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06-14-17 Street Tree Committee MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMNHSSION MEETING HELD June 14, 2017 Present: Members: Andrea Davidson, Judy Rosenfeld -Cox, Barb Anderson, Rick Moore, Tony Nelson and Dave Jones Staff: Fred Bicha The meeting was officially called to order at 4:03 pm by Terry Richmond. There was no public comment. Public Comment Approve Minutes Andrea noted an error in the minutes in reference to Picnic In The Park, noting the minutes stated Tuesday lunch hour concerts, which should say Wednesday lunch hour concerts. It was requested Lisa make this correction. Members did not approve the May 2017 minutes. Current Business Picnic In The Park The group reviewed the Picnic In The Park schedule and discussed attending to promote the 50150 cost share and the urban forest. The group tentatively pinpointed the Tuesday nights of July 25' and August 8t'`, if other members not present can assist. It was reiterated that the group would be doing the night time concerts and not the lunch shows. Dave and Rick agreed to help coordinate logistics, tables, brochures, display boards, etc., at the next weekend to be prepared for the booths. Barb suggested a side table with coloring sheets for kids and the group agreed this is a good idea. Intmdncti nn s Members realized they had a new member and felt introductions and welcomes were in order. Each member introduced themselves. Dave provided a bit of his background and explained that even though he has resigned and Judy has taken his spot, he's still participating as a DNRC liaison. 50150 Cost Share Trees Rick said he's excited about checking in on the 50150 cost share trees that have been planted. Fred explained there are approximately 25 cost share trees planted a year over the past three years. Fred suggested that the list be divided by 7 and each person inspect the trees on their list. Fred suggested each person go and look at each tree, assess how it is doing, and carry the care/watering door hangers if needed. Fred told members they should report to him if anything something looks dire with the tree or needs to be done right away. Fred told members to check and see if tree has been watered or not, and if not knock on the door and give them a hanger or leave a hanger. The group discussed methods of tree care they could discuss with citizens. Fred provided members with the costs related to running a block ad in the Daily Inter Lake as requested. Fred stated he had talked to Frank Meile with the Daily Inter Lake about the past article submitted and Frank said they would try and run it in June. Fred had also told Frank he would like to run an article about tree watering in July and Frank seemed receptive to that. Fred suggested that possibly the group would not need to run an ad if they can get a tree watering article ran for free. Fred told members he is working on updating the door hanger and at the same time will work on the watering article. Andrea mentioned utilizing the KPR Facebook page to promote watering of trees. Members agreed to try and accomplish looking at all the trees by the next meeting and to report back. Tree Awards Fred suggested the group agree on a couple of categories for the awards. Discussion was held on how members will nominate and identify specifics for these awards. Fred provided an example of a tree planting project on the 700 block of 4' Ave East, he would like to nominate when the board is ready. Dave suggested that members look at and recognize the volunteers who planted trees at Arbor Day. Andrea reiterated Terry's previous comments about looking at awards for businesses who do a superior job at tree planting when they complete their landscaping projects. Dave suggested Montana Conservation Corp as being award worthy due to their numerous tree planting projects. Andrea suggested Facebook be used for recognition of nominees and/or awardees. Fred suggested three categories with catchy names and have three awards a year, with the people being recognized at city council. Members agreed that three categories and awards is appropriate. Tree Partnerships Fred explained that he thinks the intention of item on the work plan is to find a group to adopt certain areas of town and specifically take care of young trees. Fred said there might be a possibility of training the group to train prune small trees. Fred mentioned the Master Gardeners group as a possibility. Judy asked if anyone knew if the college has a group/class focused on trees. No one could specifically answer this question. Fred said he would work on identifying what work a partner group would work on and Andrea agreed to formulate a letter outlining the program and a list of possible groups. Misc Business Barb noted she had went to a sporting event at the complex and several people favorably mentioned the newly planted trees and plaques with school names. Dave suggested the group consider replacing dead trees in the roundabout memorial located near the DNRC office. Fred said he would look into the property ownership and watering system of this roundabout and report back. Dave mentioned if Northwest Landscaping is the successful contractor on the new FVCC housing landscaping, to please ask them to un-ball and un-burlap the trees before planting. Fred and Dave discussed ball and burlap and planting techniques. Andrea asked about site review and the possibility of members attending. Dave asked that Fred pass along removal of ball and burlap to the site review committee and make it a condition. Fred asked Judy to fill out a new volunteer form, Lisa had supplied. Fred discussed the past Monday's Council workshop at which they reviewed the proposed urban forestry budget and program. Fred explained that Council is taking the emergency/hazard removals and prunes seriously, needing immediate attention and not putting it off. Fred said he feels hopeful that Council will make a decision that supports moving forward with contracting and possibly full time forestry staff. Fred informed members there will be another work session at the end of the month on the 26' and more proposals will be considered by council. Fred invited members to attend the work session. The next meeting is July 12, 2017. Barb informed the group she would not be in attendance as she would be in Norway looking at trees. Judy was thanked by members for joining the board. There was no other business and the meeting adjourned at 5:01 pm. Minutes approved unanimously by the Street Tree Committee August 9, 2017.