01-14-14 Street Tree MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION
MEETING HELD JANUARY 14, 2014
Present: Members: Bette Albright, Andrea Davidson, David Jones, Brock Anderson,
Rebecca Bodnar, and Lance Isaak
Staff. Lisa Simmer and Chad Fincher
The meeting was officially called to order at 4:05 pm by Bette Albright.
Agenda Topics:
New Chairperson
Daily Interlake article
UCF Grants Webinar
Miscellaneous
Old Business
There were no omissions or corrections to the December minutes. All members voted in favor of
accepting the December minutes.
New Chairperson
Bette reminded the group that per discussions last year it was time to seek a new chairperson for
2014. David offered to be Chairperson and Andrea offered to be Vice -Chair in the event of his
absence. All members were in favor.
Terms and Vacant Positions
Lisa reminded Andrea that her term expires in April and asked if she would please submit a letter
seeking a continued position. Chad mentioned that vacant positions will soon be advertised.
There will be a Street Tree opening with Rebecca leaving.
Daily Interlake Tree Article
The group discussed the need to begin work on the second "spring" article to submit to the Daily
Interlake. It was agreed the topics should be planting, species selection, placement and new tree
care. Lisa and Chad will supply information to Andrea who offered to work on this and bring a
draft to the next meeting. Discussion of materials Andrea needs prompted discussion of
updating the species list. This project had been discussed in the past acknowledging that
Kalispell's list needs updating with more species, pictures, etc., and that perhaps this would
make a good committee project. It was decided that this project and the proposed urban forestry
management plan project will both be put on the next agenda for discussion and decisions on
how to proceed forward. Staff will bring tree brochures and examples of species lists from other
towns for the groups review at the next meeting.
Rebecca's Resignatio
Rebecca informed the group that she has resigned from her job (and the board) and will be
moving to Carsen City, Nevada. The group wished her well, thanked her for all of her dedication
and hard work on the board and acknowledged she will be greatly missed.
UCF Grants Webinar
Lisa reminded the group that the UCF Grants Webinar is scheduled for January 22nd. Lisa noted
it is a requirement of the DNRC program development grant specifying a volunteer participate in
the webinar. Lance agreed to replace Rebecca who had volunteered earlier. Lisa said all
members are welcome to participate in the webinar and staff will be participating.
Miscellaneous Business
M1gCellaneolls
Chad wanted the group to know that the maintenance man for the KM building came over to
discuss de-icers and protecting trees. This gentleman showed sincere interest in passing the
word to others in the city about the importance of using environmentally friendly product and
procedures to protect the downtown trees. Lisa suggested the group send a thank you to Bill
Goodman in acknowledgement of their care and concern.
Chad informed the group that crews removed the American Elm at Central School Museum. He
stated the tree was 20' taller than the the bucket truck's reach, however he credited Cody and the
rest of the crew with safely rigging it and getting the job done, without causing any damage.
Chad said crews got the logs, (estimated weighing 3000 — 4000 lbs a piece) over to Brock at FHS
Woods Shop. Chad noted this tree was the tallest public American Elm in Kalispell. Chad said
that Brock is cutting up wood for a citizen who will be making a violin from the wood and
donating it to the museum.
Chad briefly explained to the members that Parks & Recreation employees chipped in and
bought Mike Baker a gun built out of American Elm wood. Chad explained that the gun
manufacturer donated the stock, with the employee's money being used to pay for the bolt and
action. Chad stated this is another way one of the citizen's receiving wood has given back to
KPR. Chad said he is continually fielding calls from people wanting the elm wood, however at
this time the majority of it is going to the high school. Chad said callers are very understandable
of the school getting most of it. Brock has estimated that this partnership has saved the school
$6000 in supply costs and as this program is in its second year, the total savings to the school
amounts to approximately $12,000. Brock mentioned a grant he is working on to acquire a
pelletizer and mulcher to create pellets from the wood waste. If successful the school would be
able to sell these pellets to benefit FHS.
Chad responded when questioned that he is hoping crews will be able to remove 40 DED trees
this year. Chad stated 40 DED removals is the goal, however if weather permits they could
possibly remove 50 of the 110 that should come out sooner than later.
Chad notified the group that the city manager had signed the DNRC grant agreement and two
Trimbles will be ordered soon. Chad provided a brief description of these handheld devices and
how they will improve inventory and maintenance input into the TreeWorks inventory database.
Chad explained that the majority of public trees are inventoried, with the exception of highly
wooded areas in Woodland and Lawrence Park and a couple of other locations, thanks to DNRC.
Chad said the Arbor Day celebration will include use of the Trimbles at both the elementary
location and a project with the Linderman Learning Center math and science programs to
inventory the Conrad Mansion and Heritage Park trees. Lisa reiterated to the group that their
time all counts towards in -kind and any of their time spent involving the Trimbles will be used as
in -kind on this grant project.
The next meeting was scheduled for February 11, 2014, 4 pm.
The meeting adjourned at 4:51 pm.
Minutes approved by the Street Tree Committee, February 11, 2014