The Winnebago Economic Development Authority (EDA) held a brisk meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

Among other agenda items, city staff answered the board’s questions about Winnebago’s strategy for tackling the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive species of beetle which has been plaguing ash trees in Minnesota for the past decade or so.

When asked whether EAB has spread to Winnebago yet, city administrator Judi Hynes responded, “Out of all the trees counted – 137 – virtually every one of them was infected.” 

Infected trees on city property will need to be removed. To offset the cost of the endeavor, the EDA has applied for funds from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Releaf Community Grant.

The grant assists Minnesota communities in managing ash trees for EAB on public land. The funds can be used to build public tree inventories, develop EAB management plans, remove trees and stumps and replace or plant trees.

EDA specialist Jennifer Howard informed the EDA that the city has submitted an application for $323,185 in Releaf grant funds. The city should learn whether it has been selected to receive the funds in mid-October.

“This would allow us to remove 131 trees and then replant at a 1.5 ratio, which would be 197 trees,” Howard said. “It would also help us create an emerald ash borer plan – we would hire a consultant to come up with a plan to help us manage all the emerald ash borer infection.” 

Hynes noted that trees eligible for removal and replanting will be exclusively those which are on public land – in Winnebago’s parks and boulevards, for example.

EDA board member Lee Hodges inquired, “Does a homeowner have any say if they don’t want the trees removed?” 

Hynes replied, “They are all going to be declared diseased trees, so the city can remove them if they want to.” 

Hynes added she is currently working on adding a section to Winnebago’s city code which addresses tree planting. It would require residents to obtain a permit from the city before they plant a tree.

“The premise behind that is to keep a homeowner from planting a tree too close to a water or sewer line, or over a sewer line,” Hynes explained. She said other cities in the area, such as Blue Earth, have similar ordinances.

“We’re just trying to be more proactive for tree issues,” Hynes concluded.

In other business, the Winnebago EDA: 

• Agreed to name Lucky Lanes as the month’s Business Spotlight recipient.

The award was contingent on the business’s successful sale to prospective buyers Dillion and Kateri Johanson. The sale was expected to be finalized on Friday afternoon, Oct. 6.

• Reviewed plans to deliver meals to Winnebago manufacturers on Thursday, Oct. 5, in recognition of Manufacturing Week.

Winnebago restaurant Rockin’ Robins was scheduled to cater 146 meals. Each meal included a sloppy joe sandwich, chips and a cookie. The meals cost a total of $912.50, plus tax.

• Approved a quarter page advertisement for the Winnebago EDA to be printed in the Faribault County Register’s upcoming Community Focus magazine.

The advertisement will cost $285.

• Learned that a public hearing for a USDA grant application to fund ADA-compliant updates to the Muir Library was held on Sept. 12.

Howard said city staff have submitted the grant’s affidavit, and expect to hear after October whether the grant application has been accepted.

• Learned that the Winnebago Community Club met on Sept. 20 to discuss initial plans for Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrations, as well as Frosty Fest.

The Community Club intends to organize a parade on Halloween starting at 5 p.m.