Tree Board

Tree Board Regular Meeting Minutes 6 October 2016 5:30-6:30 Thursday City Hall Memorial Room Attending: Tree Board Members: John Akielaszek, Steve Bailey, Geoff Beyer, Heather Calderwood, Sarah Hoffmeier, Jeff Schumann, John Snell, Lynn Wild Volunteers: Ellen Doyle, Dot Helling, Bob Troester  Agenda An amended agenda was approved.  Approval of September Minutes Minutes from the September 2016 meeting were approved.  Public comments Bob Troester mentioned that there was going to be a tree planting ceremony in Waterbury this Saturday, but he did not have more details about it.  Update on Moving Grate/Guard John S. reported that the grate and guard for the tree in front of Three Penny Taproom was successfully installed. Half of the grate was moved to another tree across the street. He also mentioned that Fred Buchara provided a $1,500 donation for the grate.  Update on Tree Nursery Clean Up Jeff reported that a few more stumps need to be dug up the remaining refuse needs to be hauled away before tilling and planting can be done. Jeff & Geoff will coordinate on a work day, probably next Thursday, to get the nursery ready for tilling and possibly do the tilling as well. An announcement will be sent out. Jeff also reported that the Community Garden folks have done some planting and composting in the area set aside for the nursery. Jeff will talk with Nancy ? about this. The area in question is needed by the nursery, especially for getting equipment in and out of the nursery for work needing to be done there.  Barberry Removal Workday A large group of people showed up to remove barberry from Hubbard Park. It was a great success and even fun. But Sarah did note that there is still more barberry and honeysuckle to be removed. She will set up another work day in the next few weeks, hopefully after some rain to make the work easier. Page 1 of 3  Update on St. Paul Street Tree Stewards Project Lynn reported that Phase 2 of the St. Paul Street Tree Steward program is well underway. 4th and 5th graders will be coming out for three afternoons with their teachers to learn about and monitor the trees that were planted. Lynn will send out the dates when they will be there and tree board members are encouraged to come and take part. Come January and February they will be writing about what they have learned. She also proposed that next Arbor Day we hold a tree walk where the students can talk about what they have learned. This is an effort to develop the next generation of tree stewards and the board gave kudos to Lynn for taking this on.  Tree Evaluation Training Geoff is arranging a half day or maybe a full day of training to be given by Mark Duntemann. Geoff has sent out a Doodle Poll. Those interested in attending the training need to complete the Doodle Poll. It was also suggested that someone from Public Works should attend.  Visit to Branch Out Burlington Steve and John S reported on their visit to the Branch Out Burlington tree nursery. They learned what trees are planted there, when to plant new stock and what/when to take out. Trees are in the nursery for 2 to 4 years. They are planted in bags which makes transplanting much easier. They also mulch their trees but then they have the weeds that come with that. John S. will send out his notes to the group.  Tree Walks John S will be leading two tree walks through Montpelier as part of the We Walk Week. All are welcome to join.  Invasive Plant Workshop Dot gave a brief overview of the Coverts workshop she attended. As a result of what she learned there she wanted to know if the Tree Board would be interested in helping to put on an invasive workshop. The consensus was that it would be a good idea, probably next spring. Dot will put together an outline for the board to review.  Fall Planting Two trees are to be moved from the tree nursery and planted at the Peace Park. Note: The trees as well as other shrubs were planted on Wednesday, 12 Oct. John is looking for other sites for fall planting. Page 2 of 3  Next meeting Thursday, 3 November, 5:30-6:30 at City Hall Page 3 of 3