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02-12-13 Street Tree MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION MEETING HELD February 12, 2013 Present: Bette Albright, Andrea Davidson, Sean Conrad, David Jones, Chad Fincher and Lisa Simmer Excused: Marshall Dressel Next Meeting Date: Regular Meeting: March 12, 2013 — 4 p.m. Parks Department The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm by Bette Albright. Agenda Topics: • Old Business Approval of January minutes • New Business Arbor Day 2013 Spring Recycling Drive: April 13, 2013 Ordinance Update Miscellaneous Business DED: Daily Interlake article Work in progress, wood Old Business The group reviewed the January minutes and unanimously approved them. New Business Arbor Day: Bette informed the group that she had talked to Rick Afenson of Peterson school and he stated he thought it best to skip their turn at the Arbor Day celebration this year due to construction. Dave Jones asked Chad if he was familiar with the construction plans and if the previous trees planted there are in jeopardy from equipment or construction and do they need to be fenced off or measures taken to assure their well being. Chad stated where construction is happening will not impact trees, however equipment hauling could. Chad said he is familiar with the plans and doesn't feel there will be a problem; however he will call the school, visit the site again, and determine exactly where equipment tracking pads will be. It was decided that should there be any concerns; precautions would be taken to safe guard the trees. Bette mentioned the Daily Interlake article and the comments regarding elderly citizens at the Elms apartments lamenting the fact that their trees have been cut down, trees that they have had a relationship with. Bette stated KPR staff has suggested that Elrod be chosen for Arbor Day celebration and trees planted in front of The Elms apartments, as a means to help with this loss. Bette noted that the school is only half a block from the apartments and students could easily walk there. David inquired if replacement plantings had previously happened at the Elms through the ARRA grant. Chad replied that yes, ARRA grant funds had been used to remove and replace trees on the south half of the boulevard along the Elms. Chad noted Arbor Day plantings would be on the north half, where trees were just removed the past few weeks. The group agreed that Elrod was an appropriate choice for Arbor Day 2013 and it would include encouraging participation by the tenants of The Elms. Additionally, a group photo from the boom truck with all Elrod students forming a tree is still a part of the plans for the celebration at the school. Bette will contact Elrod School to make arrangements. It was noted that Arbor Day is April 26th 2013. Spring Trees to Paper To Trees Recycling Drive Bette informed the group that the recycling drive is scheduled for April 13, 2013. She noted this date is a bit later than normal, however does not conflict with spring break (April 1 — 5) or Easter and should work out well and allow for sufficient student help. Bette said that the March meeting will be the recycling drive planning meeting. Bette reminded the group that we are still looking for a member to shadow her and learn the preparations for the recycling drive, with the idea that after this year another person would be able to make the arrangements. Bette said to let her know if you are interested in shadowing and learning the ropes. Tree Ordinance Update Lisa suggested and the group agreed to have Lisa change all "Director of Parks and Recreation" in the ordinance document to the change they have been previously been making to "Director", under the new definition. Changing all of these throughout document will make it consistent and it will be taken care of in the next draft. Information was provided by Sean on both the City of Kalispell Clear Vision Triangle and developer tree planting requirements and regulations. The group started the review at 4.02 Planting 43 Location and Spacing, (b). It was determined that ordinance language would be changed to read that trees shall not be planted in the clear vision triangle as defined by City of Kalispell Ordinance No 940A. The group decided they would like to use the diagram from the landscaping ordinance in the tree ordinance with modifications to indicate tree plantings. Developer planting requirements was the next topic discussed. It was determined that it would be easiest to keep it simple and reference the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance. Language would include identifying and specifying commercial and subdivision developer to differentiate from residential properties. The group held extensive discussion regarding owner buy in and adding language that stipulates an adjoining residential property owner requesting a boulevard tree pay a percentage of the cost of the tree. It was recognized by the group that the current Urban Forestry Tax an owner pays (approximately $10 - $13 per year for an average lot) does not cover even the most simple of tasks performed by a crew member. It was noted that too often a tree request by a property owner is met and then the tree does not receive adequate watering and is dead within a couple of years. The general consensus of the group is that if an owner pays a portion, there is a much greater likelihood that they will water and care for the tree. The group determined that it was important to include language that allows for leeway if financial hardship is proven by home owner. Additionally, the group felt it was important language specify "owner occupied" as too many trees die in front of rentals that go unoccupied for periods of time or occupied by tenants who do not have the "buy -in" to care for the tree. The group moved to 5.05 Permit Required for Work as they had previously made changes to 5.01 — 5.04. Chad noted that it is not the Parks & Recreation Department that determines the amount of public liability insurance and that statement would need to be changed to the City of Kalispell. It was noted insurance liability amounts are dictated to the city by MMIA. The group wanted to make sure the ordinance states all work is conducted by a certified arborist and/or a certified pesticide applicator for spraying. Lisa informed the group that she is developing a permit. David Jones stated that the permit should specify work be done by a certified arborist. Chad noted that the form should include the ISA 4 of the person doing the work so verification of certification can be done by staff Staff informed the group the permit will ask for pictures and/or drawing of planned work. The groups made additional changes to the ordinance by specifying work abide by ISA standards. Members decided to change appeal process to eliminate mayor, however include the Urban Forestry Committee and the City Manager. The board would like a process in place that after KPR receives a written appeal the appealer is invited to the next regular meeting of the Urban Forestry to state their case. It was determined this "invite" step does not have to be included in ordinance language, however would be the common practice of the staff and board. Miscellaneous Business Daily Interlake Article/DED Recycling, DED Removals Update, New Bandit Stumper. Chad was complimented by members for the DED recycling program and the recent article in the Daily Inter Lake. Chad showed the group a couple of planks of wood from an American Elm tree, that is a part of the wood the high school is using to make benches out of Chad informed the group that the KPR crews are actively removing DED trees and due to lack of winter and snow removal, were making good progress. Chad noted that the crews had also been stumping, however just that day KPR had received notice that the new stumper had a recall and would need to be repaired. Due to safety concerns, stumping has stopped until repairs can be made. There was no other business and the meeting adjourned at 5:10 Approved by the Street Tree Committee, March 12�h, 2013