Tree Commission Agendas/

TREE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 10, 2022 MEMBERS PRESENT: Gerald Haw, John Helge, Zach Sompels, Angela Rabb MEMBERS EXCUSED: Sam Coram OTHERS PRESENT: Kathie Boyle, Jeff Mikula, City of Manistee Jen & Dale Teller A meeting of the Manistee Tree Commission was called to order by Chair Helge on Monday, January 10, 2022, at 5:03 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall. APPROVAL OF AGENDA All in Favor CITIZEN/PUBLIC COMMENT Jen Teller from 712 Harbor Drive spoke on the 'view shed policy" discussed at the special meeting on November 8, 2021. Mrs. Teller has contacted nine other communities that have the policy and have not encountered any problems, she is respectfully asking the Tree Commission to consider their request. Mrs. Teller presented her comments in writing to the commission. Dale Teller from 712 Harbor Drive stated this tree limb request has been ongoing for eight years and hopes the commission will work with taxpayers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of Special Meeting from November 8, 2021, minutes. All in Favor UNFINISHED BUSINESS Review/vote on accepting amended By-laws – the City Attorney has reviewed proposed amendments to our by-laws and did not dispute any articles but had additional suggestions. Discussion followed and after voice roll vote Motion passed. Mikula to prepare proposals with city attorney’s suggestions and submit to City Council. Request for Proposal for Consulting Arborist – Mikula has reviewed the RFP and chose to wait till after the first of the year to prepare and advertise for position. Tree Purchase Program RFP Status – DPW will readvertise for contractors for tree planting in March or April 2022. NEW BUSINESS Assign/review new trim/removal requests – No requests submitted. Publicity /Promotion of Tree Purchase Program - Along with advertising for contractors commission suggested more publication on the program to get citizens interested in purchasing trees need to get the word out of the availability. The city has been removing more trees than are being planted. COMMENTS Sompels – still requesting a survey of our tree inventory. DPW has the GIS equipment that would help with accurate information. This information could be used when applying for Tree USA, grants, maintenance requirements, storm water management system and have a solid inventory of tree species. Tree City USA – city has not applied in recent years as we do not meet the criteria. Mikula – Curb side brush chipping runs from April – November. Due to windstorms, DPW did pick up in December and will be chipping Christmas trees. Good job DPW! Helge – Will there be any federal funds available for tree planting? Mikula responded there are other grants available including urban forestry, Consumer Energy, etc. Motion to adjourn at 5:50 p.m. All in Favor Next meeting date –Monday, April 11, 2022 @ 5:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor Council Chambers, City Hall. Respectfully submitted, Kathie Boyle Recording Secretary