Arbor Committee

Maple Grove Arbor Committee Regular Meeting Minutes January 12, 2022 Mayor’s Conference Room 7 p.m. Call to Order The regular meeting of the Arbor Committee was called to order by Chair Parenteau at 7 p.m. Members Present Chair Mary Parenteau, Sarah Piket, Cody Lensing, Frank Kampel, Don Varney, Bob Henke, Emma Molls and Rachael Lamsal Members Absent Julie Gamber, Marilyn Arnlund Also Present Rachelle Johnson, City Council Member Jesse Corrow, Staff Liaison Special Business New City Council Liaison The Arbor Committee welcomed Council Member Rachelle Rachelle Johnson Johnson to the group and introductions were made. Oath of Office Chair Parenteau administered the oath of office to Sarah Piket. Election of Officers Motion Piket, second Henke to nominate Mary Parenteau as Chairperson. Vote all ayes. Motion passed. Motion Henke, second Piket to nominate Frank Kampel as Vice Chairperson. Vote all ayes. Motion passed. Motion Kampel, second Lensing to assign rotating secretarial duties amongst the members. Vote all ayes. Motion passed. Approval of Agenda Item 7B – UMN Winter Tree ID Class was added by Henke. Motion Kampel, second Varney to approve the agenda. Vote all ayes. Motion passed. Approval of Minutes Motion Piket, second Kampel to approve the minutes from December 8, 2022. Vote all ayes. Motion passed. Old Business 2023 Committee Goals The Arbor Committee discussed its goals and objectives for 2023, which include: • Spending the Hy-Vee North cash-in-lieu money • Researching the Lessard-Sams Heritage Council for grant opportunities • Increase community engagement on tree related manners • Explore other grant opportunities • Draft landscape ordinance updates • Implement and actively manage the revised Forest Management Plan • Organize a city-wide tree planting event • Promote and encourage the hiring of a City Forester Hy-Vee North Funds The committee reviewed several city-owned properties and further narrowed its selection of possible tree planting locations. Sites #5, #7, #31 and a recently acquired parcel that was purchased as part of the Elm Road realignment will be considered. Based on a recent city contract with a landscape company, it is estimated that 135 – 170 trees can be planted with the available cash in lieu money. Corrow informed the committee of a park renovation project taking place at Gleason Fields. Parks staff mentioned there is room for 30-50 additional trees in order to create a more natural feel on the mounds that surround the ball fields. Committee members felt the trees would better served on parcels that do not currently have T-zone protections. Buckthorn Eradication Group Parenteau updated the group discussed removal techniques and concluded the committee is doing it right. Kristy Janigo is working with city staff on a proclamation against buckthorn in order to provide public outreach. A presentation was made to Cedar Island Lake Home Owners Association and informational handouts were provided. The next meeting will be on February 1. New Business The 2023 Arbor Day event will be held on Saturday, April 29 Arbor Day Event from noon to 3 p.m. at the Maple Grove Community Center. The Arbor Committee discussed roles and responsibilities for the event. Responsibilities were assigned to committee members. Staff is to research which items from years prior  are available for the event, and will bring those items to the February Arbor Committee meeting for review. UMN Forestry Program Henke inquired if anyone would be able to take Arnlund’s Place at an upcoming winter tree id course put on by the University of Minnesota. Arnlund had signed up but will not be able to attend. Molls will be on campus that day and will take Arnlund’s place. Area Reports Varney mentioned that trees were removed at The Grove Church property on Rice Lake Church to make room for a community garden. Johnson was familiar with the project provided some background on the garden plans. Corrow informed the group of the Data and ethics practices, open meeting law training that will be offered prior to the next Arbor Committee meeting on February 9 at 6:30 p.m. Pareanteau read a thank you note from former Arbor Committee member Jake Wanek. Adjournment Motion Piket, second Varney to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 p.m. Vote all ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jesse Corrow, City Planner City of Maple Grove Arbor Committee