08-14-19 Urban Forestry Committee MinutesKALISPELL URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE
MEETING HELD August 14, 2019
Present: Members: Andrea Davidson, Martin Rippens and Tony Nelson
Staff: Fred Bicha and Lisa Simmer
Guests: MCC crew members Grace and Shelby
Public Comments
Guests Grace and Shelby of MCC introduced themselves and provided some of their background
information and how much they love Kalispell.
Approve Minutes
Martin made a motion to approve the July 2019 minutes as written, Andrea seconded and all
members voted in favor.
Current Business
Encourage Tree Watering Recap
Members discussed how their rounds of assigned addresses went, noting that the majority of
trees looked fairly well cared for. Martin noted that he asked by a neighborhood watch person
questioned what he was doing and Martin suggested that in the future board members could
carry a letter or a city employee's business card. Lisa said she would try and find the name tags
used in the past at the Small Town Tree Retreat and update them if she finds them. Martin said
only one tree on his list didn't look good, and another tree was actually being watered. Martin
said there is a tree on the east side that has a water gator on it. Andrea noted a property on 5th
and 3rd West that has three trees on street side that look great. The board discussed other trees
they encountered in their rounds. Tony said he would be going out soon to complete his list, as
he was out of town and Judy completed her list.
Tree Board Role
Fred discussed the board's role as an advisory board and corrected direction he gave at the last
meeting, stating he rethought it and feels like he does not want to put any members in a bad spot
or discussion regarding tree problems they see. Fred asked members to notify him of issues and
problems related to trees, especially in regards to the school properties.
Urban Forestry Awards
Fred informed members that the public did not make any nominations so if the board has
nominations they should make them. Fred presented two he wrote up due to not receiving any
from the public, nominating Vic and Barb Anderson for watering downtown trees for the last
three years and the Kalispell Downtown Business Improvement District for purchasing 12
downtown trees and having their employee Paul water them. Andrea said she would nominate
the residence on 5th and 3rd West. Additional nominations were discussed with Fred encouraging
board members to nominate anyone they felt worthy. The discussion shifted to boulevard trees
around town and different conditions they are suffering from, chlorotic being one of the
conditions, however that and other conditions are being observed that is not due to lack of care.
Care and possible remedies were discussed. Fred told members that if he did not receive any
more nominations in the next 24 hours he would consider the ones in hand the winners.
Tour of TrPPP,
Fred admitted he lost his motivation when tree board members had to drop off due to their busy
schedules. Fred and board members agreed that they would put a hold on this event and revisit it
when putting together their 2020 work plan.
Promote Trees at FVCC
Fred told the group he had ran into Jane Caras and asked about Tree Campus USA and Jane said
they are not interested. Fred feels it's best to drop this if they aren't interested.
Boulevard Species List Review
Andrea explained for the guests present that per the ordinance update the forestry board is
supposed to review the approved boulevard species tree planting list. Fred passed around a copy
of the current list. The group discussed options on how to handle the process. Fred suggested
the group split the list up and review their portion and bring their comments and suggestions to
the next meeting. It was decided that Martin would review the medium trees, Tony the small
trees and Andrea the large trees. Members also discussed possibly pairing down the list and for
example not have numerous types of crab apples listed, of which there are about 8 on the current
list. Fred mentioned that he has started trying out species that aren't typically grown here and
he's having good luck with them, so possibly adding some of those species should be considered.
Senior Tree Tour
Discussion was held regarding last year's senior tree tour with everyone agreeing they would like
to try it again, only later in fall when the trees are in all their splendor and because it's not a bike
ride and weather won't matter. The group agreed to host the event on October 19, 2019, 2 — 4
pm. Andrea reminded everyone that Eagle Transit requires the event being advertised to the
public and an ad may run approximately $150. Fred said he would look into Eagle Transit and
find out the particulars. Fred said he would contact the Senior Center and see if they wanted to
form some type of partnership for the program which may include busing. Tony mentioned that
a blue tooth speaker for each bus would be preferable to avoid the past problem of the people
remaining on the bus not being able to hear the speaker outside. Martin said he would talk to
Sykes about sponsoring the event and possibly the blue tooth speakers.
Arborist Update
Fred told members that new arborist supervisor, Devin Schmidt has been hired and starts
September 3, 2019. Fred said Devin has approximately 6 years of experience as a working
arborist, working for Expert Tree Care, and a groundskeeper at the University of Montana and is
a climber. Fred said since the last meeting the number two arborist also gave notice and left the
city. Fred noted that as soon as Devin is on board staff would being hiring another arborist.
Fred noted at this time we have one seasonal working in forestry.
Fred said 5th Ave West, Main St N & 1" Ave EN are out for quotes, which are due at the end of
the week. Fred said he would like to see 5th Ave W pruned by October 15, while leaves are still
on the trees.
MiczrelInn Pn»c
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 5 : 05 pm
Minutes unanimously approved at September 11, 2019 meeting