Tree Advisory Commission Meeting

TREE COMMISSION MEETING DATE: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 TIME: 1 :30 P.M. PLACE: Urbana Public Works Department, 706 Glover Avenue, Urbana, IL MINUTES Members Present: Carol Augspurger (Chair), Marshall Bellville, Stewart Berlocher, Bridget McGill, Michael Stevenson (Vice-Chair) Staff Present: Kevin Sanderson Members Absent: Jacob Torres, Jackson Bird, Derek Liebert Others Present: None Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. Roll call was taken. Chair Augspurger shared that the City had a meeting for Commission chairs as a reminder for meetings. Approval of the May 22, 2019 Meeting Minutes Carol Augspurger moved to approve the minutes from the May 22, 2019 meeting Stewart Berlocher seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of the December 4, 2019 Meeting Agenda Michael Stevenson moved to approve the minutes of the May 22, 2019 meeting. Marshall Bellville seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Public Input There was no public input. Former Business a. 406 W. Iowa Sweetgum Chair Augspurger followed up on the Sweetgum on 406 W. Iowa. Kevin Sanderson reported that the contractor was able to remove it in one day. The chunk of the log was saved at the request of a resident, Jeff Watley, who was looking to purchase it for trim wood for a Victorian home in town. The landscape unit of the University of Illinois was given first option for this, per the City’s agreement with them, but they declined due to lack of space.  TREE COMMISSION MEETING b. Corporate Tree Planting Information Kevin Sanderson stated that he has been in contact with the Savannah Greens Home Owner’s Association and they are interested in helping maintain the trees, including trimming and watering, but not commit to planting trees for any tree deserts in the City. Mr. Sanderson also informed the commission that letters were sent out to all available areas on Kinch for Spring 2020 tree planting. There are approximately 26 sites available. Chair Augspurger suggested the City look into providing education brochures that can readily be available to hand out or mail out with tree planting letters. International Society of Arboriculture puts out such publications. Marshall Bellville recommended to reach out to them and obtain brochures for distribution. c. Rotary Club Funds Chair Augspurger asked about the status of the funds from the Rotary Club. Kevin Sanderson reported that the money is in the Foundation Fund, which is accessible for tree planting purposes. Grant money has been set aside for the Spring tree planting, so Rotary Club funds will be used for future tree plantings, as well as Arbor Day 2020. d. Care for New Trees Chair Augspurger asked about the care of new trees that will be planted in the Spring. Kevin Sanderson is hoping for some seasonal workers to help with this, to allow regular employees to do their work, but if needed, can be pulled in to do the watering. e. Move for Planting Native Trees A discussion was started about the tree planting list and the percentage of native trees included. Kevin Sanderson shared that about 20% of the list was resident-requested and were non-native trees. There is a push for 80% to 85% native trees based on the site. New Business a. 2 Southern Nurseries Kevin Sanderson gave an update on the 2 Southern Nurseries out of Tennessee that have native trees available for purchase and have showed interest in submitting a bid. A discussion ensued. b. Commission Seat Opening A commission seat held by a U of I student has been vacated and is currently open. c. Spring 2020 Planting List The Commission reviewed the ideal planting list. Kevin Sanderson said that about 155 trees are scheduled to be planted.  TREE COMMISSION MEETING d. 2020 Arbor Day Celebration – April 24 Kevin Sanderson shared that Arbor Day Celebration activities are planned for April 24, 2020 at Wiley School on Florida and Anderson. The City is looking to plant 8 to 10 trees. Kids will help mulch the trees. Kevin Sanderson to share agenda with Commission several weeks prior to the event date. e. City Arborist Reflection To celebrate Kevin Sanderson’s year as City Arborist, he shared reflections of what he’s learned throughout the year and filling the shoes that Mike Brunk left. f. 2020 Meeting Dates Next meeting is scheduled for All meetings will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Urbana Public Works Department, 706 South Glover Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61802. Announcement Stewart Berlocher stated that he had an opportunity to look at a cross-section of a 350-year-old bur oak that was removed from AMBUCS Park. He said that it was part of the Big Grove forest. He said that he believed that there were some additional trees from the original Big Grove forest located along the Dart parking lot on Main Street. Adjournment Stewart Berlocher made a motion to adjourn, Marshall Bellville seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 2:25 p.m. The next meeting of the Urbana Tree Commission will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. at the Urbana Public Works Department, 706 South Glover Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61802 Amanda Plotner Recording Secretary Urbana Tree Commission