Tree Board

Morgantown Tree Board (MTB) Minutes, meeting of July 28, 2014 Present: Dan Brown, Dave Barnett, Melissa Burch (BOPARC), Vaike Haas, Damian Davis (Public Works – Engr), Jenny Selin (Mayor – City of Mgtn), Jeff Mikorski (City Mngr), Marchetta Maupin (Urban Landscapes), Gary Mertins (WV Radio), Evan Chapman (city resident), Kara Hurst (Chair). The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:30 in City Council chambers and noted that a quorum was present. June was an unofficial meeting due to the fact that an agenda did not go out in the required time period before the meeting. The TB met at Lake St. and worked on the trees in the island there. The UL personnel disposed of the materials that were trimmed from the trees. Unfinished Business: 1. WV Radio represented by Gary Mertins expressed concern about some trees in Marilla Park, along Decker’s Creek that may be obstructing the satellite reception to the radio station located across from Decker’s Creek on Decker’s Creek Blvd. WV Radio has contacted a tree removal service and would like permission to remove the trees that they believe are causing a problem. The TB suggested that a meeting take place at the site in question to determine if tree removal is necessary. Those who can attend from the TB and other City entities will meet at the site in question on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 4:00pm. A recommendation from the TB will be developed after the site visit. 2. The Demonstration Grant work has been completed along with all the associated paper work. A sum of $9800.00 was turned in with a $10,000.00 match from the city. 3. Arbor Day – It was decided that the first choice for this year’s Arbor Day site will be the steps at Richwood Ave. If that site does not work out the second choice will be at the welcome sign for the city in Sabraton. 4. K. Hurst visited the site of the recent tree planting at the Dorsey’s Knob playground and reported the tree appears to be doing well. 5. Interest grp/volunteers for tree related community education and activities will be investigated further with a graduate student at WVU that might be interested in this type of community outreach. New Business 1. MTB will work with City staff to develop a list of public trees to receive pruning by a contracted service or removal by Public Works. 2. Trees along the Rail Trail were treated in a poor and unacceptable manner by personnel clearing brush along the trail. This area is under the care of BOPARC and will need to be addressed with their personnel. Council Rep was not in attendance. D. Brown moved, and D. Barnett seconded, that the meeting adjourn. The motion carried at 5:3 Next Meeting – Working meeting tentatively set to inspect and if needed work on trees in front of the library on August 25, 2014. Respectfully submitted by Kara Hurst, President and Acting Secretary