11-09-16 Street Tree Committee MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION
MEETING HELD November 9, 2016
Present: Members: Andrea Davidson, Dave Jones, Tony Nelson
Staff: Fred Bicha, & Lisa Simmer
The meeting was officially called to order at 4:00 pm by Dave Jones.
Agenda Topics:
Public Comment
Approval of September 2016 minutes
2017 Work Plan
Urban Forest Management Plan
Misc. Business
There was no public comment.
Public Comment
Approve Minutes
Members unanimously approved September minutes.
Current Business
2017 Work Plan Development
Fred distributed copies of the committee's 2016 work plan for review on accomplishments, what
didn't get completed and as a basis for the groups to begin thinking and working on their 2017
work plan.
Dave asked for specifics regarding the recently received Gold Leaf Award. Fred explained it
was awarded from the ISA Rocky Mountain Chapter made up on four states; Montana, Colorado,
New Mexico and Wyoming. Fred noted the award is one of two given in the four state region
based on best Arbor Day celebrations.
The group reviewed their mission statement, including the purpose, vision, mission and strategy.
Members reviewed the listing of goals and tasks from 2016, discussing which were met and
which were not completed, what worked well, what might either be eliminated or put on the
2017 work plan. Members decided to revisit the newspaper tree articles. Various suggestions
for next year's Tree Cycle were made including: hosting it from Lawrence Park and traveling
the East North neighborhood, looking at golf course trees, possibly having the grounds keeper at
KGA touring the Arbor Day plantings, continually including a tree planting if possible, and
always having a KPD bicycle officer for traffic control, if possible.
Recycling program possibilities and pros and cons were discussed with Fred stating he would
check into different options and report back to the group.
Arbor Day was briefly discussed, as a part of the 2017 work plan. Fred read comments
submitted by Barb suggesting that the group develop additional curriculum to be given to
teachers regarding the importance of trees and city parks. Barb also suggested the group
considering developing a program with rural schools, Kalispell Middle School or high school
classes where they could adopt the park. Barb suggested as a part of this program the students
learn the history of the park(s), help clean the park(s) or complete park projects and the board
could participate in celebrating with this groups in May. Hosting Arbor Day at Woodland Park
was discussed, as was the KYAC as a possible location.
Misc. Business:
Members briefly discussed various fundraising ideas and noted they will revisit this topic at
future meetings.
Lisa asked members to fill out new volunteer forms for updating of information.
Members were offered posters for offices promoting Not Moving Wood.
There was no other business and the meeting adjourned at 5:07 pm.
Next meeting scheduled for December 14, 2016.
Minutes approved unanimously by the Street Tree Committee December 14, 2016.