Tree Board

Tree Board Minutes January 13, 2021 @ 2:30 pm Zoom Meeting Attendance: Wes Powell, Alexandra Wills, Brian Beuscher, Dottie Mann, Eddie Combs and Kathrine Killebrew 1. Wes made a motion to hold the meeting virtually due to Covid and Dottie seconded. Also, Dottie made a motion to approve the minutes from December and Brian seconded. Both motions passed. 2. City Forester update. Kathrine announced that the Citizen Forester program is available for registration on the Parks and Recreation website. Wes mentioned that he had completed the program before Christmas and it was very good. The City’s marketing team is working on social media pushes for this program. Kathrine also mentioned that she has submitted her annual report for the forestry division and it will be included in the City’s report. She would like to track the volunteer hours of Tree Board members to include in the 2021 report. She is still looking for some part time help. They have not had a helper since May of 2020. A new chipper is being ordered in mid-spring for her department. This will allow for a more reliable machine and to not have to depend on other city departments for equipment. Three memorial trees were planted in December and they have 3 more for January. These trees are going into our city parks. She is currently working on the Street Tree replacement plan as well as the Urban Forestry Plan. 3. Wes shared the Tree Board logo with Mayor Pitts and Richard Stevens. Neither had any objections. Kathrine will use the logo for the arboretum signage. 4. Eddie gave a follow up on the Christmas tree chipping at Heritage Park. There was a large number or trees dropped off and all trees were chipped making 57 cubic yards of wood chips. 5. Wes asked the Board if there were any suggestions for a Council member to replace Ron. Dottie mentioned that she did not know any of the City Council personally, but mentioned that Stacy Streetman had shown support in the past. Wes also did not personally know any of the Council members but someone had mentioned that Travis Holleman might be a good fit. The mayor will appoint this position next month. 6. The tree board art contest was briefly discussed. Wes will reach out to the school system’s art coordinator to gauge interest. With no further business the meeting was adjourned. Next meeting: February 10th at 2:30pm - Zoom Meeting