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Lake Elmo adopts ordinance creating dedicated tree fund and approves boulevard tree program
Summary
The Lake Elmo City Council adopted Ordinance 2025-16 to establish a dedicated tree fund (funding sources: fees-in-lieu, council allocations and donations) and approved a boulevard tree program funded initially by a $50,000 mitigation payment from Greater Stillwater Schools; adoption was by voice vote and program administration is estimated at $5,000—10,000 per year.
Lake Elmo, Minn.
The Lake Elmo City Council on Wednesday adopted Ordinance 2025-16, amending the tree preservation ordinance to create a dedicated tree fund and approved a boulevard tree replacement program to be financed by fees-in-lieu, council allocations and donations.
Director Silva presented the proposal, saying the city'has received a $50,000 payment from Greater Stillwater Schools as tree mitigation tied to a recently approved elementary school, and that the proposed fund would provide a clear path for spending fee-in-lieu revenues on city tree replacement and boulevard plantings. "The funding sources, the primary funding sources will be from fee in lieu of tree replacement, funds allocated by the city council, and individual business donations," Silva said.
Staff told the council the city currently does not have a separate dedicated tree fund distinct from park dedication funds and that the proposed ordinance would add section G (tree fund) to clarify eligible expenses and program administration. Staff estimated annual program administration and project delivery costs, excluding trees and materials, at roughly $5,000 to $10,000.
Council members asked about care expectations for planted trees; Silva said recipients would receive care instructions and a water bag at planting. Councilmember Dragosic described the program as "a really great program for the city," emphasizing canopy benefits and noting other cities use similar programs.
Both the ordinance and the boulevard tree program were approved after motions and seconds and carried by voice vote. The transcript records ayes and no formal tally; staff will implement the program through routine administrative steps.
