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Council updates plant‑pest policy, shifts focus to public‑risk trees amid emerald ash borer infestation
Summary
Council adopted targeted updates to Council Policy 8.3 to prioritize removal and mitigation for trees that pose a public risk (street and trail adjacency), clarify stump‑grinding responsibility as a private cost, and remove ineffective EAB sanitation measures; staff will continue replanting and offer oak‑preservation grants.
The Minnetonka City Council adopted revisions to Council Policy 8.3 on June 8 that reorient the city’s plant‑pest response to prioritize public‑risk trees and conserve limited forestry resources amid widespread emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation.
Staff told the council the city is now generally infested with EAB and that controlling spread city‑wide is no longer feasible; instead, policy changes remove broad sanitation measures for EAB and narrow active removal requirements on private property to trees posing risk to streets, trails or public infrastructure. Staff also clarified that stump grinding remains the property owner’s responsibility and that the city will continue offering assistance programs — including Oak Preservation Grants and state‑funded aid to help qualified property owners remove ash trees.
"We’re at the height of the infestation," the staff presenter said, noting EAB removals dominate recent forestry spending and that the city must prioritize public safety. The policy change also adjusts timing language (e.g., oak removal season adjustments) and aligns firewood handling guidance to agency standards.
Councillors voiced support for a risk‑based approach while asking staff to continue offering replanting options and to coordinate grant resources to offset private costs. Council adopted the resolution by roll call after staff closed the public hearing with no speakers.
Implementation will proceed under existing nuisance and assessment procedures; staff emphasized existing options for private property owners (owner pays, or city assessment) and encouraged residents to pursue treatment programs when appropriate.
Vote: Motion to adopt policy 8.3 updates — mover: Council member Maxwell; second: Council member Wilburn; roll call: unanimous; outcome: adopted.
