A primary focus of the meeting was the status of the city’s reimbursement programs and budget updates. City engineer Joel reported that the allocated funds for the 2024 reimbursement program had been exhausted, mainly due to the high demand for removing trees affected by the EAB. Joel clarified that no funds remained for the year and that requests from residents for reimbursement were being met with advice to wait until the next budget cycle. He emphasized that had reimbursements been allowed in the previous year, the funds would have been quickly expended, underscoring the high demand for tree removals linked to EAB.

Commissioner Joey Shugal provided an update on the Park and Recreation department’s efforts regarding EAB. He reported the removal of 23 infected trees and noted plans to plant 43 new trees across various parks, including Highland Park, North Park, Lincoln Park, Washington Park, Nells Park, and South Park. Shugal recommended a budget of $30,000 for tree replacements in 2025, acknowledging that while this amount would not cover all losses in one year, it would contribute to a longer-term replacement strategy over three to five years.

Public Works Superintendent Jeff Huffin reported on the progress of stump removals. He anticipated starting the fall stump cutting soon and commended his team’s quick response to a recent storm that caused tree damage.

The meeting also addressed the EAB update, with Joel noting that there were no new developments since the last meeting. The commission is awaiting the release of grant applications relevant to EAB management, with no word on potential funding increases.

In addition to EAB-related concerns, the commission discussed the results of the big tree contest. The contest had ten entries, with Pat Donah’s hybrid Elm tree winning with a measurement of 167.5 inches. The winning tree had been a volunteer plant in Donah’s yard, moved from her childhood home. The contest revealed that most of the measured trees were in private yards, with a few located in parks and the Brown County Fairgrounds. Concerns were raised about the impact of Dutch elm disease, which continues to affect Elm trees in the area.

The commission also addressed the number of ash tree stumps spotted along a walking route – 26 stumps and 27 standing ash trees likely to be removed soon. Members expressed concern about the significant number of ash trees dying or already cut down due to EAB infestation. The city is witnessing substantial losses of ash trees throughout the community, including in cemetery areas.

A representative from the commission updated members on communications with the State Department of Transportation regarding the ash trees along Broadway, which are under state jurisdiction. The state has conducted assessments and plans to address the trees in the medians by the fall, contingent on available resources. However, there are no current plans for replanting following the removals, raising questions about future tree maintenance and potential reforestation efforts.

The conversation shifted to the city’s budget work session held on August 20, which included discussions on EAB and the 2025 budget. A point of debate was the proposal for a $100,000 allocation in the budget for a reimbursement program related to EAB management. Some members expressed concern that the funding might be too late for many residents who have already lost their trees and suggested that the focus should also include replanting efforts to restore the urban forest. It was highlighted that the city had previously been successful in securing grant funding for EAB management, but competition for such resources is increasing.

The commission also raised the issue of whether there is a plan for a city forester to manage these challenges, as the current approach relies on collaboration between multiple city departments. The role of the city in advising residents on the removal of diseased trees was discussed, particularly in relation to private property. The need for a clear protocol regarding the timeline for tree removal and the responsibilities of property owners was emphasized, given that the city does not currently have the authority to mandate private tree removals without permission.

The final budget approval is anticipated in November, with expectations that the commission will receive a framework for potential funding and programs related to tree management. Members acknowledged the difficulty in tracking the number of trees removed, particularly those taken down without reimbursement requests. There was consensus that the ongoing issue of EAB and the replanting process would require several years to fully address, with an emphasis on the necessity of ongoing discussions and planning to mitigate the impact of ash tree losses on the community’s urban forest.