out is the price. That's not realistic either. I mean, you have 400 trees. If you do 40 trees a year over the next 10 years, that's it. Your your expense is going to be, hey, it's not snowing right now, >> right? >> Sliding hills got snow on it. The rink's
good to skate on. We can go cut trees down. It doesn't need to be this huge expense that you know, you guys are I think you're looking at the whole worst case scenario. Your public works is capable. They have MMUA for their safety company. They can treat, you know, train them on the chainsaw safety. I'm sure if
they haven't already had it. Um, but council member Lundine touched on the liability thing. That's the sticking point right there. You can't have residents out there. I mean, I know the only city I've ever seen debate anything on this has never been right away. It's always been easements. You know, you
have easements between North Brook View and uh Main Street where a sewer line runs down the backyards of those houses and there's fences all over that. Now, if there's an ash tree on that, I could see having a debate on that. But on the rightways, I don't understand what the debate is. Your insurance company's already saying that. I know what your
attorney said. It doesn't matter what he said because if something happens, I'm not going to your attorney. I'm going to your insurance company final thing with them and I already have a writing from them saying three times damages. So I don't understand what all the discussion is about. I've never seen another city council discuss this. It's not
Josh doesn't have to call me and get written permission to put snow in my boulevard when he city. It's your responsibility. The franchise fee collected on all the utilities that are in my boulevard. The city collects that money. It's your property. You can have utilities run through. If you want to have them ripped
up and done, they apply for a permit through the city and they go in and do it. I don't get anything. It's your property. It has to be your property. It's all your property. It's not We want franchise fees. We want to be able to put the sidewalk in when we want to, but no, there's maintenance on there. That's
the homeowner's problem. It's not. It's all or nothing. >> Yeah. And that's not what we're saying that it's a homeowner's problem, but there's a lot of moving pieces to this. and we get people that don't want the city on their property. So imagine if we go and cut down a tree that they love in their yard. So it's just like we're trying to trying to get every angle so
we make the right decision and and make it >> it's not their property. >> Sure. >> It's the city's property. >> Sure. >> And you know if you have a water line break, it doesn't matter what they say. You're going to go in there and fix it. It's just I get it. Um Director Becker and I talked about it and discussed it.
There's a lot of moving parts and stuff, but this was brought to you guys 11 months ago. We went through a whole budgeting cycle and everything wasn't the back for a grant. Hope we get it. We don't then what? For another year. >> No. In those meetings. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I know you guys try to be like
citizenoriented and save money and do all stuff, but you can cut and do whatever you want, but you still have to provide basic services to your residents. You know, I got a handicap neighbor next door to me. I don't see him a lot in the winter because he's not out, but one of the rare time I do catch him all getting his mail. When's that
tree coming down? still working on it for you, bud. >> You know, I'd like you guys to go meet with them and see them. And you know, these are people that can't do it themselves. So, while I can take mine down my yard, I'm not going to do my three neighbors, too, because I'm going have to drop every single one of them across the street off. So, I don't know.
I'm frustrated. 11 months and I feel like we're still where we started. Back to get all the information together. When you guys did the tree uh >> inventory, >> the contractors, you know, one of my kids friends was one of them that gave him to he called I'm doing a trees uh a
quote for tree removal for ice right now. So it's like I'm hearing it from all sides. It's I wish this would just get taken care of and in my opinion it's a no-brainer. I've never seen another city argue this. St. Cloud just posted weight park just posted. They're now dealing with this too. I sent you Monaceelos the other day said hey here's
another city that's already doing it too. There's no debate on it. It's public right away. It's your guys' property. You guys can do it the way you want. You guys haven't personally as a city council, but other councils have. I don't want sidewalk in my front yard. Too bad for putting the sidewalk in the front yard. I don't you don't do the same. You guys listen to the residents.
So you guys do get the residents saying it. And I know you guys have skipped out on sidewalk res. So that's appreciated, but it's still your responsibility and council member hit right. >> Okay. Well, sounds good. Thank you.
And we did check like you had mentioned, Keith, uh the attorney said it was okay, but I I appreciate the perspective as you know, another public works director in a different city. It's nice to have that perspective from you and you have experience with it. Um there are other cities that are now deciding to do it and many of these cities have had these
types of discussions, maybe not as often as we have or as much as we have. Um but they've been in this discussion too and there are cities that are just starting as well. So it's not like we're horribly far behind, but we're trying to do the best for everybody here. The one expense you guys can expect, the biggest expense, even if public works does all
400 trees, >> it's not the time. They're already getting paid for the time, right? 40 hours a week. >> Um, it's the removal, the disposal. What do you do with it? >> Um, I know one neighboring city from here burns it. Burns it this time of
year. There's snow on the ground. Work with the fire department. They light it on fire and it burns for two weeks. Um, but it kills all the bugs. And I know other ones that are doing grinding and then you're looking at 30 to $40,000. >> Sure. >> So that's your big expense that you got. >> Yep. Sounds good. And we have looked
into uh the burning before. I know we had a big storm and we had went out for quotes for disposal and we we talked about burning in the fire department and I think that probably would be the most reasonable. I don't know what you think Josh on that. Um, we had a brief discussion.
>> Yeah, I think the burning is the best option now and we don't have ever cap fuels across the tracks anymore. property trees that are currently up on the right of way. Yes, we need to address those right away. Otherwise, that's the reason
we're taking our time to make sure we wise. just do it. I had myself >> a little bit of a dent on this and doing a few trees here and there till we got it done. And I thought I got a little
push back at one of the meetings, but I'm with you. If we hit a couple a month, the worst ones first within 5 years or something, maybe we got a good dent out of it. But I I don't know. We haven't got that far in
that conversation. It's frustrating for all of us. You know, when we when we get a problem, usually we we we take care of it. is just one of these problems that doesn't have a solid solution even after listening to you and what you had to say. Um,
but we'll try to get it done. All right. So, we're going to come back next month with more information. Um, and I I guess let's just be ready to make a decision. Uh, Josh, if there's any that are in imminent need of coming down immediately, I would hope that you
guys would consider doing that. I don't know if you need direction for that, but I would Do we need a vote on something like that? If there are any imminent need, I thought we'd discuss that, but if there are any imminent need, we just take them down. >> I think it'd be best to have a vote. So,
there is formal direction to staff. Um, and then you're having director Becker state whether that what that immediate need is, defining that. Are you okay with defining that or how
do how how does that get defined? We're not emerald ashbor experts. So >> yeah, I'd have to take a look at the survey and find out which ones are the worst and maybe have a guy check them out. >> Okay. >> And if any look like Yeah, they could just follow and give us direction.
>> Okay. or if they're in imminent need but have utilities or something that are nearby. >> I think it would be appropriate to allow Mr. Be record to say that if it was something that he thought was a special a specialist would need to do that he
has authorization to do so to contact if there's an immediate threat by a tree that or that that tree needs to come down and it's by all the power lines and his guys aren't skilled to take that down at this time or have the time to do it that he is has the authority to hire
a contractor. Josh, I did we did you and I talk about um having more training for our guys with chainsaws or or were you looking into options for that or arborist type stuff? I think we might had a discussion on it, but I don't remember for sure what the >> Yeah, I think you did mention that when
we were talking about it that you guys were okay with us doing more training moving forward, but I don't know that we said to do it yet till we decided. >> Sure. Okay. So, it was an option that we discussed. Okay. If dad wanted one or
two guys to get arous arbor certified so they could go up in ropes or use a cherry picker or something for the more problematic felds if they they had things in the way so we wouldn't have to go get a contractor. >> So maybe we we could talk about doing
that. Would that be need a motion for that or is that just direction? >> I think that's direction. And I think what we're missing here is the piece that gives him authority and the department authority to take down trees in the rightway because >> I think as far as we have his directions just as in the parkland. >> Okay.
>> I'm going to make a motion that he starts looking at doing these rightways and assessing the most dangerous zones at the moment. >> Yes. >> And as time allows >> to figure out if they can do it and get it done. >> Right. Without setting policy tonight. And if you want to make an if you want
to have an answer for cow, I would like to have this brought to the next city council meeting so that if we have any more questions by the time we have cow that it's all taken care of and we can make a decision if you want to try to make a decision in the next 30 days on this. >> Okay.
>> Does that make sense? >> Yep. So there's a motion on the floor from Council Member Lundine. I'll second that motion myself. Uh motion from Council Member Lundine, second from myself. All in favor of giving Josh the authority to go and attack the imminent danger or look at it
and yeah you make the decision on that. All in favor of that say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion carries 4 and please bring it back to the next two meetings uh if we can and hopefully we'll have more discussion and more information at that
time. Uh next we'll move on to the consent agenda. I did have one question on item L7 uh for Josh or Chief Myers. Have we ever had any issues with the Redbird lease on Redbird Field? I know there was I think there was a breakin or vandalism
many years ago uh to the building there, but I haven't heard of anything else. Is that is that accurate, Chief Myers? >> Yeah, there's been some vandalism and think of the break in there. Yeah, I think there's, you know, painting on the
wall. That was a big discussion on who was going to pay for the >> painting, I think was the discussion piece. I don't know where that ended up. >> Okay. >> That was a piece of discussion, but I don't know who would end up paying for it if it was Red Birds of the city. >> That's been quite a while ago.
>> Yeah, it was a while ago. >> Sure. >> Yeah. I the Red Birds, >> but if it's not the Red Birds, it'll be something else there. I mean, the park doesn't So, it has nothing to do with that. I think that discussion when they talked about that if it was on the outside of the fence, the city would take care of it. Inside it's their responsibility because they have all
their billboard signs and whatever in there. >> Okay. And Josh, have you had any concerns or lack of communication if you needed it or probably not much? >> Really not much. Okay. >> Ever. They've never really had us do anything much nothing other than we
bring their garbage cans out of there. >> Okay. No, I think all in all I think that's always just been some vandalism stuff out there. The Red Birds themselves has never been a problem. It's been vandalism. There's nothing they or I could do, you know, us as a city or
whatever could do to stop that. So, >> yep, sounds good. Any other questions on the consent agenda items? >> Make a motion to approve. >> I'll second. >> Motion to approve by Council Member Lundine, second by Council Member Heman to approve the consent agenda. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed?
>> Motion carries. 40. And I do have a question or something to point out on M1, the January building inspector report. Uh the 2023 building permit total uh seems inaccurate. It says only 14,000 for value of permits and that I that just can't be accurate. Uh
historically, our average per year is around 1.5 million. So, I don't know if there's a number or three missing with that. Um but something to look into on the January building inspector report for year 2023. And I know there was a a correction made
to that a few months ago, so maybe it just didn't stick. >> Well, it had it has to be. >> It's wrong. >> It's it's got to be clear. It's got to be a mistake because they they issued 47 permits back then. So, >> Yep. >> and they've already issued 41 for this
year and that number's way above that. >> So, >> so if you could just bring that to Stephanie maybe. I think she was uh going to change that last time. I just wanted to point that out. And then on item M2, has anybody heard I
know uh Jason, Mr. Cook had uh given us an update two weeks ago about the street lights infill on around the roundabout and five there. Have you guys heard anything about that being pushed back again or are are they actually on in route like it said two weeks ago on the
shipping? >> He said it would be installed this month. So it doesn't give a specific date. will be installed this month. >> Tentative is planned for tomorrow. As of this afternoon around two o'clock, we have not been told that that has been shifted, but >> Okay. >> We hopeful it'll start tomorrow.
>> Sounds good. The lighting over there, that's going to be a big upgrade for our city and it it was included in the project for no extra cost. So, essentially, sounds great. Any other questions or communications? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Motion to adjurnn by Council Member Lundine, second by Council Member
Peterson. All in favor say I. I I any opposed? Motion carries 4 Z. We are adjourned.