Community Tree Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingGrosse Pointe Woods, MI · September 4, 2024
Minutes
Minutes of the Grosse Pointe Woods Tree Commission Meeting September 4, 2024.
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Gaskin at 7:40 p.m.
The following members were present:
Kate Colborn
Laura Gaskin
Gary Lechner
Paul Lechner
Tim Madigan
Mary Ellen Meyering
Christina Pitts
Randy Rennpage
Steve Skorupski
The following members were excused:
Dave Andrews
Maria Galbo
The following members were absent:
The following were also in attendance:
Michael Koester, Council Representative
Motion by Rennpage, seconded by Madigan to approve the agenda for the meeting September 4,
2024 passed by the following vote:
Yes: 8 No: 0 Absent: 3
Motion by Madigan, seconded by Rennpage to approve the minutes for the meeting June 5,
2024, passed by the following vote:
Yes: 8 No: 0 Absent: 3
Treasurer’s Report:
Randy Rennpage reported that there is a new contact at the city, LaToya has replaced Steve
Schmidt. The only change has been $80 in donations made since the last meeting.
Old Business:
We welcome Christina Pitts as an official member of the Commission!
Budget discussion was deferred as Chair Lechner was to arrive late due to a schedule conflict.
Madigan suggested waiting on the Tree Dedication plan until the new year. G Lechner will
create an outline for discussion for both the Tree Dedication and Arbor Day activities.
Andrews was absent, but has put together a request for a $20,000 Michigan DNR Community
Forestry Grant, He will finalize it with assistance from G Lecher and submit it this month.
New Business:
There was much discussion about where we as a Commission should direct our energy. We
identified four areas that need to be improved: the boulevards of Mack Ave, the City Hall grove
areas, Memorial Tree planning, and improvement of the tree canopy in the neighborhoods. Our
plans need to include such areas as use of native species, diversity, a mix of evergreen and
deciduous trees, possibly instituting a tree replacement ordinance and use of landscape architects.
Following some discussion a motion was made:
Motion by Madigan, seconded by Rennpage that we ask the City to budget $125,000 annually
for reforestation of the Grosse Pointe Woods tree canopy with the initial phase being the
greening of Mack Avenue, and to request time to present plans to City Council. We all feel there
is a great need to impress on Council that this is a worthy endeavor. The motion passed by the
following vote:
Yes: 9 No: 0 Absent: 2
Also there is a need to educate the public about proper mulching and tree care best practices
including both homeowners and the DPW and other contractors. Pitts will put a proposal
together.
Council Representative Michael Koester provided an update of current city business.
Motion to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. moved by Gaskin, and seconded by Rennpage, was unanimous.
Submitted by: Mary Ellen Meyering Office Held: Secretary Cell: 313 505 2352
Agenda
CITY OF GROSSE POINTE WOODS (313) 343-2440
20025 Mack Plaza Drive Fax (313) 343-2785
Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236-2397
NOTICE OF MEETING
COMMISSIONS: COMMITTEES: BOARDS:
Beautification Advisory Building Authority Board of Canvassers
Citizens' Recreation Compensation & Evaluation Board of Review
Community Tree X Construction Construction Board of Appeals
Election Finance Downspout Board of Appeals
Historical Community Events Committee Pension
Local Officers Compensation Mack Ave Business Study
Planning Public Relations
Senior Citizens'
PUBLIC INVITED: IN ACCORDANCE WITH PUBLIC ACT 267 OF 1976 (OPEN MEETINGS ACT), ALL MEMBERS
OF THE GROUP SELECTED ABOVE, AS WELL AS THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE
FOLLOWING MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 AT 7:30 p.m. IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM AT
CITY HALL, 20025 MACK PLAZA DRIVE, GROSSE POINTE WOODS.
AGENDA OF MEETING
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of the agenda for the meeting of September 4, 2024.
4. Approval of the minutes of the meeting of June 5, 2024.
5. Treasurer’s Report.
6. Old Business.
A. Welcome our new member Christina Pitts
B. Review budget issues and budget categories
C. Review Tree Dedication plan project responsibility
7. New Business/Public Comment
A. Discussion of Fall Tree Planting program and possible presentation
to homeowners.
B. Discussion of 2024 Michigan DNR Community Forestry Grant
application
C. Discussion of seedlings and whether to change nursery for 2025
Arbor Day Program.
D. Discussion of Commission members Andrews and Skorupski’s
plans to continue after 2024. Appoint member to canvass all
members regarding officer positions for 2025.
E. Review of Commission task responsibilities for 2024-2025.
8. Briefing by Council Representative
9. Adjournment.
cc:
(Members) City Clerk Post
Council Rep
Submitted by: Mary Ellen Meyering Office Held: Secretary
Telephone: 313-505-2352
The City of Grosse Pointe Woods will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing
impaired, or audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting to individuals with disabilities. All such requests must be
made at least five days prior to a meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City of
Grosse Pointe Woods by writing or call the City Clerk’s office, 20025 Mack Plaza, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 (313) 343-2440 or
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) 313 343-9249.
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