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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10B Amend 602 Diseased Trees O� P ��1P ti � V � 4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake_ MN 55372 �INN�SO� CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: AUGUST 12, 2013 AGENDA #: 10B PREPARED BY: KATY GEHLER, PUBLIC WORKS & NATURAL RESOURCES DIRECTOR PRESENTED BY: KATY GEHLER AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SUBSECTION 602 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE RELATED TO HAZARDOUS AND DIS- EASED TREES DISCUSSION: Introduction The purpose of this agenda item is to amend the Prior Lake City Code Ordi- nance, Subsection 602, related to hazard and diseased trees. Hi StOry The City of Prior Lake has historically conducted inspections for detection of trees infected with Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm and managed the abatement of diseased trees. The purpose of this inspection and removal program was to preserve the urban forest. For some years the State provided communities with funding to administer the program. In 2003 when incidence of Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm Disease were at their low point, the State repealed Chapter 18 and eliminated program funding. In 2007 the City Council reviewed and amended Section 602 of the City Code to better reflect the circumstances at the time. The modifications included: 1) The removal of the requirement to remove trees infected with Dutch Elm Disease on private property unless the tree posed a public safety issue. 2) Inclusion of language to address hazardous trees. 3) Modifications in regards to the use of assessments as a method of as- sisting residents with larger tree removal costs. Since 2007 the City has been managing Oak Wilt by tagging trees located on both public and private property for removal pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 18 and in accordance to Section 602. Current Circumstances The Current City Code requires that diseased trees be removed within 20 days of notice from the City and was consistent with industry recommendations at the time of adoption. New research and information is now available from the state regarding the management of trees specifically infected with Oak Wilt. Oak Wilt is a fungus that attacks the vascular system of the tree. Once infect- ed, the fungus will choke the tree, destroying the water and nutrient carrying systems killing within 2-3 weeks. An infected tree will start to show symptoms of "flagging" or browning of the leaves at the crown which then works its way down the tree. Trees killed by the Oak Wilt fungus will often produce a spore mat between April and late June on trees that wilted the previous summer if left standing. The Oak Wilt fungus spreads in two ways. Most new infections are the result of the fungus moving from infected to healthy oaks via grafted root systems, which are common. Trees as much as 50 feet apart may be grafted together. The only way that the fungus can cross highways, rivers, and open fields is by insect vectors, primarily by sap beetles. This spread occurs infrequently, but is important as the means by which new oak wilt infection centers are started. Sap beetles are commonly attracted to the sporulating mats produced by the fungus befinreen the bark and wood of oak wilt-killed trees. We have seen Oak Wilt cross Truck Highway 13 from the original infection area located east along Fish Point Road. Due to the activity of the fungus, the state has recommended risk periods in which to manage both healthy and infected Oak trees. The high risk period is from April through June in which no trimming or removal of any Oak tree should be completed. The low risk period is from July through October or the first hard frost. Although trimming of healthy oaks is permitted, trimming and removal of diseased Oaks is not recommended. The no risk period is from November through March when the tree and insects are dormant for the winter. Based on these recommendations, staff reviewed the current ordinance. In addition consideration was given to providing consistency with Savage which borders on areas that are actively being managed. ' Based on the above, Staff is recommending amending Section 602 of the City Code to reflect the following: 1. The Savage tree ordinance is more in line with the current industry recom- mendations for management of Oak Wilt. As such their process has been mimicked to provide as much consistency between the communities as possible while keeping our administrative resources in mind. The biggest modification for the City of Prior Lake is etimination of the requirement to have an infected Oak Wilt tree removed within 20 days of notice to the City and the addition of the requirement to remove the tree between November 1 and January 31 of the year in which it is diagnosed. This timeframe limits the removals during the safe period while allowing time for the City to re- move the tree prior to the high risk period if abatement is not completed by the property owner. 2. Revises the authority for enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance to reflect the organizational structure and state certifications for Tree Inspec- tors. 3. The ordinance more generally refers to tree diseases, insects, fungi, and hazards to allow staff to customize the abatement procedure to be in line with the Department of Agriculture's current recommended management strategies. 4. The abatement procedures have been simplified to remove time consuming processes that in many cases did not allow timely removals. The proposed language is in line with Section 605 Public Nuisances. 5. Language regarding assessments has been simplified, allowing the As- sessment Policy to define the parameters of assessment. This will ensure 2 greater consistency of assessment terms across services that are assessed (i.e. other nuisance abatement, delinquent bills, etc.). Conclusion Our current ordinance language incorporates detailed requirements specific to Oak Wilt that have now deviated from the current management strategies. The proposed ordinance language will allow modification of the City's process to reflect the current recommendations of the Department of Agriculture now and in the future. ISSUES: The new ordinance will be consistent with present tree disease practices. On the other hand since it does not provide as many specifics as our existing ordi- nance, it could invite residents impacted by the ordinance to question staff ac- tions because the procedures are not precisely set for in the code. On the other hand the new code does allow the staff to exercise greater judgment in ap- proaching unique situations which could be beneficial to customer service. FINANCIAL The proposed ordinance language will not change the current practice of identi- IMPACT: fication of tree diseases. Therefore the number of abatement cases is de- pendent on the spread of disease throughout the City. However, the new time- lines for removal will simplify how staff coordinates with vendors for removals making the process more efficient from a time management perspective. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Adopt the Ordinance Amendment 602 of the Prior Lake City Code Hazard- ous and Diseased Trees. � 2. Discuss and make recommendations. 3. Take no action and leave the Ordinance "as is." RECOMMENDED Alternative 1. MOTION: 3 Health and Sanitation SECTION 602 HAZARDOUS AND DISEASED TREE ORDINANCE SUBSECTIONS 602.100: DECLARATION OF POLICY 602.200: CIn FORESTER 602.300: EPIDEMIC DISEASE PROGRAM 602.400: NUISANCES DECLARED 602.500: INSPECTION AND INVESTIGATION 602.600: ABATEMENT OF EPIDEMIC TREE DISEASE NUISANCES 602.700: PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL OF INFECTED TREES AND WOOD 602.800: TRANSPORTING ELM WOOD PROHIBITED 602.900: INTERFERENCE PROHIBITED 602.1000: PENALN 602.100: DEC�ar�arioN OF PoucY: The City Council has determined that the health of oak trees within the City limits is threatened by fatal disease known as oak wilt. It is further determined that the loss of trees growing upon public and private property would substantially depreciate the value of property within the City and impair the safety, good order, general welfare and convenience of the public. It is declared to be the intention of the Council to control and prevent these conditions and this Section is enacted for this purpose. 602.200: CITY FORESTER: 602.201 Position Created: The powers and duties of the City Forester as set forth in this Chapter are hereby conferred upon the persons or employees within the City Manager's office of the City whom he or she shall deem appropriate. 602.202 Duties: It is the duty of the Forester to coordinate all activities of the City relating to the control and prevention of oak wilt disease and other epidemic diseases of shade trees and the management and removal of hazardous trees. The Forester shall recommend to the Council the details of a program for the control of said diseases and shall perform the duties incident to such a program. 602 .300: EPIDEMIC DISEASE PROGRAM It is the intention of the Council to conduct a program of plant pest control pursuant to the authority granted by Minnesota Statutes, section 18.022, as amended. This program is directed specifically at the control and elimination of oak wilt, and it is undertaken at the recommendation of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Minnesota. The City Forester shall act as coordinator befinreen the Commissioner of Agriculture and the City in the conduct of this program. City of Prior Lake 602/p1 � Health and Sanitation 602.400: NUISavCES DECV�RED: 602.401 Public Nuisances: The following conditions are public nuisances whenever they may be found within the City: 1. Any living or standing oak tree or part thereof infected to any degree with the oak wilt fungus ceratocystis Fagacearum on public or private property. 2. Any dead oak tree or part thereof, which in the opinion of the Forester constitutes a hazard or disease proliferation, including, but not limited to, logs, branches, stumps, roots, firewood or other oak material, which has not been stripped of its bark and bumed or sprayed with an effective fungicide on public or private property. 3. Other shade trees with epidemic diseases on public or private property. 4. Any standing or fallen tree deemed hazardous to the public safety and welfare as designated by the City Forester on public or pnvate property. 602.402 Abatement: It is unlawful for any person to permit any public nuisance, as defined in subsection 602.401, to remain on any premises owned or controlled by him within the City. Such nuisances may be abated in the manner prescribed by this Section. 602.403 Violations: Any owner of real estate in the City who is notified of the existence of diseased trees on his property as provided in subsection 602.700(2) must, within twenty (20) days after receipt of said notice, cut down said diseased trees and remove all parts, branches, stumps and brush therefrom from the City, or take said parts, branches, stumps and brush to a place that may be designated from time to time for the disposal of the same in accordance with Minnesota State Statutes 18G.16. 602.500: INSPECTION AND INVESTIGATION: 602.501 Inspection Procedure: The Forester shall investigate all reported incidents of oak wilt and other diseased shade trees and shall inspect all premises and places within the City as often as practicable to determine whether any condition described in subsection 602.400 exists thereon. Such inspection shall be implemented in the following manner: 1. A complete survey of the City shall be made, all trees shall be inspected and all diseased trees shall be marked. 2. Diseased trees shall be treated, if feasible, and any diseased trees which are not treated shall be removed within twenty (20) days from the date in which they were certified as diseased. 3. Those untreated diseased trees which have not been removed within the finrenty (20) day limit shall be cited and, absent and agreement to the contrary with the City of Prior Lake 602/p2 Health and Sanitation City, shall be removed either by contract parties or by City employees. The cost of removal shall be assessed against the property in the case of removal at City expense. 602.502 Entrv on Public and Private Places: The Forester or his duly authorized agents may enter upon all public and private places at any reasonable time for the purposes of carrying out any of the duties assigned him under this Section. 602.503 Diaqnosis: The Forester shall be responsible for diagnosis. The Forester may elect to send appropriate specimens and samples to the Commissioner of Agriculture or to any qualified laboratory for analysis, or take such other steps for diagnosis as may be recommended by the Commissioner. If specimen confirmation is required except as provided in subsection 602.700, no action to remove infected trees or wood shall be taken until positive diagnoses. 602.600: ABATEMENT OF EPIDEMIC TREE DISEASE NUISANCES: 111 abating the nuisances defined in subsection 602.400, the City Forester shall cause the infected tree or wood to be sprayed, removed, bumed or otherwise effectively treated so as to destroy and prevent as fully as possible the spread of epidemic diseases of shade trees, including but not limited to oak wilt disease. To prevent root graft transmission of the diseases, a barrier should be created between diseased and healthy trees by utilizing a systemic fungicide for preventative treatment or by digging a trench thirty inches (30") deep in the soil surrounding the diseased trees. Such abatement procedure shall be carried out in accordance with current technical and, expert opinions and plans as may be designated by the Commissioner of Agriculture. 602.700: PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL OF INFECTED TREES AND WOOD: Wh@I1@V@I' th@ Clty Forester finds with reasonable certainty that the infestation defined in subsection 602.400 hereof exists in any tree or wood in any public or private place in the City, the following procedure applies: 1. If the Forester finds that the danger of infestation of other oak trees is not imminent because of the dormancy of the infected tree or trees, he shall make a written report of his finding to the City Council which shall proceed by: a. Abating the nuisance as a public improvement under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429; or b. Abating the nuisance as provided in subsection (2) hereof. 2. If the Forester finds that danger of infestation of other oak trees is imminent, he shall notify the abutting property owner by certified mail that the nuisance will be abated by the City or its agent within a specified time, not less than five (5) days from the date of mailing such notice. The Forester shall immediately report such action to the Council and after the expiration of the time limited by the notice, he may abate the nuisance. 602.701 Upon receipt of the Forester's report, described in subsection 602.700, the City Council shall by resolution order the nuisance abated. Before action is taken on City of Prior Lake 602/p3 Health and Sanitation such resolution, the Council shall publish notice of its intention to meet to consider taking action to abate the nuisance. This notice shall be mailed to affected property owners and published once no less than four (4) days prior to such meeting. The notice shall state the time and place of the meeting, the streets affected, the action proposed, the estimated cost of the abatement, and the proposed basis of assessment, if any, of costs. At such hearing or adjoumment thereof, the Council shall hear property owners with reference to the scope and desirability of the proposed project. The Council shall thereafter adopt a resolution confirming the original resolution with such modifications as considered desirable, and the Council shall provide for the doing of the work by day labor or by contract. 602.702 The Forester shall keep a record of the costs of abatements done under this Chapter and shall report monthly all work done to the City Manager or other appropriate officer for which assessments are to be made, stating and certifying the description of the land, lots, parcels involved and the amount assessable to each. 602.703 On or before September 1st of each year, the Manager shall list the total unpaid charges for each abatement against each separate lot or parcel to which they are attributable under this Section. The Council may then spread the charges or any portion thereof against the property involved as a special assessment under Minnesota Statutes, section 429.101, as amended, and other pertinent Statutes, for certification to the County Auditor and collection the following year along with current taxes. 602.704 In all cases where the removal necessitates assessment, the following conditions apply: . . 1. The property owner, other than owners who are senior citizens, age sixty five (65) or over or in retirement, shall immediately be charged finrenty five percent (25%) of the cost of removal. 2. The balance of the cost shall be assessed against the property subject to an interest rate not to exceed eight percent (8%) on the amount of the unpaid principal. 3. The term of the assessment shall be from one to five (5) years according to the following schedule: Assessment Amount Term $1,000.00 or less 1 year $1,000.00 or more 5 years 4. Assessments of the property of senior citizens (65 years of age or older) is to be the maximum five (5) year term regardless of amount. 602.800: TRANSPORTING DISEASED WOOD PROHIBITED: It IS unlawful for any person t0 transport on public roads within the City any bark-beanng diseased wood without having obtained permission from the City Forester. Said Forester shall grant such permission only when the purposes of this Section will be served thereby. City of Prior Lake 602/p4 Nealth and Sanitation 602.900: INTERFERENCE PROHIBITED: It IS unlawful for any person t0 prevent, delay OP intertere with the Office of the City Forester or its agents while engaged in the performance of duties set forth in this Section. 602.1000: PeNa�nr: Any person who violates subsections 602.403, 602.900 and 602.1000 is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment for ninety (90) days. (Ord. Amd. 107-17, Publ. 12/8/07) City of Prior Lake 602/p5 Health and Sanitation This page intentionally left blank. City of Prior Lake 602/p6 4 4 p ���' � � � � 4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 'k�so��' CITY OF PRIOR LAKE ORDINANCE NO. 112-XX AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 602, HAZARDOUS AND DISEASED TREES, OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE The City Council of the City of Prior Lake does hereby ordain: Section 1. City Code Section 602 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with a new Section 602 to read as follows: 602.100 Declaration of policy. The presence of forest pests and shade tree pests, the presence of diseases and fungi, the loss or ill health of trees, the existence of hazardous trees, the failure to dispose of downed trees and the existence of limbs over streets and sidewalks substantially depreciate the value of property within the City and impair the safety, good order, general welfare and convenience of the public. In addition to and in accordance with Minn. ' Stat. §§ 89.001, 89.01, and 89.51-.64, the provisions of this section are adopted as an effort to control and prevent the spread of these forest pests and shade tree pests, to prevent the spread of diseases and fungi, and to provide for the removal of hazardous and diseased trees. 602.200 Authority. 602.201 Ci ,t�anager. The City Manager and his or her designee (hereinafter the City Manager and his or her designee are collectively referred to as the "City Manager") has the authority to enforce every provision of this Section. The City Manager has the authority to seek from any court of competent jurisdiction an order directing immediate abatement of any public nuisance, hazardous or diseased tree. If the City Manager determines that any nuisance, hazardous or diseased tree is an immediate danger to any person or property, the City Manager may cause immediate abatement of the nuisance. 602.202 Local Pest Control. The City Manager shall develop a program plan in compliance with M.S. 18G.13 and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, for the identification and control of diseased trees, and shall be responsible for the malcing and maintenance of all records and reports related to the program. The City Manager shall act as coordinator between the State Commissioner of Agriculture and the City in the conduct of this program. 602.203 Investigation and Dia n�. The City shall employ or retain suitably qualified persons, who shall be certified as a tree inspectors by the State Commissioner of Agriculture. The tree inspectors shall inspect all premises and places within the City as often as practicable to determine whether any nuisance described in this Section exists. The tree inspectors shall investigate all reported incidents of nuisance related to trees as set forth in this Section. The tree inspectors shall, upon finding indications of pests, disease or fungi, take additional steps for diagnosis as may be appropriate, which may include analysis of twig samples from actively wilting branches, crown dieback or D shaped exit holes, and/or other field symptoms as acceptable by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. 602.204 Private PropertX. City staff and contractors may enter upon private premises for the purpose of carrying out the duties assigned by this Section. 602.205 Interference. No person, firm, or corporation shall interfere with any City staff or contractor while engaged in activities authorized by this section. 602.300 Nuisances Declared. It is unlawful for any person to permit any public nuisance as defined in this Subsection to remain on any premises owned or controlled by the person. Such nuisances shall be abated in the manner prescribed by this Section. The following are public nuisances, wherever ' they may be found within the City: � 1. Any living or dead tree, whether standing or fallen, or any part thereof, which is infected to any degree with any injurious pest, insect, disease or fungi which can infect or harm other trees, shrubs or plants. 2. Any dead elm or oak tree or part thereof, including logs, branches, stumps and firewood or other material from which the bark has not been removed. 3. Any fallen tree or tree limb located on a street, sidewalk or boulevard and any tree which obstructs free passage of pedestrian or vehicle traffic. 4. All limbs of trees which are less than twelve feet above the surface of any street or sidewalk. 5. Any tree or portion of a tree which is determined to be a hazardous tree by the City Manager or a tree inspector because it endangers the public health, safety or welfare. 602.400 Abatement. 602.401 Abatement. In abating or ordering the abatement of the nuisances defined in this Section, the City Manager shall cause or order the nuisance tree or wood to be sprayed, removed, burned, or otherwise effectively treated so as to destroy and prevent as fully as possible the spread of the pest andlor disease, and removal of the hazard. Such abatement procedures shall be carried out in accordance with prescribed methods approved by the State Commissioner of Agriculture. 2 602.402 Standard abatement procedure. Whenever the City Manager or a tree inspector determines with reasonable certainty that a public nuisance, as described by this Section, is being maintained or exists on premises in the city, the City Manager is authorized to abate a public nuisance according to the following procedures: 1. The owner of record or occupant of the premises shall be notified in writing that a public nuisance exists and that the nuisance shall be terminated or abated. The notice must state that if the owner or occupant fails to remedy the nuisance within the time provided in the notice, the City will abate the nuisance at the expense of the owner or occupant. a. If the City Manager or a tree inspector has determined that oak wilt is present, the affected trees shall not be trimmed or removed (other than for purposes of diagnosis by a tree inspector certified by the Sta.te Commissioner of Agriculture) except between the dates of November 1 and January 31 unless otherwise ordered by the City Manager. b. For all other nuisances, the nuisance shall be abated within twenty days of the date on the notice unless otherwise ordered by the City Manager. 2. The notice shall describe the nuisance and specify the measures to be taken to abate the nuisance. ' 3. The notice may be given in person or by mail. Failure of any party to receive the mail does not invalidate the service of the notice. 4. If the measures prescribed in the notice of abatement are not complied with, the Public Words Director shall have the authority to obtain permission or an administrative search warrant, enter the property, and carry out abatement in accordance with the notice of abatement. 602.403 Abatement Procedure in Event of Imminent Dan�. If the City Manager determines danger is imminent, and delay in abatement measures may put public health, safety, or welfare in immediate danger, the City Manager may provide for abatement without following the abatement procedures set forth in 602.402. The City Manager must reasonably attempt to notify the owner or occupant of the affected property of the intended action and the right to appeal the abatement and any cost recovery at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. 602.404 Abatement in Emergency. Nothing in this section shall prevent the City, without notice or other process, from immediately abating any condition that poses an imminent and serious hazard to human life or safety. 602.405 Recovery of Cost of Abatement; Liabilitv and Assessment. 3 1. The owner of a premises on which a nuisance has been abated by the City shall be personally liable for the cost to the City of the abatement, including administrative costs. As soon as the work has been completed and the cost determined, the City Finance Director shall prepare a bill for the cost and mail it to the owner. Thereupon the amount shall be immediately due and payable to the Finance Departrnent. 2. On or before September 1 of each year, the City Finance Director shall list the total unpaid charges for each abatement against each separate lot or parcel to which they are attributable under this Section. The Council may then spread the charges or any portion against the property involved as a special assessment under M.S. 429.101 and other pertinent statutes for certification to the County Auditor and collection in the following year along with current taxes. 602.500 Reporting discovery of nuisance. Any owner or occupier of land or any person engaged in tree trimming or removal who becomes aware of the existence of a public nuisance caused by tree as defined by this Section shall report the same to the City. 602.600 Registration of tree care firms. Any person, firm, or corporation that provides tree care, tree trimming, or removal of trees, limbs, branches, brush, or shrubs for hire must be registered with the Minnesota commissioner of Agriculture under Minn. Stat. § 18G.07. ' 602.700 Oak and elm trimming. Trimming of oa.k and elm trees, other than those determined to be a nuisance pursuant to this Section, is permitted as follows: 1. Trimming of oak and elm trees, other than those determined to be a nuisance pursuant to this Section, is prohibited from April 1 to June 30 of each year, except for safety or in conjunction with building activity on the site. 2. Trimming of oak and elm trees, other than those determined to be a nuisance pursuant to this Section, is permitted but not recommended from July 1 to October 31 of each year. 3. Trimming of oak and elm trees, other than those determined to be a nuisance pursuant to this Section, is recommended from November 1 to March 31 of each year. 602.800 Transporting certain types of wood. It is unlawful for any person to transport within the City any bark-bearing elm, wood or wood infested by disease or insects without having obtained a permit from the City, which shall grant such permits when the purposes of this division will be satisfied. 602.900 Spraying and pruning trees. Whenever the City Manager or a tree inspector determines that any tree or wood within the City is infected with pests, disease, or fungi, the City Manager or a tree inspector may prune and/or spray or order the owners to prune andlor spray all nearby trees with 4 an effective pesticide. Spraying activities authorized by this Section shall be conducted in accordance with the technical and expert opinion and plans of the State Commissioner of Agriculture and under the supervision of the State Commissioner or agents of the Commissioner whenever possible. 602.1000 Penalty. 602.1001 Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation who violates any provision of this Section is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000.00) andlor imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days. 602.1002 Costs. Upon conviction, the costs of prosecution may be added. A sepaxate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during which a violation occurs or continues. 602.1003 City Officer or Employee. The failure of any officer or employee of the city to perform any official duty imposed by this section shall not subject the officer or employee to the penalty imposed for a violation. 602.1004 Other Proceedin�s. In addition to any penalties provided for in this Section, if any person, firm, or corporation fails to comply with any provision of this section, the City Council or any official designated by it may institute appropriate proceedings at law or at equity to restrain, correct, or abate the violation. 602.1100 Severability. Should any part or provision of this ordinance be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any part thereof other than the part held to be invalid. Section 2. City Code Section 103 entitled "Definitions" and Section 104 entitled "General Penalty" are hereby adopted in their entirety, by reference, as though repeated verbatim herein. Section 3. This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication. Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this Day of , 2013. ATTEST: Frank Boyles, City Manager Kenneth L. Hedberg, Mayor Published in the Prior Lake American on the day of , 2013. 5