Tree Commission Agendas/

Tree Commission Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 Members Present John Helge, Dennis Otto, Vidar Lerum, Gerald Haw, Sam Coram Members Absent N/A Others Present Katie Trivisonno, City of Manistee A meeting of the Manistee Tree Commission was called to order by Chair Helge on Monday, April 17, 2023, at 5:00pm in council chambers at City Hall. Call to Order a) Roll Call b) Approval of Agenda-Approved Citizen/Public Comment Lynda Beaton commented on the Tree Management Plan, suggested verification from homeowners assessed property descriptions. Jen Teller would like the Commission to remove the 100’ maximum distance and picture requirement from Tree Management Plan. Dale Teller commented on his neighbor’s tree trim application in 2019, claiming the form was never submitted to the Tree Commission. Approval of Minutes Approval of meeting minutes from October 10, 2022. Approved. Unfinished Business View Management Policy discussion. The commission discussed nonrefundable fees. Haw made a motion to change the application fee amount from $500 to $200, second by Otto. Helge motioned to amend the fee to $300. All in favor. Motion passed. Guest speaker Pam Weiner from Manistee Planning Commission answered reference point questions pertaining to “views that existed”, and distance from owners’ property line. Weiner stated the City Ordinance does not protect View Sheds. Motion by Haw to eliminate line item 1 sub b from View Management Policy, second by Lerum. Ayes-4, Nays-1. Motion passed. Coram motioned to amend View Management Policy and send to City Manager for review, second by Haw. Ayes-4, Nays-1. Motion passed. City Tree Inventory Program-Coram updated Commission on tree inventory program. Coram will work with DPW and Spicer Group to add the tree inventory to the current GIS program and will receive codes for inputting data through mobile devices. Additional site license is required. New Business Annual Review of Bylaws. Haw mentioned a discrepancy in Bylaws meeting schedule and will draft a proposed change. Haw also suggested the Tree Commission publish the upcoming year meeting dates at the end of year October meeting. Election of Officers. Motion by Haw to appoint John Helge as Chair, second by Lerum. All in favor. Motion passed. Motion by Helge to appoint Gerald Haw as Vice Chair, second by Coram. All in favor, motion passed. Manistee Plant a Tree Plan-Promotion for tree planting will begin soon, followed by advertisement for contractor bids. Helge and Coram mentioned the trees from last season did well over the winter and were beautifully planted. Comments Coram feels the Commission meeting went well and is moving in the right direction. Haw suggested tree planting in June rather than Fall months. Helge completed an application to Tree City USA and would like to hold an Arbor Day Celebration in April 2024. Lerum thanked Coram for his work on tree inventory plan and is excited about the tree inventory program. Adjournment Meeting Adjourned at 6:00pm.