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08-10-16 Street Tree Committee MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION MEETING HELD August 10, 2016 Present: Members: Andrea Davidson, Terry Richardson & Dave Jones Guests: Wendy Olson Hansen Staff: Fred Bicha The meeting was officially called to order at 4:00 pm by Andrea Davidson. Agenda Topics: Public Comment Approval of July minutes Tree Cycle Planning Misc. Business There was no public comment. Public Comment Approve Minutes Members unanimously approved July minutes. Current Business Tree Cycle 2016 Members reviewed and discussed status of planning efforts, where they are to date, what they need to prioritize and complete before next meeting, and specifics for the events. Fred reviewed the proposed route with members, stating the route heads to the west side first and then to the east side, both starting and ending at Central School Museum. Fred mentioned there is a different feel riding the west side versus the east side and noting it is harder to find noteworthy trees on the west side. Fred noted a handful of trees he has identified for the route, including both good and bad. Included in the stops at trees on the west side, there is a proposed stop at the FHS woods shop and a possible bicycle rodeo in the high school parking lot. Fred suggested the refreshments and water break happen at the high school. Fred and group discussed the possible trees stops and route on the east side. Members provided input on their knowledge of the trees and street traffic. Fred invited members to join him and Mark for a trial ride on the following Friday. Members commented on the positives of alternating the route and including the west side in the ride. Members stated that alternating the route and including both positive and negative aspects to meet the objective of the ride, which is making citizens more aware of the urban forest, making all aspects of the forest more visual and educating the public. Members agreed that asking Steve Quigley to speak again to right tree right place, under power lines is a good idea and a good repeat presentation. Andrea suggested someone speak to Glacier Bank about promoting the ride. Discussion was held about different starting points, possibly keeping the route completely on the west side and intersection crossings. Fred informed the group that Mark talked to Wheatons, who are still considering partnering and will be getting back to him. Fred said Margaret the owner of Wheatons cannot attend this year, however may send an employee. Mark plans on talking to Sportsman about partnering. Partnerships with these businesses is being sought to assist with bike repairs, intersection controls and possible bike demos. Fred stated he was going to work on the brochure, utilizing last years as a starting point. Wendy presented examples of the printing materials she can provide through the county. Fred presented to the group the poster Barb drafted. Members took a few minutes to discuss, edit and make suggested changes to the poster. Wendy agreed to work on facilitating the bike rodeo with assistance from Mark. Fred said he will ask Officer Dennis Bain to deliver a bicycle safety presentation at the beginning of the ride, and also will ask if he's interested in riding with and assisting with intersection crossings. Fred said he will contact the property owner at 1005 3ra Ave West regarding the 50/50 cost share program and inquire if he's interested in another that could possibly be incorporated into the ride. Fred said he has emailed Ben at the FHS woods shop regarding the event. Wendy offered the donation of bottled water with buckle up stickers. Fred asked members to look at the tree list, go look at them and pick a tree to speak about on the ride. It was noted that the September meeting would be devoted to finalizing details. Misc. Business: The group discussed tree watering and the use of Bayer for treatment of tree problems and the total wellbeing of a tree. Fred asked members if they would be open to attending two meetings next month, as the urban forest management plan consultant wants to meet with them, however the regular meeting is an important meeting for final planning of the Tree Cycle event. Everyone agreed to an additional Wednesday meeting on September 21, 2016. David mentioned that Whitefish is looking at revising their tree ordinance. There was no other business and the meeting adjourned at 5:02 pm. Next meeting scheduled for September 14, 2016. Minutes approved unanimously by the Street Tree Committee September 14, 2016.