07-10-19 Urban Forestry Committee MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION
MEETING HELD July 10, 2019
Present: Members: Judy Rosenfeld -Cox, Sam Harworth, Andrea Davidson
and Martin Rippens
Staff: Fred Bicha and Lisa Simmer
There was no public comment.
Public Comments
Approve Minutes
Sam made a motion to approve the June 2019 minutes as written, Martin seconded and all
members voted in favor.
Current Business
Tour of TrPPp,
Members rescheduled the Tour of the Trees that was canceled due to weather, to August 8, 2019,
at Woodland Park at 7:00 pm. The group reviewed the list of trees and which they would be
responsible for speaking about. Sam suggested that the group consider adding more species that
are also approved or similar to the approved boulevard street trees, so there is a tie in with the
50150 cost share program and to give people an idea of what that species of tree looks like. Fred
said staff would use the same graphics for media posting that was used last time and would just
change dates accordingly.
Promote Trees at FVCC
Fred told the group he had just emailed the college and was waiting for a reply.
Urban Forestry Awards Announcement
Fred told members that Lisa had created a fillable form, which Fred passed around for review
and if everyone agreed would be posted on the website. Discussion was held regarding the three
different categories and small changes made accordingly based on input. It was noted that the
nomination form is due back to KPR by August 13, 2019 so that other aspects of the project such
as media, the awards, etc., could be scheduled in a timely manner. Fred said he would send out a
press release and Lisa will get the form changed and posted the following day.
Encourage Tree watering
Fred briefly explained this program consists of members splitting up the 50150 cost share and
developer planting lists from the last couple of years and going door to door with door hangers
and talking to people about care and watering or leaving the hanger. Fred said that members are
welcome to provide a hanger anywhere they see a tree in need. Members choose the date of
August 1, for this project and agreed to meet at the parks office at 6 pm. Fred provided a door
hanger for everyone to review and discuss. The group had a brief discussion regarding the
watering of mature trees, with the general consensus being the majority feels it's important.
Arborist Update
Fred told members that Brian the only arborists on staff is currently on vacation, so the two
seasonals were working on catching up on stumping. Fred reported 1 St Ave W contract pruning is
finished. Fred said that interviews for the arborist supervisor position would begin next week.
Fred said the next contract that would be out shortly will be for 5th Ave W. Fred noted all of WN
is done and the crew is finishing up on 9th Ave W.
Fred answered miscellaneous member's questions regarding trees they had noticed removed
and/or pruned, needing pruning and watering of downtown trees.
Andrea mentioned that the new ordinance states the board needs to review the approved
boulevard tree species every two years and the board should consider doing this in the near
future.
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Sam notified the board that unfortunately he would be stepping down from the board, as his wife
accepted a job in Helena and they would be moving. Sam committed to assisting with the
upcoming projects until approximately the second week of August. Sam apologized and
expressed his appreciation of the board and all that they do. Members thanked Sam for his work
on the board and wished him well.
The group enjoyed discussion about miscellaneous cities, arboretums and trees before
adjourning.
Per the November 2018 meeting, board members agreed to include this statement in all minutes:
"if you have any questions please contact us".
The meeting adjourned at 4 :47
Minutes unanimously approved at August 14, 2019 meeting.