Emerald Ash Borer Ordinance Public Health, Environment, Civil - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS Emerald Ash Borer Ordinance Public Health, Environment, Civil Rights, and Engagement Committee December 2, 2019 1

Rationale • Emerald Ash Borer will likely affect 100% of the City’s more than 200,00 ash trees on private properties. • On private property, the City has legal authority to remove hazardous trees while the Park Board has authority to remove infested trees. • This ordinance takes proactive steps to mitigate an emergency scenario where tens of thousands of ash trees become hazardous at once. 2

Ordinance • Grants City the authority to assess the cost of a proactive and voluntary removal on private property for trees that may or may not be visibly infested, but which can reasonably be assumed will die • Avoids contractor shortages and increased prices once trees start dying simultaneously in large numbers • Reduces future workload for City staff working on hazardous trees 3

Implementation • Health seasonal techs will identify potential trees and work on community outreach targeted at low- income residents • All Minneapolis residents are eligible. • Regulatory Services will contract arborists, oversee the tree removal process, and submit property assessments to the County. 4

Pilot Program • The first year pilot will voluntarily assess up to 100 trees. • Following the pilot, staff will have a better understanding of usage data and staffing needs to continue and expand the program. • Even with a successful program, the City will experience amplified service levels in the future due to the large amounts of hazardous ash trees on private property. 5