HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-2007PRAB Conference Room
Call to Order
Len Elliott, Lonnie Sundahl and Trish Borden were present; Marion Nancarrow was absent. Also in
attendance were Transportation Planner Joe Welsh, Environmental Project Manager Aaron Nix, City
Horticulturalist Kirk Hadley, and Department Secretary Ann Fuqua.
II. Minutes
The minutes of the July meeting were approved as written.
III. Correspondence/Public Input
None
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
A. Change of Policy Related to Board Membership
Board members were told that Mayor Lewis said he had no problem with changing the number
of members appointed to the Board from seven to five. After discussion among the members,
and determining the number it took to make a quorum, it was felt that making this change
would just be ~~housekeeping" at this time. We only have four members appointed, and
whether we changed to five members the number for a quorum remained the same as it is
now. We will continue as we are, recommend anyone who may be interested, and see what
happens.
B. Significant Tree Update
The oak tree at 901 East Main Street was selected as a tree we want to recognize. This tree is
located at the firm of Schneider, Gibson and Jarvey. Ms. Sundal will forward the information
she received when interviewing Mrs. Schneider and we will schedule the recognition at Council
for November 5. Schedule Recognition of Significant Tree
C. Joe Welsh -Transportation Planner Addresses Hazardous Tree/Right-of-Way Issues
Mr. Welsh advised that he works in Engineering as the Transportation Planner, and he receives
numerous questions or complaints related to trees. It is his responsibility to address these
issues, part of which is with hazardous or nuisance trees in the rights-of-way. He also gets
neighbor complaints about trees on other's private property. It seems that throughout the City
there are issues that arise and each Department has a different approach in handling them.
~~$~~ * M{7RE THAN YQU IMAGINED
MINUTES
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
2:00 p.m.
Tree Board Minutes
Meeting Date: September 5
Page 2 of 2
Often the Parks Department is called in to assess a trees viability and, as well, the Planning
Department or Code Enforcement may be called. Because each Department takes a different
approach to these issues, or looks at them from a different point of view, he wanted to meet
with the Board to get some understanding of what part they may play.
Mr. Elliott explained that the Board is advisory to the Council only and that our plan is to
encourage proper tree care, doing this by making information available at as many community
events as possible. He also explained that we were interested in a tree inventory of the City, to
recognize people who are good stewards of trees, and to educate in proper planting and
maintenance.
Mr. Welch explained a scenario in which a °dangerous" tree is reported. If it's on right-of-way
property he can make a call, normally calling in Kirk Hadley to evaluate the tree. If it is on
private property, he has to ask permission enter that property, or must make the evaluation
from the street. Mr. Welsh said he was looking for some consistency in making these calls, and
to develop a program that is pro-active and not reactive. Ideally, we would have staff to do
regular maintenance of right-of-way and street trees on a regular schedule. Mr. Nix said that
he had plans for an intern soon, who might be able to conduct some of the inventory.
Both visitors expressed that it would be beneficial to have a vision for the trees and the same
guiding principals for all Departments; a professional arborist would also be helpful. The Board
members were in agreement with this logic. This will be something to work toward.
VI. Board Recommendations/Input
It was decided that we would revisit the Boards vision at the next meeting and discuss the role of the
Board and the 2008 work plan.
VII. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 3:00 p.m.