10-11-11 Street Tree MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION
MEETING HELD October 11, 2011 --- 4:00 p.m.
Present: Bette Albright, Andrea Davidson, Dawn Tacke, David Jones, Rebecca Bodnar, Chad
Fincher and Lisa Simmer.
Next Meeting Date:
November 8, 2011 - 4 PM — Kalispell Parks and Recreation
Items of Discussion:
• Trees To Paper To Trees Recycling Drive Recap
• Boulevard Tree Species List
• Growth Award Criteria & Mission Statement
• Miscellaneous Business
Trees to Paper to Trees Recycling Drive
Bette gave a report on the fall drive. She presented clippings of the ads and the thank you note
ad printed in the Daily Interlake. Bette stated all thank you's to sponsors and volunteers had
been written.
Lisa distributed a spreadsheet identifying amounts collected at this drive and past drives.
It was noted the September 24, 2011 recycling drive collected 10,400 lbs of newspaper, 1,400 lbs
of cardboard and 141 lbs of aluminum cans. To date only proceeds ($81.78) for the aluminum
have been received, as the aluminum is dropped off by parks crews and collected on the spot.
Discussion was held regarding the drive and the following comments noted:
• Amounts were down, however vary from drive to drive and the sunny warm weather may
have resulted in people out grabbing a last bit of summer instead of recycling.
• Daily Interlake repeatedly refer to event as paper drive in their ads and quite a number of
citizens commented they didn't know we took other recyclables. Bette will talk with DIL
and ask them to refer to it as "Paper and Recycling Drive".
• The separate containers for collection of plastic grocery bags was a good addition and
will be utilized in the future.
• Being moved to another location generates comments from citizens that the drive is
harder to find. It is understood by group that the fairgrounds providing the use of their
site means compromise when they need to move the drive to a different location on site,
to accommodate other events.
• Dawn told Bette that other members of the group are more than willing to assist with the
duties she currently does for the drive, should she like to delegate.
The date for the next recycling drive was TENTATIVELY set for April 14, 2011. This could
change based on other factors (spring break, Easter, etc.)
Rebecca informed the group that unfortunately she misses the drives because they consistently
fall on the same days both spring and fall as her Toastmasters events.
Boulevard Tree Species List
Chad presented handouts of the current KPR approved boulevard tree species list. He explained
that it is an old, very narrow species list and he is working towards expanding it. The list is
available on the city website. Chad noted he would like to expand the list to include a large
variety of species, with I&D (insect and disease) spacing and growth information (utility line and
clear vision triangle appropriate trees) and pictures.
Rebecca asked if all trees on the new list will also be deciduous. Chad provided an explanation
of why deciduous trees are the best, identifying the sight and pruning issues with non-decidious
trees planted in boulevards.
Growth Award Criteria & Mission Statement
Lisa reminded the group of a growth award criteria informational sheet she had handed out
previously with the thought that the group might like to develop or facilitate a new project that
meets the identified criteria.
Lisa informed the group that it was suggested at the Choteau Tree Retreat, that Street Tree
Commission boards have their own mission statement. She proposed the group consider this and
discuss it at future meetings if it was that was something they wanted to develop.
Miscellaneous Business
Lisa stated she is working on a grant proposal that will be presented to Mike for approval.
Should it be approved and grant funding awarded, the Street Tree Commission members will
have duties pertaining to the project and their time would be utilized as in -kind match.
David Jones mentioned that Jamie Kirby of DNRC felt the recently submitted Kalispell Urban
Forest tree value total was high. Chad replied this is a multiplier built into the TreeWorks
software, not a value placed by parks employee(s). Chad assured David that he would follow up
with this issue and contact the TreeWorks IT support staff Additionally, David inquired if staff
is spot checking the inventory. Chad explained that spot checking and updating of inventory is
happening through work order requests which include removals, pruning and plantings. Chad
said it is understood that the inventory will need updating within 2 — 3 years and that is a goal of
the Parks Department. Chad further explained that there are still trees that need to be added to
the inventory. These trees include areas where right-of-ways are questionable and the Public
Works office helps to determine and also the parks. He noted that at this time, short staffing
does not allow for an individual to be devoted strictly to the urban forest and the inventory.
Andrea asked whether Kalispell is planting Liberty Elms (such as Great Falls) in boulevards.
Chad said he knew there was now a hybrid Elm being planted on the East Coast and possibly this
is the Liberty Elm. Staff is going to research the Liberty Elm tree species and will report back to
the committee. Chad informed the group he is still trying to get a Tulip tree for planting in a
park as a tester tree.
The importance of the KPR attempts at planting a variety of trees and the process of educating
the public was discussed. The group agreed it is a continual goal of members and staff to
educate the public on the importance of diverse species planting and adequate watering. Lisa
showed the group a recently developed door hanger that is being distributed by park crews and
contract planners for new plantings, explaining the importance of proper care. David Jones
suggested the tree planting cost be added to the hanger to educate people on the amount of
money it takes to plant a single tree and hopefully encourage the necessary care.
Chad updated the group on the Dutch Elm disease removal project, which includes his current
reevaluation of inventoried American Elms in right-of-ways. Chad reported he recently
remarked 60 trees for removal, some of which had green life the last go around but have died
quickly. He said crews will begin removal of these trees as soon as the urban forestry work
season begins. He estimates at current staffing levels approximately 25 — 30 trees will be
removed during the regular removal season.
The next meeting was scheduled for November 8, 2011 - 4 PM — Kalispell Parks and Recreation.
There was no other business and the meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m.