03-13-19 Street Tree Commission MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION
MEETING HELD March 13, 2019
Present: Members: Andrea Davidson, Judy Rosenfeld -Cox, Terry
Richmond, and Martin Rippens
Staff: Fred Bicha, Josh Keene and Lisa Simmer
Public Comments
Terry made a comment on behalf of the public, stating that Public Works was pushing snow off
the edge of the street onto the boulevard and pushing it against trees without care. Terry
suggested Fred and Josh go and review the trees at Hedges School that are leaning due to the
heavy icy snow piled up against them without care.
Approve Minutes
Martin made a motion to approve the February 2019 minutes as written, Judy seconded and all
members voted in favor.
Current Business
Arbor Day 2019 Planning
Members reviewed the Arbor Day 2019 celebration task list and provided progress and updated
information to each task.
• Agenda - Fred reviewed two different schedule/agenda options for the day. Fred noted
that due to past discussions he created a schedule to move the formal ceremony to the
start of the day and breaking up the station rotation. The other option presented would be
the same as prior years. After discussing pros and cons the group voted to go with the
agenda to move the formal ceremony to early in the morning.
• Sponsors — Terry reported that sponsorships are coming in well and to date sponsorships
have amounted to $3550. Terry said he would be visiting more possible sponsors in the
next few days. Terry suggested members think of others who might sponsor.
• Environmental Stations — Fred told the group that Tony could not attend the meeting but
had sent over a list of who has confirmed they will attend which is 12 booths at this time.
Fred noted there are 3 more classes this year and hopes to get another 7 booths. Fred said
Dave Jones has volunteered to run a station if needed. Fred said that Trees For Life will
be putting on a booth this year including tree climbing demonstrations.
• Volunteers — Martin told the group that he's lined up quite a few volunteers from
working with Rick Moore from DNRC. Martin said that REI employees are coming, as
is an employee from Sykes. Martin said he's confident there will be enough volunteers to
plant trees. Fred noted he wants to plant trees in other parks also, which will require
additional coordinating.
• Food — after discussion the group decided to go with pizza. Andrea said she would get
the pizza ordered.
• Community Outreach — Judy reported that she had talked to Amber at Kalispell Brewing
Company and they are willing to give out tokens for the volunteers for an after party,
however they did not want to pay for seedlings this year. Lisa and Fred committed to
bringing coloring sheets and crayons to the brewery for the kids. Judy will also reach out
to REI who has offered to provide a coffee tent for the volunteers including the sponsors.
• Media — Judy noted she's talked to the editor of the Flathead Beacon who is willing to let
the board run a lot of tree information and who said he might attend Arbor Day and cover
the event. Specifically he said the board could write articles that he would run. Judy
noted for a guest column it is 700 words maximum and needs to be sent two weeks in
advance. Judy said she would provide the email to send articles to. Fred would like to
review the articles prior to submittal.
• Kids — Fred provided a brief update, noting that a teacher responded to him saying all
buses are secured and they are coming. Fred said he will be following up to make sure
all classes are coming.
• Logistics — Josh said he's working off the 2017 supply list, however will forward it to
everyone and encourages board members to add to his list if they can think of other
supplies needed. Josh said he will have the police department do a run through and
check the security of the park. It was noted that Terry had gotten a donation of six new
shovels from Murdochs.
• T-shirts — Fred asked members to select a color for the t-shirts, via email after he sends
out the suggestions from the graphic designer.
Young Tree Pruning Workshop
Josh provided a brief overview on the young tree pruning workshop and explained he will be
facilitating and described how he plans to run the workshop. Josh suggested the workshop either
be held at KYAC or Lawrence. After discussing options for both sites the group decided
Lawrence Park would be the best location for the workshop. The group decided to set the date
for April 13 at Lawrence Park from 10 — Noon. Josh volunteered to reach out to media groups
and make sure it gets on community online calendars.
Promote Trees at FVCC
Judy told members she had not heard back from anyone on an email she sent so she will contact
them again.
Expiring terms — April 2019
Judy said she will be applying to the board for another term. Terry announced that he would
probably not be applying for another term, however he would help with Arbor Day next year.
Fred said he had not heard from Tony on whether he would be re -applying. Josh asked what is
done to promote the current seat on the board. Lisa volunteered to post the vacant seat on social
media.
Arborist Update
Josh told the board he's happy to say the forestry crew has accomplished their set work goals by
March 1. Josh said crews have completed work at Silverbrook, Glacier Commons, Buffalo Stage
and weather allowed for them to rent the mini boom again and work in Stratford Village. Fred
mentioned that equates to about 1500 small trees in three months. Josh informed members that
beginning tomorrow they would be back to working on 2nd Ave W. Josh said parks crew
members that have been working forestry will now be working back in the parks and the forestry
crew will be scaled back. Fred said the forestry crew will be working back and forth between
streets and avenues and parks, according the schedule they have put together. Fred said he
would really like to finish up the west side Avenues before the year is out as it is close to being
completed, with 5th Ave West being a contracted out job because of how busy it is.
There was no other business and the meeting adjourned at 4:56 pm.
Per the November 2018 meeting, board members agreed to include this statement in all minutes:
"if you have any questions please contact us".
Approved unanimously at the May 8, 2019 meeting.