HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/13/2012 COW MinutesCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES
March 13, 2012
I. CALL TO ORDER — ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. in the Village Board Room of the Village
Hall, 50 South Emerson Street, by Mayor Irvana Wilks. Trustees present included Arlene
Juracek, John Korn, Paul Hoefert, John Matuszak, Steven Polit, and Michael Zadel. Staff
present included Village Manager Michael Janonis, Assistant Village Manager David
Strahl, Public Works Director Sean Dorsey, Forestry Superintendent Sandy Clark and
Forestry Technician David Hall.
II, APPROVAL OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES FOR JANUARY 24, 2012
Motion made by Trustee Hoefert seconded by Trustee Polit minutes were approved.
III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
None
IV. EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) UPDATE
Forestry Superintendent Sandy Clark spoke. She stated that she has provided an
annual update to the Village Board since 2006 regarding the Emerald Ash Borer. She
highlighted the areas in which information can be obtained through various public
sources. She stated that ash trees make up approximate 14% of the total tree inventory
within the community or about 3500 trees. She stated staff has been following the plan
adopted in 2009 for Emerald Ash Borer eradication. She stated that the early detection
and education efforts have allowed a continual monitoring of tree conditions. She stated
as replacements are installed the plan is to limit the species to no more than 10% of any
one specific variety. She stated staff is treating approximate 800 parkway trees through
insecticide. She also stated staff has identified approximate 600 trees with Emerald Ash
Borer as of March 2012 and it is expected that this count will continue to rise as more
and more trees are inspected with the warmer weather.
Based on the funds available there are not enough funds to replace each tree removed
at this time nor is there adequate funding for extensive insecticide treatment for each
ash tree. Insecticide treatment has limited effectiveness based on the level of infestation
for the tree and the specific type of ash tree. There is a very limited window available for
treatment and even with treatment there is no guarantee that the tree will survive the
infestation. She stated the department continues to investigate grant opportunities in an
effort to secure additional funding for tree replacement and removal; however, since this
problem is significant and region -wide there are limited funds available, if any.
Scott Shermer of the Illinois Department of Agriculture spoke. He stated the State of
Illinois now has 193 confirmed communities impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer. He
stated based on a rough estimate there have been approximately 250 million trees lost
to this insect to date. He stated 39 counties within Illinois have been quarantined. He
stated the insecticide options have limited effectiveness if the tree is unable to absorb
the chemical based on its level of infestation.
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He stated that his department has recommended aggressive removal since the only
effective treatment of the insect is to eliminate the food source which are ash trees. He
stated that removal of trees not only eliminates the food source, but as the tree
continues to die due to infestation, it does become a hazard. He stated there have been
varying studies on the insecticide treatment and its effectiveness with different studies
coming to different conclusions.
Residents Cynthia Monroe 528 Lois Court spoke. She stated she has read studies of
various chemicals recommended by the University of Illinois that were not mentioned in
the discussion.
Sandy Clark stated that there have been different studies using different chemicals, but
staff is not recommending one specific chemical over another since there are unknown
effectiveness time frames resulting from treatments.
Resident Ron Bare 1824 W. Thornwood spoke. He is requesting the Village Board
save as many trees as possible and the recommendation of cutting down trees does not
seem financially viable. He stated it would seem to make more sense to chemically treat
the trees in an effort to save as many as possible since the cost of chemical treatment is
substantially less than removal and replacement on a per tree basis. He is suggesting
the Village Board follow the Arlington Heights model where the Village is using public
funds to treat parkway trees. He also felt that all residents should share in the expense
of the treatment and not just the residents that have infected trees.
Resident Ron Monroe 528 Lois Court spoke. He stated there are a large number of
ash trees which have been marked for removal in his area. In discussions with residents
he felt that seven of eleven residents in his area are willing to pay for chemical treatment
or a new tree once the infected ash trees are removed.
Sandy Clark stated that she is open for consideration of chemical treatment by
residents of infected trees, provided that the resident undertakes the annual cost of
treatment, with the stipulation that if the treatment fails and the tree still needs to be
removed the Village will undertake removal. She also stated that it is important that the
resident understands when they undertake a treatment regiment the tree still may not
survive.
Resident Bert Schultz 1821 Algonquin spoke. He would propose that residents and
homeowners treat their own trees at their expense if they are willing to undertake the
effort.
Resident Peter Schmidt 1821 Thornwood spoke. He has concerns about the
likelihood of so many trees being removed in his neighborhood and the impact on
property values.
Wayne White business owner from Carol Stream spoke. He stated that he operates a
business that treats ash trees and has contracts with several communities that are
already treating ash trees and he offers a money back guarantee if the tree dies after his
treatment.
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Sandy Clark is recommending direction on the following items:
Change the ordinance to allow homeowners through permit process to
chemically treat parkway trees at their own expense but allow Village removal if
infestation or hazard exists.
Consensus of the Village Board was to support this change in the ordinance.
2. Extend the removal time for infected private trees to 30 days when the tree is in
the dormant season.
Consensus of the Village Board was to support this change.
3. Do not require removal of stumps of private trees.
Consensus of the Village Board was to support this change.
4. If the resident wants to treat infected trees with insecticide, all risk is assumed by
the resident, which will be clarified through an ordinance change.
Consensus of the Village Board was to support this change.
General comments from the Village Board members included the following items:
Village Board members commented on the knowledge and expertise of the Village
Forestry division and has confidence in their recommendations.
They also stated that they have confidence that unless a tree must absolutely be
removed staff will endeavor to prolong the life of the tree as long as possible.
Village Manager Michael Janonis stated that there will need to be a few operational
details worked out, but he anticipates that the Ordinance will be available by the next
Village Board meeting for final consideration.
V. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Janonis stated that the Village Board meeting for March 21 has been
canceled.
VI. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Trustee Korn reminded the audience and the listening public that the yard waste pickup
program does not start until April 1. He also reminded everyone that the parkway repair
effort of the Public Works Department to repair damage from snowplow operations is
currently underway.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
DAVID STRAHL
Assistant Village Manager
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