Lake Elmo adopts ordinance to create tree fund and approves boulevard tree program

The Lake Elmo City Council on Nov. 5 adopted an ordinance to create a dedicated tree fund and approved a boulevard tree program to pay for planting and related work.

City staff told the council the tree fund amendment would add a new section to the tree preservation ordinance establishing a dedicated fund whose primary sources are fee-in-lieu payments for tree replacement, council allocations and individual or business donations. Staff reported the city received $50,000 from Greater Stillwater Schools as part of tree mitigation for the new elementary school and said that, absent a different council decision, funds would be used to support a boulevard tree program.

Director Silva (city staff) summarized the proposed ordinance and program and estimated program administration and project-delivery costs (excluding trees and materials) at about $5,000 to $10,000 annually. Staff said there was no prior public comment on the amendment at the planning commission meeting and recommended the council approve both the ordinance and the boulevard program.

Council discussion: Councilmember Dragosic spoke in favor, calling it "a really great program for the city" and noting the environmental and aesthetic benefits of replacing lost boulevard trees. Councilmember Holtz asked whether basic aftercare supplies would be provided and staff confirmed newly planted trees would receive a water bag and care guidance for residents.

Votes and outcome: The council moved to adopt Ordinance 2025-16 (zoning amendment to create a tree fund) and approved it by voice vote. Council then moved and approved the boulevard tree program as presented by staff.

What to expect: The fund will be seeded by the $50,000 mitigation payment; future uses and additional programs will be subject to council approval. Staff estimated modest annual administration costs and said the council may adopt program details and eligibility criteria in future actions.