Community Tree Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingGrosse Pointe Woods, MI · November 6, 2024
Minutes
Minutes of the Grosse Pointe Woods Tree Commission Meeting November 6, 2024.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lechner at 7:30 p.m.
The following members were present:
Dave Andrews
Kate Colborn
Maria Galbo
Laura Gaskin
Gary Lechner
Paul Lechner
Tim Madigan
Mary Ellen Meyering
Christina Pitts
Randy Rennpage
The following members were excused:
Steve Skorupski
The following members were absent:
The following were also in attendance:
Basil Zavinski, DPW and Michael Koester, Council Representative
Motion by Gaskin, seconded by Madigan to approve the agenda for the meeting November 6,
2024 passed by the following vote:
Yes: 10 No: 0 Absent: 1
Motion by Madigan, seconded by Andrews to approve the minutes for the meeting October 2,
2024, passed by the following vote:
Yes: 10 No: 0 Absent: 1
Treasurer’s Report:
Randy Rennpage reported that there has been no change in our account balance since the last
meeting.
Old Business:
Andrews reported that we were not awarded the Michigan DNR Community Forestry Grant.
Ninety-four trees were planted this fall by the City which included replacement trees due to road
construction on Roslyn. All tree requests by residents were fulfilled. A dozen pines and nine
swamp oaks were transferred to permanent locations from the “nursery” as Ghesquire Park.
Many trees on Lochmoor still need to be replaced. Residents are being discouraged from
planting on the cross streets under the power lines.
G. Lechner reported on his research into tree sales and giveaways. Seth Krupp from the City of
Grosse Pointe told him that 150 trees were purchased through their sale. The prices ranged from
$20-120. Jasmine Bridges from Coronado CA said that they gave away 109 trees in the spring
and 151 in the fall. Residents had to pick the trees up. The trees were 2-6 feet tall. Their cost
averaged $56 per tree. Both groups said their biggest problem was the availability of trees for
them to acquire for the event.
Lawrence Sobson would be willing to conduct a webinar and a walking tour coordinated with a
seedling giveaway. A motion was made by Pitts, seconded by Andrews that we conduct a tree
sale in conjunction with an educational program by Lawrence Sobson. The motion passed by the
following vote:
Yes: 10 No: 0 Absent: 1
A subcommittee consisting of Andrews, G. Lechner, Pitts and Madigan was set up to organize
the program and outside walk, coordinated with a tree sale. They will report at the next meeting.
New Business:
Rennpage voiced his concerns about the Memorial Tree Program. He is concerned that the City
states that no new trees are available for markers and yet trees are being planted in the parks. A
lively discussion ensued. Some of the thoughts are:
- The Memorial Tree program needs to be rethought. It seems that the City does not see the
importance of adding trees to the canopy here in GPW.
- We feel that our mission is to aid in the reforestation of GPW and are concerned about the
City’s lack of response in replacing the dead Memorial Trees, specially the ones in the two
groves at City Hall.
- Mack Avenue is the gateway to GPW, and tree should be replanted and refreshed to make a
better appearance.
A subcommittee was set up including Gaskin, Pitts, Rennpage and G Lechner to plan how best to
address the City Council with our concerns.
Remaining agenda items were tabled due to the late hour.
Council Representative Michael Koester provided an update of current city business.
Motion to adjourn at 9:39 p.m. moved by Pitts, and seconded by Andrews, 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, NOVEMBER 6, 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 November 6, 2024.
4. Approval of the minutes of the meeting of October 2, 2024.
5. Treasurer’s Report.
6. Old Business.
A. Review budget issues and budget categories
B. Update on 2024 Michigan DNR Community Forestry Grant
application
C. Update on Fall Tree Planting program and possible presentation to
homeowners.
D. Update on possible tree giveaway or sale.
7. New Business/Public Comment
A. Discussion of Commission vacancy and candidates for officer
positions. Nomination of 2025 officers and a vote to recommend a
slate to the City Council.
B. Discussion of concerns raised by Christina Pitts regarding
improper planting by City contractors.
C. Review of Commission task responsibilities for 2025.
D. Discussion of 2025 Arbor Day Poster Contest theme.
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.
Get email alerts for Grosse Pointe Woods
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.