04-09-11 Street Tree MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION
MEETING HELD April 9, 2011 - 4:00 p.m.
Present: Bette Albright, Andrea Davidson, David Jones, Rebecca Bodnar, Lisa Simmer and
Chad Fincher
Next Meeting Date:
May 24, 2011 — 4 p.m. Parks Department
Items of Discussion:
• Trees To Paper To Trees Recycling Drive Recap
• Council Presentation — Tree City USA & Arbor Day Proclamation
• Arbor Day — April 29th 2011
• ARRA grant (DED) status update
• Next meeting date change request
• Mountain Pine Beetle Presentation offer
Trees To Paper To Trees Recycling Drive Recap
Bette gave a report on the spring drive. She noted collections of 14,060 lbs of newspapers and
2180 lbs of cardboard. Lisa reported that parks crews delivered 303 lbs of aluminum and
received $160.59. Additionally, the elderly gentleman who the group collected numerous front
page articles for donated $20.00. Bette did not have revenue amounts from drive yet.
Bette will be working with the Daily Interlake on the thank you ad to all sponsors. Bette asked
for input from members regarding their thoughts on how the drive went and what changes or
improvements could be made.
Rebecca suggested that the plastics be improved. She suggested that we find out exactly what
plastics can be taken by Pacific and how they would like it sorted. Chad suggested the
possibility of using 90 gallon roll outs for sorting and a Tommy Lift to put them back in the
truck; however it was noted this could result in additional work load for city employees. Chad
said he wasn't sure it was really easier and would think more on this for the fall recycling drive.
Lisa noted that all information leaving the parks department does ask the public to sort their
recyclables. The group will continue to work towards educating the public on the importance of
sorting.
Andrea suggested caution tape between the candles is vital to help to keep traffic flowing in the
correct pattern. More discussion among members suggested an exit only sign. Andrea said she
would be glad to help with laminated bin signs.
Bette noted the high school students were a really good group and she'd be sure to mention that
in her thank you. Bette mentioned that Rick from Pacific Recycling suggested to her that she
talk to Centurylink and discuss getting their old/unused phone books to add to our drive, to add
to weight and proceeds. Group discussion included the need for Centurylink to bring the
phonebooks to the drive in order for the group to get proceeds. Bette will go back to Centurylink
and talk to Melanie (who is on vacation) in a couple of weeks and report back to the group.
Phonebooks are not available until May, so possibly the outdated phonebooks would be available
for the fall drives.
It was noted that the amount of snacks, pizza and pop were just about perfect. Lisa stated that
the pizza donation from Pizza Hut amounts to $60. Chad mentioned that he has been working
with Target on volunteering on a project. He informed the group that Target wants to help with a
recycling drive, however needs as big a lead time as possible. Bette told Chad she will know the
next drive date by summer time, possibly the next meeting and will let him know as soon as she
knows.
Bette mentioned that the Merlins people came by and didn't have a work crew, however are still
interested in helping with a drive. Lisa suggested that as soon as we have fall recycling drive
date, emails be sent to both Target and Merlins.
Arbor Day Proclamation and Tree City USA Flag Presentation
Lisa spoke to the council presentation and Arbor Day proclamation, relaying the Mayor's request
that Bette read the Arbor Day proclamation. It was decided that Andrea would read the Tree
City USA speech in Bette's place. David brought the flag, plague accessories and entry portal
sign stickers for presentation to council. Dawn noted she is not able to attend the Monday night
council meetings.
Arbor Day 2011
Bette noted that Arbor Day will be coming up on the last Friday in April, (29th) and will be at
Russell School, with the two third grade classrooms. Bette briefly explained the event to
members. Bette did not have the agenda with her, however will get it to Lisa, who will distribute
it to members, the media and parks customers. Bette and David both brought items to be stuffed
into the litter bags. Dawn has volunteered to take litter bags home with her and stuff 45 bags.
Bette informed the group that Plum Creek is not able to supply the seedlings this year, however
Dave assured her DNRC would be able to. Bette will bring seedlings to the event and seedlings
will be put in bags that day at the school.
David asked Parks Staff if there were any other projects planned for that day. Lisa and Chad
explained that they are planning on utilizing volunteers to plant 5 Sioux Land Poplars in the
entrance to Lawrence Park. At this time, there is not a definite group in place. David
volunteered to help with this planting if Russell School is covered and help is needed.
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Next Meeting Date
The group decided to change next month's meeting date to May 24, 2011 to accommodate
schedules.
ARRA Grant (DED) Status Update
Chad explained to the group that the ARRA federal stimulus grant received an additional $4000
and some odd dollars to continue the Dutch Elm disease removal project. The additional funding
will allow for the removal and stumping of six medium sized trees and replacement of six trees.
Aspen Urban Forestry will be starting on this project tomorrow and will be finished by Monday
of next week. The removal locations are at the 2nd Ave East — 600 block and 4th Ave East — 1100
block. Chad explained that replacement species have not been determined yet. He will go out
with Doepker and determine what is best for the location based on surrounding tree plantings.
Mountain Pine Beetle Presentation Offer
Chad presented an email he received that day from Don Fowler, Forestry Consultant from
Victoria BC. Mr. Fowler is going to be traveling through Montana in May and wondered if
anyone was interested in a short pine beetle seminar. David noted that we do not have the big
pine beetle problem right in the immediate location that other areas such as Helena and other
communities are seeing. Chad suggested that as the city has very few fir trees in city boulevards
or large stands of fir trees, it is perhaps a better offer for the county or forest service. Chad will
forward the email and attachments to Dave for his consideration. Dave noted there is a pine
beetle presentation planned for Helena; however he would look at the email. Dave explained to
the group that basically thinning out a stand of trees, opening up the canopy and allowing for
more moisture to the trees is the preventive method for pine beetle infestation.
Miscellaneous Tree Talk
David suggested the city look at planting a ginkgo and Chad explained staff has ordered both a
gingko and a tulip tree. The tulip tree will be planted at Woodland Park with the hopes that it
will be a bit warmer in the ravine. There is a question of the zone and if this is a good zone for
it, so this will be a test tree.
Chad explained to board members the importance of diversifying the tree species being planted
to avoid future problems related to have one majority species. Chad explained that at this time
he is working on expanding the boulevard species planting list to help with this diversification.
He noted the gingko tree sounds promising because it doesn't suffer from tree diseases.
The group briefly discussed various tree topics; trees under power lines, replacement of trees
near County complex when road is widened, the cottonwoods of Choteau, etc.
There was no other business and the meeting adjourned at 4:59 p.m.
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