Urban Landscape Commission

URBAN LANDSCAPE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 26, 2014 Meeting called to order at 4:36 p.m. ATTENDANCE: M. Burch, J. Steketee, N. Ganz, C. Fike, K. Lozier, M. Hasenmyer, J. Scotti, S. McBride, M. Maupin, K. Hurst, C. Mullett (guest) January minutes were tabled until the May meeting. OLD BUSINESS: A. Public Safety Building Plaza Project Commissioner Hasenmyer states that the plan is currently being worked on. B. Budget FY 2014-15 The Urban Landscape Department line for operating expenses is now in the General Fund. It was in Capital Escrow before. NEW BUSINESS: A. Walnut Streetscape David Weaver from AECOM spoke at the January meeting. In public meetings, criticism was directed towards changes in the paving designs, i.e. the change from stamped concrete to cobblestones. Trees that were planned for loading areas will be removed from plan. B. Sadie Crow Wall/Garlow House Tree roots were damaging the retaining walls and invading the sewer lines. Tree Board and the Library Board approved removal but would like at least one tree replaced. ULC Superintendent recommended no shrubs and stressed an open plan for safety. All 3 trees will be removed in the next several days. BOPARC REPORT: BOPARC Director stated that there are 2 trees to be removed at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, but some uncertainty as to which trees. The trees are apparently suffering from a lack of soil between the rail-trail and the adjoining street. ULC Superintendent will mark the two trees in question. PROJECTS REPORT: ULC Superintendent submitted a progress report and stated that there has been a great deal of tree pruning and shrub dead-heading. TREE BOARD REPORT: Bartlett trimmed High Street trees and other City trees. There are plans for Arbor Day planting. (Jack Roberts Park will be the site of the next Tree Board meeting and work day.) PROUD OF OUR TOWN REPORT: Commissioners were requested to look at the house and yard at corner of Jones & Grove Streets for possible POOT award. CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORT: The Year of the Tree was a great success. The next ULC meeting will be 28 May 2014. Meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m.