Urban Forestry

Menomonie Urban Forestry Board Minutes Wednesday, November 20 – 1:00pm – Lower-Level Conference Room 58 - City Hall Committee Members: Robert Giede (absent) Keith Gilland (12.0 hrs ) Barb Hauck (3 hrs.) Monika Herrmann (absent) Joe Jax (Chair) (2.5 hrs) Mike Schendel (2.0 hrs) Eric Sutherland (absent) Liz Usborne (5.0 hrs) Dave Williams (absent) Others present: Derek Kahl, Megen Hines, a member of the public was also in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Joe Jax. A sign-up sheet was passed around with names of attendees and their number of volunteer hours worked. October minutes were sent to the committee prior to the meeting and reviewed. Mike Schendel made a motion to accept those minutes and Keith Gilland seconded. Motion passed. Urban Forestry DNR Grant Application: Megen reports she was notified on November 6th that the Grant Application has been officially accepted by the DNR. The DNR will publicly announce the UFB application acceptance and award on December 16, 2024. No work will be allowed using grant money until January 1st 2025 and the work must be completed by December 31, 2025. One of the items this grant will allow is the ability to plant trees in any area within the boundaries of the city. Parking Lot Update: No changes. City Forester Report: • City Forester, Derek Kahl reports that all of the trees in the gravel bed have been planted. • Tree removals started last week with a total of 25 down so far. Pruning will start in North Menomonie or the Gates addition. Zone 5. City Council Report: • Megen Hines reports City Council officially accepted the 2025 budget. The Urban Forestry board budget sees no changes from the previous year • Discussion of the new mill rate • Discussion regarding the boundaries of the sewer service area plan Items for Next Meeting Agenda: • Grant DNR – timeline/outline, Bid documents • REMINDER – No Meeting in December Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 – 1:00 p.m. in lower level of City Hall – Conference Room 058. Adjournment: A motion was made by Liz Usborne and seconded by Eric Gilland to adjourn. Motion passed. Minutes submitted by Tammy Eckert