07-14-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

»V'R 04 *97 10:0Zrt l TP hVELI IhYS P.2-12 Date: From: To: CC: Subject: April 03,1997 David Baal Park Commission Members Elizabeth VanZomeren, Mike GafTroo, Greg Gapa and Ron Moorse Tree Policy On N^ch 19 a Park Commission sub-committee consisting of David Beal, Susan Wilson and Jim White met at the City Hall on the Orono Tree Policy. Liz, Mike and Greg were in attendance. The purpose of this committee is to develop a proposal for consideration by the City Council. A general discussion took place, with everyone giving his or her opinion. It b unanimously a^eed that Orono nefids a policy, but there is disagreement as to whether it should be a policy passed by resolution or as an Ordinance. GeneraUy speaking, it was fWt that a policy should be aimed primarily at developers because most citizens of Orono arc here because they(wc) like Orono's rural setting with it s open space, trees, parks, trails, etc. Most citizens, we agreed, have the environment at heart and will tend to do the "right thing" when it comes to preservation of trees. The writer of this memo has reviewed a number of policies from other cities, including Shorewood, Wayzata, Chanhassen, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie and Austin. In all cases the tree preservation and replacement policy is very specific as to what can and cannot be done, both by developers and individual citizens alike. It is the writer's belief that Orono should adopt the same type of policy because, if there are no clear applications, definitions, application procedures and enforcement mechanisms, there will be too much opportunity for improper activity to take place. Action needed 1. If the Park Commission and the City Council agrees with my position I will proceed to "fiesh out" a policy, borrowing heavily from policies already developed by the cities mentioned earlier. Following is an outline, with details to be filled in, for your consideration. OR 2. If the Park Commission and Council would prefer to implement a general "guide and recommendations" for tree preservation and replacement a much shorter document can be prepared. NOTE: If a Policy and Ordinance is enacted an attractive, concise, layman ’s guide to tree preservation and replacement should still be produced and distributed to all residents of Orono.