10-14-15 Street Tree Committee MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION
MEETING HELD October 14, 2015
Present: Members: Dave Jones, Andrea Davidson, Bette Albright, Marcus Grail
Staff. Fred Bicha and Lisa Simmer
Guests: Terry Richmond and Dusty Gage
The meeting was officially called to order at 4:01 pm by Andrea Davidson.
Agenda Topics:
Public Comment
Approval — September minutes
Debrief on Tree Cycle
Debrief on Recycling Drive — Trees to Paper to Trees
Species List
Public Comment
There was no one present and/or comment from the public.
Approve Minutes
Andrea asked for revisions to the minutes, changing a few words to clarify her comments
suggesting the Arbor Day celebration be at the Middle School. Members approved September
minutes unanimously, with revisions.
Old Business
Recycling Drive — Trees to Paper to Trees:
Dave gave an overview of the recycling drive that was held on October 3, 2015 at the
fairgrounds. Dave stated there was a fair turnout; there were quite a few volunteers from the
middle school, however it seemed like there was a lot less cardboard and paper. Dave said he
thinks that the recycling drive may be losing its pizazz. Dave noted that Pacific Recycling will
still be donating their bins and time, however will not be paying out on paper or cardboard, with
only the aluminum bringing in money. Dave reviewed the amounts collected as:
paper: 10,480 lbs
cardboard: 1,000 lbs
aluminum: 211 lbs = $69.63
The group discussed the pros and cons of the recycling drive and if they should continue it and
what the future of the drive is. Discussion included:
Bette thinks the Middle school kids and the sixth grade teachers who are committed to the drive
would be disappointed if the drives were canceled. However Bette said she does agree with
Dave that it is losing its momentum and it might be time to look at other options. Bette said
maybe we need to keep the drive, just make some changes to it, and explore ideas things such as
shredding. Bette suggested that maybe it's time to do something completely different, as 20
years of doing the same thing does get old and she is open to change.
Members discussed the fact that there are now a lot of recycling containers in various locations
which wasn't the case in the past and these containers allow the community to recycle frequently
and conveniently.
Andrea mentioned that it appears the function of the committee has changed, with new projects
having been added. Andrea suggested the group look at ways to encourage aluminum can
donation, with possible placement of bins around the community. Andrea did state she is aware
of the amount of garbage that would accumulate. Terry mentioned that sorting would be a major
effort. Fred suggested that the idea of getting public works to donate a small container or two
and the possible fabricating of a small hole that only allowed for cans. Fred mentioned that high
schoolers could paint the cans to draw attention to them. Terry stated that this type of collection
would infringe on the businesses that place recycling bins at various locations around town. The
group discussed the value of the drive as a community service, considering there are other
recycling options for the public and the small amount of revenue coming in. Marcus reviewed
comments made by the members and suggested that Andrea's question of "what is it the group
hopes to accomplish" is the question that would best be answered to determine future projects.
Andrea questioned if the small amount of approximately $150 per year in revenue wasn't made,
would we see a difference in what we could or could not accomplish, to which Fred replied no.
Terry mentioned that from an outside perspective the drive does seem to be an incredible
community service and he mentioned that possibly other organizations might want to sponsor the
event. Terry suggested the group consider approaching Flathead Solid Waste District as a
partner, noting they give over $10,000 annually to the Waste Not Project. It was agreed that the
next meeting would include strategic planning, so the group could formulate a plan of what they
want to accomplish, which may help determine the future of the recycling drive.
Current Business
MT Tree City 2016
Dave announced that Kalispell has been nominated for the Montana Tree City 2016 award and
grant monies. Dave passed around the plaque that the city had received at the Montana League
of Cities and Towns. Dave explained staff wrote a grant application to be considered and eight
applications were received and there are three finalists: Roundup, Kalispell and Butte.
Dave said the winner gets $10,000 to help with the Arbor Day celebration which the governor
will attend. Dave explained that the governor will be picking the winner from the three finalists.
Marcus asked for an explanation of the criteria for which the applications are judged, for future
reference. Dave provided an explanation of the criteria for judging and also explained that the
monies will not all be allocated for Arbor Day, as the project application includes other funded
components. Dave complimented KPR staff for submitting well written easy to understand grant
applications.
Tree Cycle Event Debrief:
The group briefly discussed the Tree Cycle event, noting there were approximately 35 people in
attendance. Andrea stated she feels the event has a lot of potential and aside from the event
itself, there is potential for people to bike or walk the tour on their own using the brochure. Fred
informed the group that we do have brochures on hand for customers and will be getting some to
the Chamber of Commerce. It was agreed by all that the educational component was presented
well. Dusty was thanked for his impressive tree climbing presentation. Andrea suggested we
might incorporate a bike ride into the Arbor Celebration in some way, possibly at Hedges. There
was discussion about holding it a few weeks later next time when the leaves have turned color
more. Andrea suggested that next year we take concern with terminology regarding boulevard
trees with respect to ownership and promoting understanding that they are technically city trees,
however residents and community have "ownership" in the street trees and they are for everyone
to enjoy and care for. Marcus thanked Fred for his vision, and follow through that made this
event happen.
Species List:
Dave asked Fred if he received all the information he had requested from members to which Fred
replied he was still waiting on the growth rates from most members. Members discussed various
appropriate species, sizes and zones (5A in town and 5B just outside of town). Terry suggested
minimizing the list to achieve more of a consistency of species, although recognizes it makes the
city vulnerable. Discussion was held on achieving a balance to plantings and being proactive on
proper tree/proper placement, symmetry and site considerations such as powerlines, sidewalks,
driveways, etc. The topic was tabled for the next agenda.
Misc. Business
Daily Inter Lake
Andrea suggested that the group create a list of article topics and she would draft up multiple
articles to have in reserve that could be revised and submitted as needed and when appropriate.
Andrea said she would like writing assistance from others if they were willing, as her schedule
doesn't always allow time to work on this project. Fred suggested that each member write one
article to spread the work load out. Members discussed the possibility of a column. Andrea
reviewed a list of possible topics and offered to compile a topics list that she would email to
members for consideration and input. Members were encouraged to assist and write an article on
a topic.
Group Input
Marcus suggested that the next meeting be a two hour meeting to tackle strategic planning. Dave
suggested that a subcommittee could work on that project outside of the regular meetings. Fred
stated he felt the board members could meet without staff if need be and could accomplish lots
via email beforehand. Bette suggested meetings could go to 5:30 and members could see what
they could accomplish in that timeframe. No decision was made.
The meeting adjourned at 5:02 pm.
Next meeting scheduled for November 11, 2015
Minutes approved unanimously by the Street Tree Committee November 9, 2015.