Tree Board

Montpelier Tree Board Minutes September 3, 2015 5:35-6:30 pm Montpelier City Hall In attendance: John Snell, Sarah Hoffmaier, Lynn Wild, John Akielaszek; Volunteers Bob Troester and Ken Libertoff Old Business The meeting minutes from the August 6, 2015 meeting were approved. Public Comment Bob Troester provided some information on the distribution of trees across the world. Update on Watering Watering of the two oak trees located on State Street near Taylor Street was deemed necessary as these trees have not received water for some time. A bucket brigade will be organized for Saturday (9/5 @ 3:30 pm) to get water from JP Morgan’s to water these trees. Weeding Update Dot Helling weeded the trees on State Street by the TD Bank. Thank you Dot! Emerald Ash Borer John A indicated the steps we will take for continuing to execute the EAB Preparedness Plan for Montpelier. These include possible articles in The Bridge and Times-Argus, a purple ribbon event downtown, a survey of residents to determine the EAB awareness level, discussion with tree companies regarding downed ash, and checking living ash trees prior to leaf fall. Downtown Tree Replacement – Book Garden Sarah agreed to purchase a tree for this location. Court House Ash Trees These trees are growing into their grates. John S will coordinate with Geoff Beyer for the removal of the grates. Beaver Fencing Beavers pile up brush at this time of year. Installing beaver fencing will be put on the September-October work list. There is an extreme poison ivy hazard along the bike path so workers in that area should be careful. Nursery Jeff Schumann had previously indicated that the nursery needed weeding and existing mouse guards needed to be expanded. John S brought up the challenges of running a successful nursery. These include doing research regarding the trees to be planted, having a detailed plan for the operation of the nursery including planting and transplanting trees, and having devoted staff to care for the nursery. John S indicated that this may be more than what the Tree Board can accomplish. Lynn volunteered to assist Jeff in taking care of the nursery; she indicated that the North Branch Nature Center could be a part of the ongoing nursery maintenance plan. Other Business Sarah noted the culvert work on Terrace Street and wondered whether after the project was completed, the restoration of the staging area might provide the opportunity for adding a tree there. Tom McArdle will be contacted. John S had met with Tom McArdle previously and discussed rebuilding the wall on East State Street which will result in the removal of some trees. Tom has indicated that planting trees following construction projects is a component of his future construction plans. It was noted later in the meeting that storm drain installation can cause considerable damage to area trees due to ragged root cuts. Lynn and Ellen Doyle will meet with Ken Benton of the North Branch Nature Center to discuss educating 5th grade children regarding tree stewardship. The meeting will be on 9/7/15 at 1pm. The children might be able to learn about the Cerceris wasps used for detection of the Emerald Ash Borer. Link here - http://www.cerceris.info/protocol.html Lynn also discussed her plan to use her neighborhood (St Paul Street) as a stewardship starting point. She will be looking for where trees can be planted along St Paul Street and also getting her neighbors involved in a tree stewardship effort. John S mentioned that the Montpelier Assessor website could provide information on homeowner’s lots for planning purposes. Montpelier Alive’s Green Up day is September 12, 2015. If there are too many volunteers some may be asked to do some weeding of downtown trees. The meeting adjourned around 6:30 p.m. Next meeting at City Hall: Thursday, October 1st , 5:30-6:30