Tree Advisory Board

Tree Advisory Board Meeting Minutes February 26, 2024 1. Call To Order & Roll Call Meeting was called to order at 5:42PM. Members Present: David Price, Robert Connors, and Susan Webb Members Absent: Mandy Cilliers and Preston Troutman Staff Present: Deena Drumgo – Assistant City Manager and Kevin Polk - Horticulturist A quorum was present. 2. Communications & Petitions There were no communications or petitions. 3. Approval of Minutes Robert Connors made a motion to approve the Minutes from December 13, 2023. Seconded by Susan Webb. Minutes were approved. 4. Old Business A. Tree Trimming Services – Kevin Polk stated that the Pram Fleet tree was removed and will be replaced with a Southern Live Oak. Mr. Polk is drafting a Request for Proposals (RFP) B. Tree Management and Maintenance Plan – Kevin Polk stated that he is drafting a plan for data collecting and tree inventory, as well as maintenance standards. David Price discussed researching other communities and their plans for maintenance to use as a template. C. Water Truck – Kevin Polk stated that he is getting quotes on a water truck. D. Olmstead Day – Olmstead Day is scheduled for March 23, 2024. Kevin Polk will be a speaker for the event. E. Druid Park – Robert Connors has a meeting scheduled with Rollins College in Winer Park. He will report back at the next meeting.  F. Lift Station at Southwest Corner of Lake Wailes – David Price discussed the color of the lift station, requesting a more subtle color, the condition of the fence, and the concrete repair needed for the generator. Deena Drumgo stated that she would follow-up with the Utilities Department on the concerns. 5. New Business A. Tree City USA – A discussion ensued about the requirements needed for the designation, which includes a $2 per capita for tree maintenance and installation. Kevin Polk will put together a budget for such tree maintenance. Robert Connors made a motion to draft and send a support letter to the City Commission for tree funding and tree care as annual budgeted line item. Seconded by Susan Webb. Motion approved. B. Arbor Day – Olmstead Day will serve as Arbor Day and will include community outreach. C. Trees Planted – Kevin Polk stated that staff has planted fifty-seven (57) trees, including: Parkside Oaks, Muskogees, and Crape Myrtles. Robert Connors stated that Lake Wales Heritage recently planted forty (40) trees, including: Live Oaks, Longleaf Pines, Crape Myrtles, and Tabebuias. D. Upcoming Planting Plans – Kevin Polk stated that staff will be planting trees on Park Avenue and Central Avenue as part of the streetscape project. 6. Additional Topics Robert Connors asked about the Tree Trust Fund and how it is being tracked. Deena Drumgo stated that she would follow-up with staff. 7. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 6:58PM.