09-10-13 Street Tree MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION
MEETING HELD September 10, 2013
Present: Bette Albright, David Jones, Andrea Davidson, Rebecca Bodnar, Brock Anderson, Lisa
Simmer, Chad Fincher and Mike Baker
Absent: Marshall Dressel
Next Meeting Date: October 8th — 4 p.m. Parks Department
The meeting was officially called to order at 4:04 pm by Bette Albright. Members introduced
themselves and welcomed recently appointed Brock Anderson to the board.
Agenda Topics:
Approval of April & May minutes
Prep for Trees To Paper To Trees Recycling Drive
Town Pump Tree Planting Update
Ordinance Review
Cochran Tree Removal & Replacement Request
Old Business
There were no omissions or corrections to the May or April minutes. Andrea Davidson made a
motion to accept both set of minutes, seconded by Rebecca Bodnar. All members voted in favor of
accepting April and May 2013 minutes.
Bette asked Lisa to brief the group on the status of the Northwest Energy Grant that had been an
agenda item on the April minutes. Lisa stated that she had never heard back from NW Energy and
the allotted time for awarding grants had passed. David informed the group that NW Energy had
issued their grant funding and he had an email noting successful projects and would send it on to
Lisa. When questioned, Lisa stated that the city had asked for $4,000 with a $2,000 grant match for
planting the residential tree boulevard requests. Lisa further noted that due to the urban forestry
assessment not passing and the $6,000 in related printing and mailing costs the city would not be
planting any boulevard requested trees in 2013. As the group was unaware of all the particulars of
the proposed assessment, they asked that this topic be put on the next agenda for discussion and
review, should it be proposed in the future.
Current Business
Trees To Paper To Trees Recycling Drive
Preparations, duties and responsibilities for the September 28, 2013 recycling drive were discussed
and agreed upon. Volunteers from Kalispell Middle School are lined up and high school volunteers
are invited however not expected to attend. All other preparations are in place and members were
reminded to bring gloves and chairs. Brock was encouraged to bring any students from his high
school shop class that would like to help out or need community service hours. Bette informed the
group that there is a Health Fair going on in the building we've been using the past few years and the
location of the drive will need to shift to one area or another. Discussion was held regarding what
location might work best. Bette will determine an exact location and set up upon further discussion
with the fairgrounds. The group may need to make additional signs on site due to this adjustment.
Town Pump Update
Due to previous interest and inquiries from a board member, Mike briefed the group on the Town
Pump site on Idaho and 5th Ave boulevard tree plantings. Mike provided a bit of background on the
site, noting that Town Pump did a remodel a number of years ago and through that process was
required by the city to plant trees in the boulevards. At that time Town Pump enlarged boulevards,
planted trees and grass. He stated at a later date Town Pump added the car wash and during that time
replaced trees along Washington as a part of that project. They've had some problems with trees
dying. Andrea noted Town Pump had cut the trees off some time ago. Mike said that was due to tree
mortality, according to the manager who Mike has met with twice. Mike stopped to talk to the
manager who had ordered trees and made arrangements to work with Flathead Industries to plant
trees. Mike believes they planted 8 crabs at 20' spacings. Mike stated that Chad had given him a
packet with planting specifications and by the time Mike delivered them to Town Pump, they had
already had the trees planted. Mike said they have rock in the circles and the manager stated that is
the same as what they had originally and asked for input from members on what they remembered.
Andrea stated they did not have mulch and Chad stated they had the 6" rings around without any
mulch. Andrea asked for verification regarding if the trees were planted to deep. It was explained
that the root collar is below the rock and this may or may not kill the tree, however the rock is in
violation of the landscaping ordinance. Mike stated he had stopped and talked to the manager
Ramone and is working with Ramone regarding the rock. Mike explained he feels the key to this
whole site is that Town Pump replaced the trees at their own cost and are committed to making sure
they live and have agreed to replace the trees if they die. Upon members questioning, Mike did
assure them that Town Pump is required to remove the rock and he would be following up.
Andrea suggested the board look for ways to educate the public regarding correct plantings, care,
rock in boulevard issues and violations. Andrea suggested the group consider writing articles to be
approved by Parks staff in a means to be a more proactive board and get the word out there to
individuals, businesses and groups such as Flathead Industries. Andrea stated that she felt the board
would be glad to help distribute this information, to help spread the word in an attempt to increase
the chances that trees survive. Andrea used as an example the articles the Audubon has published in
the Daily Interlake. The group agreed that timing could be important and that spring and fall would
be appropriate. Andrea said she would be glad to begin writing an article to bring back to the group
for review.
Ordinance Review
Members agreed that due to a lack of time left in the meeting they would move the ordinance review
to the next meeting. It was noted that at this time it will be a full review of the draft from start to
finish. It was suggested that members take copies home with them and start reviewing in their spare
time for any errors, concerns, typos, etc and come to the next meeting with marked up copies.
Miscellaneous Business
Cochran Tree Removal & Replacement Request
Chad explained to the group that he was bringing to the group a request from a resident who would
like to have a viable poplar boulevard tree removed. The homeowner has tried a number of ways to
deal with the suckers/runners the tree sends up across her yard. Chad noted that the city right-of-way
extends back quite a distance on this sight, almost within 8' of the residence front door and the tree is
just within the city right-of-way so it does appear that the tree is "in their yard" however technically
it is a city tree. Chad stated he did look at the tree and because it is viable it is not a tree the city
would remove, especially in light of Dutch Elm disease and numerous dead trees that are priority.
Chad noted that a poplar is not an approved boulevard species. Chad said in discussions with Mike
that they feel that the proper way to handle this case is to allow the homeowner to remove the tree at
her expense, with the agreement that she will plant a replacement tree of approved size and species,
also at her expense. Additionally, he explained that staff would determine the value of the tree and
that would weigh into the equation. Possibly the homeowner would need to buy two trees to balance
the value lost and the secondary tree could be planted on the avenue side of the property where DED
elms have been removed. It was explained that the owners would be required to show proof of
tree(s) purchase before giving permission to remove the poplar.
Further discussion was held requiring past requests and permissions given similar to this request.
The group agreed that the value of the tree and validity of the complaint are important determining
factors when reviewing requests to remove viable trees. It was noted that the board will not be
making a decision or determination on this request; instead it was brought to their attention to keep
the group informed should they be questioned by the public and because they act as the urban forest
ears and eyes.
Miscellaneous
David brought to the attention of the group a new DNRC Montana School Releaf project. This
project will provide status recognition for schools and grant funding at later dates for schools who
have maintained this status. He suggested that members inform school teachers they might know in
case they are interested. Lisa said she would send out the website link to members so they could
forward the information. David also informed the group of a training session in Dillion. David noted
there is a fee, however interested tree board members are invited to go and can search for it and
register online. David promoted additional DNRC grants both current and upcoming.
Brock explained to the group that he is the instructor of the woodshop classes at Flathead High
School. Buck stated that by the end of the year his classes will have made almost 150 benches from
recycled American Elm he has gotten from the city. Buck informed the group that if they know of
people who are saddened by the loss of the elms and would like to complete a woodworking project
from the recycled wood, to please send them his way and he would make sure it happens.
The meeting adjourned at 4:54 pm
Approved by the Street Tree Committee, October 8, 2013