Tree Advisory Commission Meeting

City of Urbana, Illinois Minutes of the Urbana Tree Commission Special Meeting Wednesday, January 16, 2013 1:30 P.M. Members Present: Jeff Dawson, Barbara Anderson, Stewart Berlocher, Thom Fehrmann, Michael Stevenson Members Absent: Darin Eastburn Staff Present: Michael Brunk, City of Urbana Arborist Bruce Cubberley, City of Urbana Arbor Division Manager Others Present: Robert Myers, City of Urbana Planning Manager Aditi Kambuj, City of Urbana Planner I Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 1:41pm. Introduction of Commission Members Stewart Berlocher, Entomology Professor at the University of Illinois, was introduced and welcomed as the newest Commissioner. Approval of Meeting Minutes There were no minutes presented for approval. The minutes from the December 5, 2012 meeting are still pending approval. Public Input There was no public input. Legacy Tree Program Options Review Aditi Kambuj gave a presentation on the proposed Legacy Tree Program that could recognize and celebrate historically and ecologically significant trees within the Urbana community. The impetus behind the creation of this program comes directly from City Council goals. Kambuj discussed three program options detailing the benefits and drawbacks of each. City Staff working on this proposal gave their recommendation for Option 2 which is as follows: Advisory Public Input Option • By owner consent (not burdensome on the owner) • Incentives to participate • Honorary designation (public awareness and preservation) • Annual recording in County offices • Removal requires notice, public hearing, and possible mitigation fee Additionally, in the presentation, designation criteria were listed as well as nomination and evaluation forms. The Commission then discussed. Anderson moved to formally endorse support for Option 2 to the City Council, Stevenson seconded, and the motion was passed by a voice vote. The votes were as follows: Anderson – aye Berlocher-aye Stevenson-aye Dawson-aye Fehrmann-aye Old Business There was no old business to discuss. New Business Berlocher informed the Commission concerning research he was currently involved with measuring tree rings, size, and the age of trees at Crystal Lake Park. He asked Brunk if there was a way to utilize the City removals for age analysis. Brunk agreed to discuss the matter further. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Fehrmann moved to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 3:06 p.m. Kate Brickman for Femi Washington, Recording Secretary Tree Commission