Community Tree Commission Meeting

Minutes of the Grosse Pointe Woods Tree Commission Meeting December 4, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lechner at 7:30 p.m. The following members were present: Dave Andrews Kate Colborn Laura Gaskin Maria Galbo Gary Lechner Paul Lechner Christina Pitts Steve Skorupski The following members were excused: Tim Madigan Mary Ellen Meyering Randy Rennpage The following members were absent: None The following were also in attendance: Michael Koester, Council Representative Motion by Dave Andrews, seconded by Maria Galbo to approve the agenda for the meeting December 4, 2024 passed by the following vote. Yes: 8 No: 0 Excused: 3 One correction to the November meeting minutes was requested. Seth Krupp is a city councilperson for the City of Grosse Pointe, not the Farms. With no other corrections, a motion by Christina Pitts, seconded by Maria Galbo to approve the minutes for the meeting November 6, 2024 passed by the following vote. Yes: 8 No: 0 Excused: 3 Treasurer’s Report: No treasurers report. Old Business: A. Community Tree Officer Positions: Chairperson- Paul Lechner Vice Chair – Laura Gaskins, Treasurer- Randy Rennpage The current officers agreed to retain their positions for 2024-2025. A motion by Dave Andrews, seconded by Steve Skorupski for a vote to confirm the officer nominations passed by the following vote. Yes:8 No:0 Excused:3 B. Report of the Council Presentation subcommittee: Christina Pitts reported that the subcommittee met twice via Zoom, with members Gaskins, Lechner, Pitts, and Rennpage participating. The committee has drafted an outline of a presentation for council identifying concerns about the community tree commission charter and mission, memorial tree program and memorial groves, Mack Ave. and Vernier Rd. tree plantings, tree canopy management and opportunities for improvement. The sub-committee wrote and delivered a letter to the mayor and all council representatives notifying them of commissions concerns and requesting a meeting with them in January 2025 to discuss these issues and possible solutions. Following the report to the committee, the committee as a whole directed the sub- committee to continue meeting, develop the presentation and prepare to present to council. Councilman Koester recommended that committee request to be added to the agenda of the Council’s next Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting. Councilman Koester was requested to notify the City Clerk of the Tree Commission’s desire to present at the next COW. A motion was made by Dave Andrews and seconded by Laura Gaskin to formally recommend to council that they immediately take action to address replacement of the Memorial Tree Groves at city hall. The motion reads: “The Community Tree Commission recommends that City Council direct city administration to hire a professional landscape architect to develop in collaboration with the Community Tree Commission a proposal(s) for the replacement of the memorial tree groves located at City Hall.” The motion passed by the following vote. Yes: 8 No: 0 Excused:3 C. Report of the subcommittee regarding and educational program and tree sale The subcommittee is incorporating these items into its presentation. Additional information forthcoming. New Business: A. Discussion of concerns raised by Christina Pitts regarding improper planting by City contractors – tabled B. Discussion of 2025 Arbor Day poster theme – tabled, chairman Lechner to order tree saplings. C. Discussion of Commission members Andrews and Skorupski’s plans to continue after 2024. Previously discussed and resolved. D. Review of Commission task responsibilities for 2024-2025. Discussed as part of old business and included with the commission’s presentation to council. E. Motion to suspend the January 2025 meeting of the Tree Commission A motion made by Christina Pitts, seconded by Maria Galbo to suspend the January 2025 meeting of the Community Tree Commission. The motion passed by the following vote. Yes: 8 No:0 Excused 3 Another motion, made by Kate Colborn, seconded by Laura Gaskin to change the monthly meeting start time to 7:00 PM (from 7:30 PM) effective February 5, 2025. The motion passed by the following vote. Yes: 8 No: 0 Excused 3 Council representative Michael Koester provided an update of current city business. Motion to adjourn at 9:04 PM moved by Christina Pitts, and seconded by Laura Gaskin, was unanimous. Submitted by: Mary Ellen Meyering Office Held: Secretary Cell: 313 505 2352