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Shade Tree Commission Mee�ng Minutes
Date: May 22nd, 2023
Loca�on: City Administra�on Building – 2nd Floor Conference Room
Members Present: Doug Elsner, Jon Simon, Caleb Whalen, Nikk Dickerson
Staff Present: Brad Rademacher, Dave Gerhartz
Guests Present: None
Agenda Items Discussion Summary Ac�ons
Call to Order Mee�ng was called to order at 5:13 PM by Brad Rademacher.
Introduc�ons and The commission welcomed new members and shared introduc�ons. Incoming members are Doug
Onboarding Elsner, Nikk Dickerson, and Caleb Whalen. Outgoing members are Roger Wacek, Roger Warehime, Jim
Linder, and Chuck Newgard.
Approval of Agenda Approval of mee�ng agenda for May 22nd, 2023. Mo�on by Doug Elsner.
Second by Jon Simon.
All members voted in favor.
Mo�on carried.
Approval of Minutes Approval of mee�ng minutes from October 9th, 2019. Mo�on by Doug Elsner.
Second by Nikk Dickerson.
All members voted in favor.
Mo�on carried.
Old Business Brief review of relevant informa�on from previous mee�ngs and recap of current boulevard tree
sta�s�cs. The tree dashboard and most recent MN DNR tree survey was shared with the group.
New Business Review Member Terms:
The commission reviewed current member terms and expira�ons. All terms expire April 30th of the year
of expira�on. Members are eligible to serve 3 consecu�ve 4-year terms. One of seven seats remain open
on the commission currently. The commission reviewed member roles, du�es, and bylaws.
Update Contact Informa�on:
The commission was asked to provide updated contact informa�on. Email will be the primary method of
communica�on.

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New Business Cont. Consent Forms and Oath of Office:
Media Consent forms were signed by commission members who were present. Remaining members will
need to sign at next mee�ng. Oath of Office was administered to Doug Elsner at previous City Council
mee�ng. Oath of Office was administered by Brad Rademacher and witnessed by Dave Gerhartz during
tonight’s Shade Tree Commission mee�ng. Nikk Dickerson will need to take Oath at next mee�ng.
City Staff Updates General:
Dave provided an update to the group regarding recent tree care by the forestry crew.
The commission discussed the Shade Tree Ordinance (Code 97.00), which can be found on the City’s
code website. Owatonna, MN Laws (amlegal.com) The group reviewed the approved boulevard tree list
and associated regula�ons. This will likely be revisited annually. Dave has been recommending Ohio
Buckeye and Red Maple as replacements and new plan�ngs with a goal of diversifying species.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB):
Dave G. provided an updated regarding the status of EAB in our community. We have just over 900 ash
trees in our boulevards, and all have been treated with insec�cide. The treatment is effec�ve for 2-3
years and the trees are on rota�on for treatment. Many boulevard ash trees have been removed and
the crew targets trees that pose an immediate threat, damaged, dying, or small in diameter. Although
treatment is expensive, mature trees provide a higher overall life�me benefit and the cost for treatment
is jus�fied for these larger trees. In general, the treatment appears to be effec�ve within our
community. The group discussed the importance of public educa�on and awareness.
Arbor Day Plan�ngs:
Dave recapped Arbor Day plan�ngs for re�rees. There were 11 re�rees in 2022, of which 10 wanted a
memorial tree to be planted. Species included Northern Red Oak, Ivory Silk Lilac, Kentucky Coffee, and
Red Maple at various loca�ons including West Hills Campus, Morehouse Park, Brown Park, and the
Fairgrounds.
Other Discussion Ques�on was asked regarding where to direct calls pertaining to boulevard trees. These ques�ons
should be directed to the public works main line at 507-444-4350.
Ques�on was asked regarding trees at intersec�ons. They City responds to complaints related to the
visibility triangle and trimming needs.
Ques�on was asked regarding spruce trees and mites. Mites are commonly treated with an insec�cide
spray and by keeping the branches trimmed such that they do not contact the ground.
A sugges�on was made the group should look at more than just trees in the boulevard and oversight
should include refuse, dumpsters, weeds, etc.

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Adjournment Mee�ng adjourned at 6:14 PM by Brad Rademacher.
Next Mee�ng Date: Monday October 16th, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Loca�on: City Administra�on Building - 2nd Floor Conference Room
Respec�ully,
Bradley D. Rademacher