Arbor Committee
Regular MeetingMaple Grove, MN · March 10, 2022
Minutes
MAPLE GROVE ARBOR COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 10, 2022
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
7:00 PM
Call to Order The regular meeting of the Arbor Committee was
called to order by Mary Parenteau at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present Chair Mary Parenteau, Vice-Chair Frank Kampel,
Sarah Piket, Julie Gamber, Don Varney, Marilyn
Arnlund, Cody Lensing, Jake Wanek and Bob
Henke.
Members Absent Steve Courtney and Mike Aasen.
Also Present Judy Hanson, City Council Liaison
Jesse Corrow, Staff Liaison
Approval of Agenda Move to approve by Sarah Piket, Second by
Marilyn. Vote All ayes.
Approval of Minutes Following correction to text, Motion to approve
by Frank Kampel, second Bob Henke to approve
the amended minutes from February 10, 2022.
Vote all ayes. Motion passed.
Oath of Office Councilmember Hanson administered the Oath of
Office to Cody Lensing.
Old Business
Parking Lot Subcommittee Arnlund summarized that the sub-committee has
continued to review the existing ordinance and
discovered that several links to other documents
were broken or connected to the wrong material.
Ordinance links need review and updating. Sub-
committee members would like to meet with
Community & Economic Development (CED)
staff to discuss the parking lot tree planting
ordinance draft and advise on how our
recommendation can best be incorporated into
new parking lot ordinance language. Particularly
to ensure that new standards will be incorporated
in a way that will provide options and allow
flexibility in implementation. Use of more current
tree planting standards will be the basis for the
ordinance revisions and provide an incentivizing
strategy and changes in parking lot designs that
improve tree health, longevity and other benefits
such as improved water quality and stormwater
runoff mitigation.
Arnlund also suggested a Madison Wisconsin
ordinance that requires a regular (utility) fee for
tree services that covers urban forest tree costs,
possibly including a city forester position could
be a model for Maple Grove, along the lines of
the new, soon to be implemented Maple Grove
sewer utility fee. Council Member Hanson
mentioned at a recent council meeting there was
discussion of the poor condition of city trees that
could possibly be improved by adding a City
Forester position to City staff. City Engineer
Ashfeld appeared to be interested in that idea. Joe
Hogeboom is supportive of the hiring of a forester
but one of the departments will have to include
that position in a budget before the City Council
and Mayor can consider it further. Budget
Discussions should be under way soon.
Arnlund asked if Public Works should also be
included in the parking lot ordinance revisions
because it is likely to be closely tied to a City
Forester position. There was not a clear
recommendation for this but rather that it remains
an option to consider.
Corrow reminded us that CED currently reviews
landscape plans and conducts field inspections so
they probably remain the appropriate department
contact regarding this topic.
Arnlund asked how the proposed tree planting
ordinance can be enforced. Council member
Hanson clarified that enforcement can require
penalties or fines and collecting these can be
costly and even counterproductive. This is
another reason that a staff forester might be a
better means than relying only on an ordinance.
Varney asked about the process for the city to
hiring a Forester. Council member Hanson
explained that process would most likely begin in
the CED as a forester position budget. Ordinance
changes would also need to be acceptable to the
CED particularly if the changes carried additional
costs to implement or enforce.
Some discussion of the new city-wide increased
storm sewer system fees followed. This led to a
suggestion that a City Forester position could be
funded by some sort of fee. This suggestion was
not considered the best means to fund this type of
position.
Conservation Partners Arbor Committee members Kampel, Aasen and
Legacy Grant Parenteau have been preparing a an application
for Environmental Conservation Partners (ECP)
Legacy Grant. Application will be reviewed by
CED Staff, before it is submitted to the DNR.
Note that this Grant can provide up to $50,000
and can be re-applied for annually.
The current grant application deadline of March
14 is not likely so application will be for the next
available solicitation in May. This Grant requires
a 10% match which can be “in kind”. Grant
funds, if awarded will be used to cover the costs
for removing Buckthorn, Reed canary and Prickly
ash in the southern portion of the Forest
Preservation Area. The work will be completed
by a contractor for removal services awarded
through a competitive bidding process. The City
has some money earmarked for buckthorn
removal and is awaiting bid results and review
before award. This expense could be used as the
match for the ECP grant. The proposed treatment
area map was provided and staff hopes to have
the bid details by the April 14 meeting. Treatment
will take place in the fall.
2022 Arbor Day Event Review of progress on Arbor Day assigned tasks.
Marilyn: One Master Gardner will be attending
so far. Supplies have been purchased for the craft
activities. Reminder to save and bring toilet paper
tubes, decorations, ribbon, buttons- other items
for the craft activities.
Frank: Has not received a response from
Hennepin Technical College on whether they can
have a representative attend.
Tote bags will be available for event.
Sarah: Updated the committee on recruiting
volunteers.
Julie: Elm Creek Watershed representative will
attend but needs some direction on what they
should do. Cookies and refreshments will be
based on 200-250 attendees. Cost can be
reimbursed.
Bob: Hennepin County Composting will attend.
There was no response from the wildlife
rehabilitation representative. Bob’s granddaughter
has volunteered to wear the Emerald Ash Borer
costume.
Cody: Has a printed list of resources from City of
Maple Grove including; composting, yard waste,
arboretum information, organics and mapping of
the locations of these resources. Hennepin County
may also send resources.
Don: Smokey Bear and Emerald Ash Borer have
been reserved and will pick up before and drop
off after the event. Will contact 3 rivers Parks and
Eastman Nature Center. DNR invasive
presentation may be paired with EAB display.
Reminder that tree seedlings will need
refrigeration.
Marilyn: will prepare tabletop display describing
the Arbor Committee’s role, responsibility and
members.
New Business None
Area Reports Chair Parenteau reminded the committee that the
Rotary Club buckthorn removal event is
scheduled for April 21st at 4:30 in the Arboretum.
They will need Arbor Committee members to
help identify buckthorn and assist with removal
methods.
Chair Parenteau shared the Growing Shade
Project website and interactive tools.
The application for the Maple Grove Days parade
has been submitted. Ed Reichow has agreed to
allow use of trailer for parade.
Adjournment Motion by Sarah Piket, second Frank Kampel to
adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. Vote; all ayes.
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Don Varney, Arbor Committee Member
City of Maple Grove Arbor Committee
Agenda
Chair Address:
Mary Parenteau 12800 Arbor Lakes Pkwy
Committee Members Maple Grove, MN 55369
Michael Aasen
Marilyn Arnlund Phone:
Steven Courtney Arbor Committee Agenda 763-494-6040
Julie Gamber March 10, 2022, 7 p.m.
Bob Henke
Emergency Operations Center Website:
Frank Kampel maplegrovemn.gov
Cody Lensing
Sarah Piket
Donald Varney
Jake Wanek
1. OPENING BUSINESS
A. Call to Order
2. OATH OF OFFICE
Cody Lensing
3. A. Approval of Agenda
B. Approval of Minutes – February 10, 2022 Regular Meeting
4. OLD BUSINESS
A. Parking Lot Subcommittee
B. Conservation Partners Legacy Grant
C. 2022 Arbor Day Event
5. NEW BUSINESS
None
6. AREA REPORTS
7. Adjournment
REQUEST FOR ARBOR
COMMITTEE ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 10, 2022
PREPARED BY: Jesse Corrow, Associate Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Oath of Office – agenda item 2
RECOMMENDED ARBOR COMMITTEE ACTION:
Administer the Oath of Office to Committee Member Lensing
COMMENTS:
Council approved the reappointment for Arbor Committee member Cody Lensing at their
meeting on Monday, January 3, 2022. The Oath of Office will be given to Cody and his term will
expire on December 31, 2024.
Thanks, Cody, for your continued service to the Arbor Committee.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
REQUEST FOR ARBOR
COMMITTEE ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 10, 2022
PREPARED BY: Jesse Corrow, Associate Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of agenda and minutes – agenda item 3A and 3B
PREVIOUS ACTIONS:
None
RECOMMENDED ARBOR COMMITTEE ACTION:
Call by Chair ________________ for any additions or revisions to the agenda.
Motion by Committee member ________________, seconded by Committee member
__________________ to approve as proposed or approve as amended the agenda for the
March 10, 2022 regular meeting.
Motion by Committee member __________________, seconded by Committee member
______________ to approve the minutes of the February 10, 2022 regular meeting as
presented or as amended.
COMMENTS:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
February 10, 2022 Arbor Committee draft minutes
MAPLE GROVE ARBOR COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 10, 2022
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
7:00 PM
Call to Order The regular meeting of the Arbor Committee was called to
order by Chair Parenteau at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present Chair Mary Parenteau, Vice-Chair Frank Kampel, Sarah
Piket, Julie Gamber, Don Varney, Marilyn Arnlund, Steve
Courtney, Mike Aasen.
Members Absent Bob Henke, Steve Courtney, Cody Lensing, and Jake Wanek.
Also Present Judy Hanson,
Jesse Corrow, Staff Liaison
Approval of Agenda Parenteau requested that 4.D. EAB updates be added to Old
Business.
Motion Kampel, second Varney to approve the amended
agenda. Vote all ayes. Motion passed.
Approval of Minutes Kampel requested that Page 1 Election of Officers be updated
to specify that the motions were passed (all ayes).
Motion Arnlund, second Aasan to approve the amended
minutes from January 13, 2022. Vote all ayes. Motion passed.
Oath of Office Councilmember Hanson will administer the Oath of Office to
Cody Lensing at the next meeting as he was not able to
attend.
Old Business
4A - Parking Lot Varney gave an update of all the work done to date by the
Subcommittee Subcommittee along with key observations from visiting
numerous developments throughout the city. A draft Tree
Planting Standard diagram was presented which is a tool to
communicate requirements during landscape design, planting,
and maintenance that address key areas that affect a tree’s
survival. Actual language for the requirements would be
written into the ordinance. Parenteau asked about
specifications that were based on the City of Minneapolis and
if they were in ordinance or not. They are part of a Parks
Board manual. Council Member Hanson expressed that
Council is aware of the importance of good landscaping,
especially in light of recent issues with some developments in
the City. She also said a consideration to work through is
how to ensure developers adhere to any new ordinance
requirements (carrot vs. stick). City would need staff to have
available if inspections are part of the process. Aasan
indicated that inspections may be hard to schedule for the
time of planting, but it is reasonable for a spot check by the
city after the fact. Kampel discussed how the City has used
sureties and performance agreements as a way to incent
developers to plant trees correctly. Varney explained how
better designed parking lots could also have a positive effect
on tree survivability. Council Member Hanson inquired if
Community Development would be the correct department to
work with as the recommended ordinance updates are closer
to finalization. Staff Liaison Corrow introduced the idea of
the City requiring landscape companies to be licensed.
Kampel inquired how we can also apply new requirements to
existing developments.
4B - Conservation Partners Parenteau, Kampel and Aasan are working with city staff to
Legacy Grant write the grant application. They are waiting for financials
from the new group being hired to do invasive species
management in the Forest Preservation Area before they can
complete the grant application. Parenteau inquired if the
application needs Council approval once the City Manager
approves. The City Manager will know if that approval is
needed.
4C - 2022 Arbor Day Event The Arbor Day event is scheduled for May 7th. A list of
exhibitors from previous years was reviewed and a committee
member was assigned to each exhibitor to contact about
attending this year’s event. Aasan will check if Lynde would
be interested in providing trees for display, similar to what
has been done in past years. Assignments to committee
members were made for other responsibilities before the
event (advertising, supplies acquisition) and during the event
(booth staffing). Arnlund distributed a list of common
household items to be saved and collected for craft supplies.
4D - EAB Update Staff liaison Corrow gave an update on the City’s plans for
EAB management in 2022. He identified the area to be
treated as south of I-694 and west of I-94. Trees will be
assessed. If they are removed they will also have the stumps
grinded. If they are treated they will be tagged. Notification
of the plan will be published in the summer newsletter.
Adjacent property owners of the treatment area will also be
notified by mail.
New Business
5A - Website Updates Staff liaison Corrow indicated that four new informational
videos have been loaded to the Arbor Committee page on the
City website.
Area Reports Future landscape plans for review by the Arbor Committee
will be mailed to committee members. Electronic copies can
also be emailed for anyone who wishes to receive them that
way.
Secretarial duties will be handled by Arbor Committee
members on a rotating basis. Rotation based on alphabetical
order.
Parenteau inquired if a label could be added to the staff report
for concept plans if the development is in a T-Zone. Staff
liaison Corrow will look into the possibility.
Adjournment Motion Kampel, second Gamber to adjourn the meeting at
9:07 pm. Vote all ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Piket, Arbor Committee Member
City of Maple Grove Arbor Committee
REQUEST FOR ARBOR
COMMITTEE ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 10, 2022
PREPARED BY: Jesse Corrow, Associate Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Parking Lot Subcommittee – agenda item 4A
PREVIOUS ACTIONS:
The Parking Lot Subcommittee continues to meet and discuss ways to increase the survival
rates of trees in parking lots. Members of the subcommittee (Arnlund, Piket, Varney) will
provide an update on meetings that have taken place since the last Arbor Committee
meeting.
RECOMMENDED ARBOR COMMITTEE ACTION:
None
COMMENTS:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
None
REQUEST FOR ARBOR
COMMITTEE ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 10, 2022
PREPARED BY: Jesse Corrow, Associate Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Conservation Partners Legacy Grant - agenda item 4B
PREVIOUS ACTIONS:
At their meetings of Thursday, February 10, 2022, Thursday, January 13, 2022 and Thursday,
December 9, 2021, the Arbor Committee discussed grant application progress.
COMMENTS:
Committee members working on the grant will provide an update.
The treatment area for Buckthorn, Reed Canary Grass and Prickly Ash has been expanded
from 66 to 72 acres within the South Forest Preservation Area. Per Maple Grove policy and
Minnesota Statute, a minimum of two bid proposals are required before awarding a public
project to a contractor. In addition to the bid received by Minnesota Native Landscapes, staff
is searching for another contractor who specializes in this scope of work. Suggestions from
the Arbor Committee are appreciated.
Staff anticipates presenting the winning bid to the Arbor Committee at the April 14 meeting
before going to City Council for approval. Treatment typically takes place in the fall during
leaf-off conditions.
ATTACHMENTS:
2022 Treatment Area
MNL, Inc. · 8740 77th Street Northeast Otsego, MN 55362 · Phone: 763-295-0010 www.MnNativeLandscapes.com
REQUEST FOR ARBOR
COMMITTEE ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 10, 2022
PREPARED BY: Jesse Corrow, Associate Planner
AGENDA ITEM: 2022 Arbor Day event – Agenda Item 4C
PREVIOUS ACTIONS:
At their meetings of Thursday, February 10 , 2022 and Thursday, January 13, 2022, the Arbor
Committee discussed roles and responsibilities for the event.
The 2020 and 2021 Arbor Day events were cancelled.
RECOMMENDED ARBOR COMMITTEE ACTION:
Continue discussion on this year’s Arbor Day event, which will be held on Saturday, May 7,
2022 from noon to 3 p.m.
COMMENTS:
Attached is the “To Do” List that was updated following the February 10th meeting.
Tree Seedlings have been ordered and pick up is scheduled for mid-April. Twenty-five of the
following species were ordered:
• Paper Birch
• Red oak
• Balsam Fir
• White Pine
• Blue Beech
• Allegheny Serviceberry
Dan Sanford from Grove Nursery will deliver 3 trees to the Arbor Day event for the Tree
Raffle. Dan suggests holding the raffle around 2:30 PM with hopes that winners will still be
present and can arrange for transport of their tree on the same day.
ATTACHMENTS:
Arbor Day “To Do” List
Arbor Day 2022 May 7 12:00-3:00 Community Center
Company/Displays Phone# Arbor Member Contact Comments
*Reptile Discovery Zoo 507-455-1465 Jesse 12:00—1:00
*Raptor Center 612-624-2756 Jesse 1:30—2:30
*DNR Invasives 651-239-5251 Mary
Sue Burks susan.burks@state.mn.us
*Home Depot Kits Brooklyn Center Mary
*Audubon Society
Paul Fusco 612-206-2458 Mary Paul cannot. He will check for replacem
*Bee Keeper
Bill Thompson 952-401-0857 Mary Yes
*Woodcarvers
Glen Erickson 763-420-5261 Mary Yes
*Master Gardeners Marilyn
*Tree Care Advisors Marilyn
*Hennepin Tech College 952-995-1300 Frank Plant/Nursery/Landscaping
*Henn Cty Environment & Energy Bob
Angela Ziobro 612-348-9850 or 763-220-2516 Recycling/Composting
*Elm Creek Watershed 763-553-1144 Julie Watershed display
*3 Rivers Parks 763-559-9000 Sarah Forestry Division?
*MN DNR Forestry Bob Yes, will send a staff member
Valerie 651-296-6157 Posters/Pencils/Info
*City of MG Cody Info on composting, plastics,
Yardwaste, weed wrench
Map of Arboretum & FP
*Lynde’s Mike Tree display
Arbor Committee Booths Arbor Member Comments
*Tree City USA Jake Flag & Info
*Forest Pres Area ? Info/map/pictures/display bd.
*Tree Seedlings Bob/Julie/Jesse Info on each/Bags
*Sunflowers Bob or Mike
*Tote Bags Frank Done
*Tree Raffle (Dan Sanford) Jesse tickets & box
*EAB info
*Buckthorn info
Other?
*(Raffle tree books? B&N) Mary
*Refreshments Julie
Advertising
*Place roadway signs Bob/Sarah/Don Rebar poles?
*Facebook/Nextdoor/City website Jesse
*Comm. Center Marque Jesse
*Maple Grove Magazine Mary Yes
*City Newsletter Jesse
*Park & Rec spring issue Jesse
*Library/Comm.Center/Gov.Center Bob/Sarah
Kids’ Activities Arbor Member Volunteer Needed Comments
Smokey Don Yes (2) Have they been reserved?
EAB costume Don Yes (1) (Lexi?)
Tree medallions Frank/Mary/Mike Yes-Michelle Burks
Home Depot Kits Mary Yes (3 or 4) Check for hammers/tarp
Other games?
Crafts:
Paper tube bird feeder Marilyn Yes (2) Toilet paper tubes
Paper tube trees Marilyn Yes (2) Toilet paper tubes
Other crafts?
Tattoos Marilyn Yes (2)
High Sch. Volunteers Sarah 14 to 16 needed
Save toilet paper and paper towel tubes everyone!
REQUEST FOR ARBOR
COMMITTEE ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 10, 2022
PREPARED BY: Jesse Corrow, Associate Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Area Reports – Agenda Item 6
PREVIOUS ACTIONS:
None
RECOMMENDED ARBOR COMMITTEE ACTION:
The area reports section of the agenda provides an opportunity for any Committee member
to report any item in the city that needs staff attention. Arbor related items will be
forwarded to the appropriate staff member with a response provided at the next meeting.
COMMENTS:
The revised Forest Preservation Management Plan will be placed on the March 21st City
Council meeting agenda, likely as a consent item.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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