08-29-1978 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR P�EETING OF THE ORONO COUNCIL, AUGUST 29 , 1978 Page 22 Orono Diseased Tree Re�oval Contract TRF.E DISEASE PROGRAA (Continued) Individual resident bidding for each diseased elm tree costs an enorr►ous amount. The City of Orono can help them reduce costs up to 50o by consolidating all of the trees to be taken down under on� �ontractor. We have a rlodel contract at this time, which as been processed through the City Adr_iinistration and Legal Counsel. The hopeful objective is to get this well _prepared for - the 1979 season. To do so, we need to proceed with the final steps now. There are points of the contract that will need further qualification. One is that I suggest the contract specify for the felling of the tree, cutting it to firewood lengths , and chipping up the branches. All residue should be left at the residence for utilization of wood and chips. Other references to this subject are in the "Diseased Tree Disposal Problems in Orono" . An important point in the proposed contract is that after dropping, cutting and chipping the trees, the resident is to be billed by the tree firr.m. Orono Rebate Program In 1976 and 1977, the City of Orono rebated $25 per diseased elm tree that was removed within the specified notice period of 20 days. The principle restriction was that this rebate applied only to lot sizes less than 1/2 acre in size, within the control area. Most persons that were given removal notice asked of a rebate, and when told that such applied only to 1/2 acre or less lot, expressed dissatisfaction unless their lot was of that size. Based upon such cor.mment, I would suggest that such a rebate be rerloved completely in 1979 and forthcoming years. I would favor other means of assisting the homeowners in the reduction of the cost of tree removals and disposal. State Rebate Program ' In 1976, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture received legislated funds �to assist cor.ununity action against Dutch elm disease, and proposed a 45o rebate to participating cities. This was 45% of the amount expended by each city on this disease. Based on actual City participation, the amount was realigned at 37$ for 1977. In 1978, it was further reduced to 28�. 1979 is an unknown, an3 it �s p��ssibl� that there will be no rebate. (Continued)