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11-18-14 Street Tree MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION MEETING HELD November 18, 2014 Present: Members: Dave Jones, Andrea Davidson, Lance Isaak and Larry Roberts Staff. Fred Bicha The meeting was officially called to order at 4:02 pm by David Jones. Agenda Topics: Approval — October minutes ACT — Alliance for Community Trees Program Development Grant Tree Board Webinar Arbor Day 2015 Tree Board Strategic Plan Old Business Members approved the October 2014 minutes unanimously. New Business Tree City USA: — Fred and Dave Jones provided a brief summary to new members, of the Tree City USA certification. They explained there are approximately 40 Montana cities that meet the qualifications, including Kalispell, which has held the status for 27 years. It was noted this is a separate certification from the recently received "Montana Tree City of the Year" grant funding of $5000 Kalispell received. Fred stated that these grant funds will be utilized in Courthouse Parks to remove and prune trees, as per the application submitted. Dave said a portion of the grant funding would also need to be used for the Arbor Day celebration. ACT: Alliance for Community Trees: Dave noted he made a proposal and was granted approval by the DNRC urban director to utilize $250 of DNRC budget funding to apply for the ACT — Alliance for Community Trees program. David completed the application and Kalispell is now recognized as an Alliance for Community Trees and with that comes the opportunity for more grant funding, education and webinar opportunities. Dave passed around information on the ACT program. Program Development Grant: Dave informed the group that Kalispell had submitted and been awarded a grant through the DNRC UCF Program Development. Dave stated that Kalispell had applied for $15,000 and was awarded $14,000. Dave explained that the majority of the grant funding is identified for tree removal; however there will be some board responsibilities in the project, such as hosting an EAB community awareness open house. Dave clarified for members that the money is federal money, passed through the DNRC. Fred informed the group that the majority of the money will be used for DED contractor removals, with city matching dollar for dollar plus KPR crews' matching removals. Fred stated it is anticipated that 60 DED trees will be removed this winter. In answer to member's questions, Fred said there would be approximately 100 DED trees remaining after this winter and a portion of the grant money is identified for tree replacement through a 50150 program. A copy of the grant was passed around for review by members. Dave noted the grant was rated number 2 out of 16 throughout the state. Dave explained there was a total of $95,000 to distribute among grant recipients. Tree Board Webinar: Dave mentioned the email Fred sent out earlier today to the board "7 Habits of Highly Successful Tree Boards ", as a free webinar example. Fred stated he had watched this video and it was very good and informative. Fred provided highlights from the webinar; using time efficiently, the importance of being a team with a clear mission, vision and goals and networking and connecting with other organizations and the community. Fred distributed copies of the mission statement developed by the board in the past. Fred suggested the video could be shown at a future meeting as it lasts about 45 minutes. Arbor Day 2015: Fred initiated this agenda item and explained that he had spoken with Bette (absent) earlier in the day and discussed things he had done in the past for Arbor Day celebrations. Fred stated he is hoping to increase and expand Arbor Day to include more of the community and is wondering if successful things he has done could be incorporated or included with the groups existing plans. Fred provided a brief PowerPoint presentation of Arbor Day celebrations he organized in Billings, showing examples of various types of activities, in addition to tree planting. Fred asked members consider their goals for Arbor Day, consider growing the green industry and student base participation. All members agreed that there is a need to explore expanding the Kalispell Arbor Day celebration as plans are put into place for 2015. Tree Board Strategic; Fred informed the members he would like to take them through the exercise of doing a strategic plan, which is an annual work plan outlining what the board would like to accomplish in the upcoming year. Fred explained this would help him better understand the goals and vision of the board. Fred stated a strategic plan helps a board be more efficient and effective. Fred provided an example of the Billings board's plan. It was agreed that due to time restraints this topic would be discussed at the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Minutes approved by the Street Tree Committee Dec 9, 2014.