Council approves urban forestry ordinance, adds $2.75/month fee to fund ash‑tree removals

The New Richmond City Council voted to approve Ordinance 632, revising Code section 90 to 'urban forestry,' adding definitions and implementing a monthly urban forestry fee to fund tree removal and replacement work.

Staff told the council the fee is intended to address an estimated 339 ash trees remaining in the public right‑of‑way and on city‑owned land that need removal and eventual replacement because of emerald ash borer impact. The initial fee was presented as $2.75 per month per parcel; for parcels that do not receive a utility bill the fee would be assessed on property tax bills. Staff recommended suspending the rules and approving the ordinance with an implementation date of 01/01/2026.

Council members asked whether private residents could receive trees or reduced rates from the fund. Staff said the initial structure focuses on city‑owned and right‑of‑way trees but that options to support property owners (such as seedlings or partial cost assistance) remain under consideration and would return to council for future action. Staff also described the city’s gravel‑bed nursery at the wastewater treatment plant that supplies many boulevard trees and noted nursery capacity would inform replanting plans.

Speaker 6 moved to approve the proposed updates to section 90, suspend rules and approve Ordinance 632; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call. The council approved the ordinance that will allow the city to implement the $2.75 monthly fee and begin a five‑year program to remove and replace affected trees.