B. Discuss Tree Policy0
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen. MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
MEMORANDUM
TO: Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM: Kate Aanenson, AICP Community Development Director
DATE: August 22, 2011 9:�q .
SUBJ: Review of tree expenditures
One of the priorities in the City Council's Key Financial Strategies was to
review tree expenditures across all departments. The strategy is stated below:
BACKGROUND
Strengthen the City's Financial Position: Examine service levels for
tree expenditures.
Expenditures for trees are found in three departments. None of the expenditures
come from property tax levy dollars but rather from park dedication fees, storm
water fees, or are paid for as part of street reconstruction projects.
ANALYSIS
The following is an analysis that describes how each department uses their tree
budget.
Street Reconstruction: As a part of each street reconstruction project, the
plans call for new trees to be planted along the boulevard. From 2008 -2010, the
city spent approximately $8,000 to $10,000 on trees related to street
reconstructions. Of that amount, 40% is assessed back to the homeowners and
therefore the true cost to the city is about $5,000 to $6,000 per year. The city's
portion of those trees is funded by the revolving assessment construction fund.
7901 Park Place Park and Recreation: Trees planted in parks and along trails are funded with
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310 park dedication fees. The park dedication fund CIP currently has about $25,000
per year slated for new tree purchases. In the years 2008 -2010, the city spent
Senior Center approximately $10,000 - $15,000 on new trees. The Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1125 Commission has reduced this line item within the Park Dedication Fund to
Fax: 952.227.1110 $15,000 per year starting in 2012.
Web Site Stormwater (Forestry): The annual budget for new trees purchased for this
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us purpose is $30,000, and in each year the city has spent at or near the budgeted
Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
Mr. Todd Gerhardt
August 22. 2011
Page 2
amount. In addition, $10,000 is budgeted for maintaining existing trees on
public property. The $40,000 per year spent on this program, including
maintenance, is paid by stormwater fees collected from all city residents.
These funds help pay for the boulevard tree planting program (which includes
tree sales and tree coupon programs), as well as maintenance of existing trees on
public property.
CONCLUSION
Trees are an important part of the city's surface water management plan as they
absorb water thus reducing runoff. This is especially true in Chanhassen due to
the high concentration of clay soil which is difficult to infiltrate. The Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency recognizes the use of trees to achieve volume
reduction and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District rules give credit for the
preservation and planting of new trees.
The boulevard tree program provides numerous benefits, especially shade trees
along streets and parking lots. Trees enhance property values, reduce urban heat
island impacts, and provide shade for users of the city parks and trails.
Staff recommends maintaining current budgets, but to allocate these dollars to
areas of the community in need of boulevard trees such as Highway 101, Powers
Boulevard, etc. Staff should be directed to prepare a Boulevard Tree Planting
Plan that would take into account future developments that are adjacent to city,
county and state streets, trails and parks. This would allow property owners to
plant trees concurrent with the development of their property. The city would be
responsible for those areas determined public (wetlands, lakes, rights -of -way,
etc.). Staff looks forward to discussing this proposal at Monday's work session.
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