Loading...
09-13-17 Street Tree Committee MinutesKALISPELL STREET TREE COMMISSION MEETING HELD September 13, 2017 Present: Members: Terry Richmond, Andrea Davidson, Judy Rosenfeld - Cox, and Barb Anderson Staff: Fred Bicha The meeting was officially called to order at 4:05 pm by Terry Richmond. There was no public comment. Public Comment Approve Minutes Judy noted that she was not in attendance at the August meeting however is included in attendance on the minutes. Judy asked this be removed. The August minutes were approved unanimously, with this modification. Current Business Tree Cycle 2017 Fred filled in for members not in attendance due to fire duty. Fred submitted a draft route of trees, including everything he could find in the NE location chosen for the ride, noting the list would need to be refined. Fred reviewed the route and trees he had listed, suggesting starting and ending at Lawrence Park. Fred suggested that Steve Quigley be contacted as a partner to discuss line pruning on Main Street. Fred asked Judy to look at the condition of the fruit orchard at the Flathead Youth Home and let the group know if she feels it would be a good stop. Fred suggested the old Edgerton School for a bike rodeo. Discussion included topics such as including a tree pruning or planting, borrowing a ristograph for a demonstration Fred said he really hopes to get members, especially Rick out to ride the route prior to the event. Fred explained that planting a tree takes a lot of coordination and work and he would need Tony's help to accomplish it, if included in event. Terry suggested members choose and decide on either a planting or the pruning and ristograph. Fred asked each member to be prepared to pick a tree to talk about after the route is finalized. Member confirmed the date of October 15. Fred told members he would get with Tony regarding logistics, including renting a PA system. Members readily agreed to Andrea's suggestion to include discussion of drought in the event. Fred answered Judy's question that yes he would be discussing the increased forestry assessment and what it means to the city's urban forestry management and program. Some members voiced liking the idea of the event starting and ending at the old Edgerton School. Terry asked for input regarding lining up partners and what is expected of them. It was clarified that we are not seeking money from partners and are asking for what they can offer to assist and be a part of the function. The list of partners, both lined up and proposed was reviewed and included: Wendy with Flathead County Health Department, Wheaton's, Steve Quigley of Flathead Electric and a Mom's group that attended last year. Judy suggested asking a nursery if they were interested. Terry said he would make contacts and try to line up partners. Andrea suggested if the old Edgerton School location is used, Taco Bell may have something to offer towards the event. Fred suggested maybe coupons from Taco Bell and Dairy Queen for kids who participate and answer questions. Fred said he did talk to the bicycle police officer and he is planning on coming and possibly bringing another police officer. Fred explained the officer will do a safety demonstration before the ride. Barb told members now that October 151' has been confirmed as the date she will begin making contacts with the media. Barb explained she has developed direct contracts with media through recent fundraisers for fire relief. Fred said it would be great to have someone from the newspaper come on the ride. Barb said she would start on making contacts and promoting immediately. Barb said she would also let Russell School know because they are in the immediate area. Terry suggested inviting Big Bros/Big Sisters as they are always looking for activities. Tree Awards Update Fred explained that the landscaping award some people had heard the planning department gives is in fact an award based on the overall project; building design, sites cape/lands caping, signage, etc. Terry said he feels their award is different enough from what is being proposed that the board should move ahead with their tree and landscape awards project. It was agreed by others to move ahead. Fred said he had checked with the high school woodshop and they are on board with making plaques for this project. Nominations were discussed with members agreeing that they should be sought from the public and not determined by the board. It was suggested the nominations could be online on the forestry website for citizens to vote on. Barb said she would nominate the VFW as she had seen them watering the trees. Tree Partnerships Update Andrea said due to her work schedule she has not been able to work on the Tree Partnership, however will be doing so in the future. Misr Business Fred briefed members of the current status of the 50150 tree planting bids from contractors. Fred told the group he just put out a 20 hazard tree bid package and this project should start in a couple of weeks, which will result in the removal and pruning of some scary trees. Fred also told the group that currently through grant funding a consultant is about half way done with working on updating 20% of the forestry inventory, which is almost ten years old. Fred explained he has the consultant working in various areas to get a samplings of different locations. Fred said this information will be used this winter to help determine locations for pruning contracts. Fred said he would also like to get some small tree pruning contracts underway this winter, perhaps a subdivision like Empire Estates for example. Trees the size of the ones in Empire Estates are the perfect size to be trained pruned to avoid things like codominant leaders. Barb reported that the small tree at Flathead Fitness had looked terrible when they started watering the downtown trees. Barb said after Vic pruned it and started heavy watering with fertilizer the tree appears to be much better and coming around. Barb said they are still watering the trees. Judy informed members she will be gone two weeks and asked if there was anything she needed to take care of before leaving. Fred suggested she pick a topic or tree, possibly drought and be prepared to speak to it at the event. Fred will get members the route as soon as he nails it down so the members can pick a tree. It was noted that currently the route is lacking trees. The meeting adjourned at 5 pm. Approved unanimously at the October 11, 2017 meeting.