Council directs tree audit and cost estimates after growing concern over emerald ash borer

Council members and staff discussed the city’s response to emerald ash borer (EAB), which council members said appears to be spreading across public and private trees in parts of Isanti.

Council member discussion centered on scope and cost. One council member noted anecdotal reports and asked whether the city should treat trees or remove them; staff said the city needs a structured assessment to provide accurate budgeting. Jason and other council members described differences in tree removal complexity — trees near power lines or in constrained locations cost more to remove. Matt (city streets/parks staff) recommended a mapped audit and categorization by urgency and by whether trees are in the right‑of‑way or on city property.

Council asked staff to perform an audit limited to city right‑of‑way and city‑owned trees and to obtain quotes for removal or treatment. Staff described a range of possible annual budgets (examples discussed in the meeting included $20,000 a year or a larger multi‑year program), but no definitive total was adopted; members noted that costs could be substantial if hundreds of ash trees require removal. Council also asked staff to pursue possible grants and to return with a prioritized list (for example, high‑risk trees that need immediate attention and those that could be managed later).

Ending

Staff will prepare a right‑of‑way and city‑owned tree audit, return with counts and a categorized estimate for removal/treatment, and solicit quotes for high‑priority removals. Any budget appropriation will be considered separately.