05-20-13 Street Tree MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION
MEETING HELD May 20, 2013
Present: Bette Albright, David Jones, Lisa Simmer and Chad Fincher
Excused: Marshall Dressel, Rebecca Bodnar, Andrea Davidson
Next Meeting Date: July 9th — 4 p.m. Parks Department
The meeting was officially called to order at 4:04 pm by Bette Albright.
Agenda Topics:
• Old Business
Approval of April minutes
Review of Trees To Paper To Trees Recycling Drive
Review of Arbor Day
Tree City USA presentation to council
"Tree Lady" Bette Albright article
Current Business
Board letter of support for NW Energy Grant
Ordinance Review
Upcoming Meetings
Old Business
There were no omissions or corrections to the April minutes, however as there was not a quorum
the minutes will be approved at the next meeting.
Current Business
Spring Trees to Paper To Trees Recycling Drive — April 13, 2013
The group reviewed and noted the recycling drive amounts and proceeds:
Newspaper: 13,740 lbs
Cardboard: 2,418 lbs
Cans: 271 lbs
Total: 16, 429 lbs Total Revenue: $296.28
It was noted that to date the drives have taken in $12,278.95 and 788,806 lbs of recycling. It was
once again agreed that the recycling drive is a worthwhile event. Bette informed the group that
she thinks we will be losing the high school volunteers as there was only one student and the
advisors. She noted the number of high school volunteers has been dwindling due to conflicts in
their schedules, whereas the number of JR high volunteers has increased greatly. It was agreed
by all that the JR High volunteers and advisors are doing a great job and are an enthusiastic
group. Bette stated she has conversations with all advisors and feels future drives will be
Approved by Street Tree Committee: September loth, 2013.
predominately the JR high students. High school volunteers will still be invited, as all volunteers
(Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, MCC) are welcome to participate.
Bette informed the group she completed Thank You's and submitted all the Daily Interlake ads
including the Thank You ad to sponsors and volunteers. Bette noted that the Thank You ad
includes the next drive date of September 29, 2013.
Arbor Dav Proclamation & Tree Citv USA Council Presentation — ADril 15. 2013
Bette expressed thanks to Dave and Andrea for helping out at the presentation to council. She
noted Andrea did a really nice job reading the presentation.
Arbor Day — April 26, 2013
Discussion was held and it was agreed that Arbor Day was a resounding success and combining
the Elrod Students with the seniors from The Elms apartment was a good plan that worked
extremely well. The group was thoroughly pleased with the sunshine, the press, and the interest
and attitudes of Elrod faculty and The Elms residents. Bette stated she sent Bert LaValley (Elms
resident) a thank you for the 150 cookies she baked for everyone present. The group thanked
Dave for sending replacement Rick Moore, DNRC, who filled in very nicely.
Dave noted he went to Thompson Falls who are trying to get their Tree City USA certification
and are also looking at grant funding for tree planting projects.
Tree Lady Bette Albright article
The group reviewed the Daily Interlake article on Kalispell's Tree Lady Bette Albright. Bette
stated she was very surprised and pleased by Tom Lotshaw's interest and knowledge of urban
forests.
Board letter of support for NW Energy Grant
Lisa explained that she is working on a grant proposal application to NorthWestern Energy's
Charitable Giving Program. Lisa informed the group that she is seeking funds for a residential
tree planting partnership. Lisa thanked Chad and Dave for all the help they've provided with
proof reading and suggestions. Lisa distributed a copy of support from the Street Tree Board
that she drafted with the request that they review it, suggest changes and sign it if it meets their
approval. This letter would be included in the grant proposal packet. Both members present
approved of the letter, without changes and Bette signed it as the chairperson. David explained
that the project would consist of 20 contractor planted trees at locations where residents have
requested either replacement or new trees. Lisa stated that the city would be using a match of
$2,000 that is identified in the FY 13/14 budget. Lisa noted that she did state in the grant
proposal that either KPR staff and/or Street Tree Board members would make personal contact
follow ups with people receiving new trees, as a part of the project.
Approved by Street Tree Committee: September loth, 2013.
It was noted as a side note to this discussion that board members are welcome to carry the door
hangers in their vehicles, should they see a tree that isn't getting proper care and watering and
they want to stop and give a hanger to a property owner.
Ordinance Review
The group discussed Mike Baker's recommendation (section 4.02 Planting. 3 Location and
Spacing) to not specify 35% or an exact amount of a percentage of the resident's cost of tree
under a residential request. It was discussed that an exact amount would mean that any changes
would mean an amendment to the ordinance. It was decided to change language to "a percentage
as designated by the Director".
The group resumed review of the ordinance at Chapter VII — Public Protection.
The group reviewed section 7.01. Public Protection and decided to strike out language pertaining
to flashing signals, flares and barricades, as this is all covered under the next statement which
contains "The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices".
The group did not make any changes to sections 7.02 or 7.03. The opening paragraph of Chapter
VIII 8.02 was not changed with the exception of prior changes striking "of Parks and
Recreation" after each Director. After brief discussion the group, decided to strike out Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and replace with "the value of the tree" in regards to fines Under 8.02
Criminal Penalty.
This concluded the first review of the ordinance update as Chapter IX, 9.01 Effective Date
language would remain the same unless changed or updated by the city attorney.
Miscellaneous Business
David explained that he is trying to put together a booklet of trees for Northwest Montana.
David has asked KPR to help assist him in finding historical trees of various species. David
explained that he went to Libby and acquired a very nice list of trees there. The booklet will
include pictures and a brief description of each tree. Copies would be given to all cities for use
and distribution.
The group discussed whether or not to meet in the summer months. Historically, the group did
not meet during the summer, unless a special project warranted it. David stated summer
meetings are difficult for him due to forest fire season. It was decided the group will NOT meet
in June, however will have a meeting in July. At the July meeting, they will decide if they want
to meet in August.
The meeting adjourned at 4:54 pm
Approved by Street Tree Committee: September loth, 2013.