11-14-18 Street Tree Commission MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION
MEETING HELD November 14, 2018
Present: Members: Andrea Davidson, Judy Rosenfeld -Cox, Terry
Richmond and Martin Rippens
Staff: Fred Bicha, Josh Keene and Lisa Simmer
Public Comments
No guests were in attendance, nor were there any public comments.
Approve Minutes
Members unanimously approved the October 2018 minutes as written.
Current Business
Street Tree Ordinance Recap
Fred provided a recap of the Street Tree Ordinance council workshop noting that it was overall
positive. Fred stated councils had areas of concern regarding the wording related to protection of
trees. Fred said there is some minor revisions that need to be made and then it will go to another
workshop. Fred suggested members review the current draft and attend the next work shop,
which is not scheduled at this time.
Arbor Day 2019 Theme
Fred told members "From Little Seeds Grow Mighty Trees" is the winning theme and it has been
sent over to the graphics art class. Fred anticipates that he will get proposed designs to members
before Christmas and possibly before the next board meeting, in which case he would ask for
feedback via email. Members held brief discussion about how to utilize this "seed" theme during
the Arbor Day celebration.
2019 Work Plan
The group reviewed the 2018 Kalispell Urban Forest Committee work plan and determined
which goals, tasks, and projects were successful and they would carry forward to their 2019
work plan. Additionally some modifications will be made, new goals added and leaders were
identified for each project goal. Fred said he would update the 2019 work plan for the
distribution at the next meeting.
Misc. Business
Arborist Update
Josh said parks crews are continuing to work on 3rd Ave W., pruning and removing as necessary
and distributing 50150 cost share brochures where removals have occurred. Josh stated that there
has been a fairly substantial amount of trees removed due to unmitigated hazards and significant
decay, making the removals necessary. Josh said they removed a tree in Depot Park that had a
big cavity and was a hazard. Josh said they are trying their best to preserve trees where possible
while keeping hazards to a minimum. Josh said he is snapping photos with his phone to show
owners the reason for removals which has helped their understanding. Josh said Whitefish Tree
Service is working on I" Ave East and Trees for Life is working on the west north side of town.
Misc.
Future 2019 meeting dates were identified:
• December 12, 2018
• January 9, 2019
• February 13, 2019
• March 13, 2019
Board members agreed they wanted the minutes to state "if you have any questions please
contact us".
There was no other business and the meeting adjourned at 5:04 pm.
Approved unanimously at the December 12, 2018 meeting.