In addition to the merger discussions, the commission reviewed updates on the ongoing emerald ash borer (EAB) management efforts. The city reported a significant reduction in ash trees on city park property, with about 30 trees remaining. The goal is to further decrease this number over the next one to two years, primarily through contracted removals and staff efforts. Despite not receiving a Department of Natural Resources grant for EAB removals, the city plans to continue applying for future grants to support these activities.

Moreover, the commission decided to participate in the upcoming Home Health and Recreation Show, scheduled for March 27th and 28th. This event will provide an opportunity to promote the city’s tree reimbursement program, which remains relatively unknown to many residents. The commission plans to have a presence at the show, potentially using a mix of staffed and unstaffed booths to distribute information without pressuring visitors.

The commission also selected hackberry as the species for the 2026 Big Tree Contest, a decision that was made after reviewing previous years’ species selections. Submissions for the contest will be accepted until July 31, 2026. Additionally, discussions were held on the utility billing information inserts, with plans to include the Big Tree Contest and disease tree removal program information in the upcoming April insert.