HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-26-2026 - Minutes City Council - Work Session �oNo
Minutes
City Council Work Session
Monday, May 26, 2026, 5:00 PM
`1ktsti&c` City Council Chambers 12780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
ROLL CALL
Council members present: Mayor Bob Tunheim, Alisa Benson, Jacqueline Ricks, Jon Schwingler.
Staff present: Community Development Director Laura Oakden, Planner Melanie Curtis, Planner
Matt Kearny, Parks Superintendent Joe Ruthenberg, City Clerk Christine Lusian
TREE PRESERVATION
The Council held a work session to discuss whether the city should pursue a tree preservation
ordinance and to provide direction on its scope and purpose. Staff reviewed current tree-related
regulations, including conservation design requirements, protections within side setback and bluff
areas, and restrictions on clear-cutting. Discussion focused on what types of development should
trigger tree preservation requirements, what trees should be protected, allowable tree removal
thresholds, and how any future ordinance could be enforced.
Staff presented examples from other communities and recommended a tree preservation ordinance
that would apply at the time of subdivision, require a tree preservation plan, identify significant trees
for protection, and establish standards for allowable tree removal and replacement. Council
discussed considerations such as administration and enforcement, potential impacts on development,
treatment of invasive species, and whether protections should be limited to subdivisions or applied
more broadly.
Council directed staff to prepare draft ordinance language and bring the topic to the Planning
Commission for further review later this summer.
ADJOURNMENT
Work session ended at 6:00 pm.
ATTEST: CITY COUNCIL
Christi - L . ', i Cler Bob Tunheim, Mayor