Arbor Committee

MAPLE GROVE ARBOR COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 10, 2020 VIRTUAL ONLINE MEETING 7:00 PM Call to Order The regular meeting of the Arbor Committee was called to order by Chair Parenteau at 7:00 p.m. Members Present Chair Mary Parenteau, Vice-Chair Frank Kampel, Don Varney, Julie Gamber, Cody Lensing, Bob Henke Members Absent Ed Reichow, Dan Sanford, Sarah Piket, Steve Courtney, Marilyn Arnlund Also Present Judy Hanson, City Council Liaison Jesse Corrow, City Staff Liaison Approval of Agenda Chair Parenteau asked if there were any additions or revisions to the agenda. Chair Parenteau requested replacing item 4B with Main Street Revitalization and moving 2021 Goals and Objectives to item 4C. Hearing no further additions, revisions or removals Vice-Chair Kampel made a motion to approve the agenda and seconded by Committee Member Henke and passed unanimously on a voice vote. 6/0. Approval of Minutes Chair Parenteau asked if there were any additions or revisions to the minutes. Vice-Chair Kampel noted grammatical errors and a correction on a voice vote tally. Committee Member Gamber made a motion to approve the minutes and seconded by Committee Member Henke and passed unanimously on a voice vote. 6/0. Old Business Forest Preservation Staff Liaison Corrow commented that a City Council Area Conservation workshop is planned for either January 19th or February Easement 1st to discuss the possibility of conservation easement for the Forest Preservation Areas parcels. In addition, the T-Zone Ordinance revisions will be discussed at the same workshop meeting. Arbor Committee Meeting Minutes December 10, 2020 Page 2 Chair Person Parenteau informed the group that Kristina Geiger from Minnesota Land Trust will be on leave during the work session, however her boss may be able to take her place. Kristine Maurer from Hennepin Habitat Conservation Group will be available. Chairperson Parenteau also noted that Hennepin County needs to know how each parcel was funded (bond money, DNR grant, donated, etc.) and if there are any existing protections in place. Staff Liaison Corrow noted that these details will be disclosed as part of the title search conducted by the City Attorney’s office. The Arbor Committee determined that the title search could be limited from 1995 to Present. New Business Hy- Vee Fast and Chairperson Parenteau noted that Norway Spruce trees Fresh Landscape Plan are specially regulated by the Minnesota DNR and should be replaced with a tree from the approved tree list. Vice-Chair Kampel noted there are too many oaks, honey locusts and maples shown on the plan. The landscape ordinance requires that no more than 20% of the total number of overstory trees shall be composed of the same genus. Therefore, the maximum number of the same tree genus is five (5). The Arbor Committee agreed that some of the replaced trees should be conifers since none are proposed on the landscape plan. Coniferous trees should not be planted in the parking lot islands or near curbed areas. Main Street Chairperson Parenteau provided information about the Revitalization Main Street Revitalization project that is currently in the planning stages and expressed that the Arbor Committee should somehow be involved. Staff Liaison Corrow agreed and mentioned that the committee will be asked to partake in the planning stages as well as provide input on a landscape plan. The Committee suggested that Committee Member Varney and Committee Member Arbor Committee Meeting Minutes December 10, 2020 Page 3 Arnlund would be excellent choices to attend future meetings. It was also discussed that the project would be a good opportunity to showcase certain landscaping techniques, such as porous pavers, structural soils and re-using storm water for the watering of tree and plants. 2021 Goals and The Arbor Committee was asked to provide a worklist Objectives of committee related goals and events for the 2021 Calendar year. The following list of suggestions that were discussed: • Finalize the T-Zone Ordinance revisions • Continue to hold a Fall Tree Festival as an Arbor Day Alternative • Advertise the annual Buckthorn Removal Event in order to draw more public interest • Hold a “How to Plant a Tree” event in the spring as an Arbor Day alternative • The Parking Lot Sub-Committee would like to complete a draft ordinance for review (pending on ability to meet together) • Redefine and restructure walking paths within the Forest Preservation Areas • Attain permanent protection for the Forest Preservation Areas • Develop a worksheet on street trees and the use of woodchips/provide to summer help who plant trees Area Reports Committee Member Henke noted that there is a street light out at the intersection of 101st Avenue and Valley Forge Way. Staff Liaison Corrow will inform the proper staff. Committee Member Kampel asked if the corrections to the mulch surrounding trees along Dunkirk Lane had been made yet. Staff Liaison Corrow had previously informed Joe Bennett but was not sure on the status. Arbor Committee Meeting Minutes December 10, 2020 Page 4 Chairperson Parenteau asked that the Arbor Committee email address on the website can be moved to a more suitable location. Staff Liaison Corrow will make the change. Adjournment Vice-Chair Kampel made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Lensing and passed unanimously on a voice vote. Respectfully submitted, Jesse Corrow, Staff Representative City of Maple Grove Arbor Committee