Tree Commission

TREE COMMISSION MINUTES 3-14-2024 Circleville Tree Commission convened a meeting on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Council Chambers, 127 South Court St, at 6:00 pm. Roll call. Present Chair: Roman Cline; VC Beth Kowalski; Alan Gribler, Lori Prichard, Lisa Wiseman, Mark Fouch, Laura Schweitzer and Sheri Theis, Council Liaison. Clerk Linda Chancey. Guests – Paul Hang, Doug Baker, Jon Bialy, and Service Dept Rep. Chris Cupp. New/Old Discussion items- Jon Bialy Cline asked the board to flip the agenda items to New business Jon Bialy discussion. Jon Bialy explained the reason for attending this meeting, tree removal, maintenance, and sidewalk repairs. Bialy asked who is responsible for sidewalks and tree maintenance, tree removal and right of ways? Clime stated there is no definite answer or cmte that has the maintenance of trees, or sidewalk repairs. Chris Cupp explained that the Council wanted to update the trees with local species, but first the other trees had to be removed for a more appropriate tree for the downtown. Bialy explained that he did not receive notice the trees were going to be removed. It was explained about property owner’s responsibility regarding removal of trees. Also, this was a City Council project because of safety concerns. Cupp commented that trees are identified in the Tree Comprehensive Plan which ones are appropriate for downtown. Bialy asked if the Council needed property owners’ approval to remove trees, but according to Bialy it was not done. Cupp explained there were utility lines buried under the trees in the infrastructure, the city had to remove the current trees to place new trees and guards/grates for better for safeguarding of trees. Bialy asked if the city has a plan or funds to maintain the trees to keep them properly maintained such as pruning, and who is responsibility to incorporate that plan? Bialy stated that he does not want any trees placed in front of Circle City because people cannot see the signs. Again, Bialy asked what is the policy for maintaining the tree? Theis and Cupp explained that he does not know of a policy, but the tree plan. Cline stated the public needs to be educated about trees and sidewalks with planning and maintenance and the rights of citizens. This needs to be revisited and get it communicated to citizens. Cline asked Bialy to attend a meeting where a policy can be created or drafted to address those concerns with his questions. Cline asked Bialy to forward an email requesting no trees on Bialy’s property. Pritchard motioned to approve November 9, 2023, minutes; Kowalski seconded. Motion carried. Kowalski motioned to approve the February 8, 2024, minutes, Schweitzer seconded. Motion carried. Budget / Grant status There is $10,000 in the account to be used for spring and fall planting. The Urban Forestry Grant, any updates or information will be shared next week. Open items from 2023 - examples: trimming, staking, other Gribler will check the trees that need staked or trimmed and/or relined. Spring planting. Order trees, how many? Garden centers are tagging trees now for purchase. Fall planting, grant should be in place. Evergreen trees purchase -estimated twenty. Cost $3,000.00 per Paul Hang. Cline motioned to purchase evergreens not to exceed $4,000.00. Pritchard seconded. Motion carried. Cline motioned to purchase indigenous trees not to exceed $4,000.00. Kowalski seconded. Motion carried.  TREE COMMISSION MINUTES 3-14-2024 Spring Planting – with help from the Circleville FFA student group, Friday, April 26 Arbor Day, starting at Ted Lewis Park. Fouch, Gribler Cupp gave comments regarding the use, watering and time limit of using gator bags on trees. North Court Tree Removal Proposed/ start along North Court St in front of cemetery, the plan is to remove the designated trees and plant new trees. Tree City application status The award ceremony is on May 9th, but still in progress. Everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony. The Next Tree Commission meeting is Thursday, April 11th at 6:00 p.m. Cline motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:56 p.m., seconded by Kowalski. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted by Linda Chancey, Clerk