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07-11-18 Street Tree Committee MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION MEETING HELD July 11, 2018 Present: Members: Judy Rosenfeld Cox, Andrea Davidson, Tony Nelson Guests: Martin Rippens, Ali Ulwelling & Nick Merriman Staff: Fred Bicha, Joshua Keene and Lisa Simmer Introductions DNRC guests Ali Ulwelling and Nick Merriman were introduced. Ali explained that she recently taken a new position at DNRC although the job is not a replacement of Dave Jones position. Fred suggested that if Ali is willing she be a liaison to the board, as she does not live in the growth planning jurisdiction to be an official member. Fred told members that Nick has recently became a certified arborist. Members encouraged both Ali and Nick to attend and participate on the board in any manner their schedules allow for and should Nick qualify for membership based on where he lives, he consider becoming a member. Approve Minutes Members unanimously approved the June minutes. Current Business Host Tree Board Educational Awareness Event Tony informed members he has both a phone call and an email into the person in charge of Farmer's Market. Tony told members he would be leaving town however if he heard anything he would pass the information along to Fred. Recognize and Educate Good Tree Work Fred explained that one project the group has been working on is creating an awards program for businesses, residents and public facilities to recognize good tree work around town. Fred explained at the last meeting, members voted to forego having nominations/contest the first year of awards to get the project rolling. Fred said members voted to recognize and award in the business category to Jackola Engineering, the residential category to the mother Patricia Johnson and son who organized and facilitated the 7fh Ave East block tree planting, and the public facility to the Alli Mitchell with the Kalispell Middle School orchard project. Fred shared copies of pictures he had taken of the orchard and 7fh Ave planting project. Fred said he had talked to Ben of the FHS woodshop and Ben felt he could make awards by the time the group needs them. Fred passed around copies of a template he put together for the award and asked members to review them and send any comments they have to Fred. Fred said he will talk to Terry about a letter to these award winners, letting them know in advance they had been chosen to receive the award. Members discussed awarding at a council meeting in September, possibly the 17th. Lisa said she would check with the city clerk regarding when would be the appropriate time to present during the council meeting. Engage Citizens in Volunteering for Tree Maintenance Andrea suggested it would be easiest to send this information to the Daily Interlake, the Flathead Beacon and maybe the Master Gardeners to see if they know of anyone who would be interested in adopting trees. Fred asked Andrea to send it to them when her schedule allows. Martin asked for clarification regarding what this proposed project might consist of. Fred explained it could vary however it might be something like a credit union or another business's employees adopting a group of trees and tending to the trees twice or more a year, depending on the site and what the tree requires. Fred said it might include mulching, watering, or possibly working with them on a small tree pruning workshop. Andrea said it might include trees in locations where the property owners are struggling to maintain their trees and need assistance. Promote Trees at FVCC Judy said she talked to Jane Caras, FVCC President at a function and they briefly discussed the costs related to the new construction of the building, in -kind activities counting toward the monetary contribution required, etc. Judy relayed that Jane had said she would put her in touch with the new maintenance person coming on later in the season for further discussion. The group discussed that the college will be required to meet the landscaping improvements with the new construction, which most likely will include the expense and planting of trees which would help towards the Tree Campus USA certification. Judy said she would keep promoting and talking to the folks at FVCC about this idea. Lisa and Fred said they will talk to Chad about what the college development requirements might include in regards to trees and report back to the group. Members agreed that it was worthwhile to keep the conversation going because the college will most likely be required to add trees, has the existing nursery on the back of the property and it may be very simple for them to get the recognition and certification based on what they already do. Fred offered to join with Judy if she were able to schedule a meeting in the future. Tree Cycle Andrea explained that she had attended the Lewistown tree board retreat and had learned of Dillion's tree walking tour with a map, highlighting a number of preferred boulevard species. Andrea suggested a walking tour might be more worthwhile than a biking tour and the brochure could be used for tourists and Kalispell citizens. Tony provided an overview of what the Tree Cycle event is for those present who weren't familiar with it, including how it was received and attended by the public over the past three years. Judy mentioned the historic houses and structures walking tour brochure, wondering if anyone knew who had published that and if a brochure of our trees could be inserted into the existing publication. Members guessed that it was put together by the historical society, but weren't positive who had published it. Fred reminded the board that at the last meeting they had decided to make it a two day event, Saturday being a vehicle tour with seniors and Sunday being the bicycle tour. Discussion and brainstorming regarding future Tree Cycles included the following: • Eagle Transit - $1.00 per person. • Group decided their 2018 master plan would include two day event with a bus and/or trolley day for seniors • Providing a tour and having self -guided tour brochures on hand • Three years of brochures available for use and distribution • Distribute brochure to elementary teachers • QR codes for tree location • Tree signs and/or sticker labels that could be scanned by smart phones • Including in the tour discussion about increased tax and examples of work accomplished with additional funds • Starting location — park or well known • Downloadable route for users • Increased media needed • Introducing Storymaps at the same time as the next event if possible • Utilizing Central School as a starting point being important Ali utilized her tablet to show the group Storymaps an ESRI product that is a map with tabs and is often used for walking tours. Fred asked if someone from DNRC would be able to help set the Storymaps and Ali replied it is a super easy template format that would not take a lot of assistance. Jim Flott, the forestry consultant working on the inventory stepped into the room and was introduced to the board. Fred asked members to decide exactly what they wanted to do; either a Senior Citizen tour or Tree Cycle are attempt to do both. Members voiced their opinions with Andrea thinking only the senior tour and the brochure would be best. Tony committing to both days if the group decided to facilitate both the senior tour and Tree Cycle, feeling the attempt at both days and events would be worthwhile. Tony offered to utilize his mother to gauge interest in her senior center. Judy said she feels the group should try and do both days and events. Martin offered his assistance and suggested the senior tour be tried with one bus this year to see how it goes. Ali said she would assist if her schedule and fire season allows for it. The group decided to go for it and do both days, however Fred will send out an email to all members with date options. Misc. Business: Josh reported that they had removed dozens of smaller dead trees around town over the past month. Josh announced he has acquired his CDL and is now able to take the bucket truck out for pruning and the crew is now full force. Josh also said they are now able to respond much quicker to branches and trees down. Attendees mentioned various trees that they've noticed with maintenance issues and staff said to email Fred with tree issues. There was no other business and the meeting adjourned at 5:01 pm. Approved unanimously at the July 11, 2018 meeting, with an addition suggested by Judy.