Tree Board (Refer to Energy and Sustainability Task Force)

WARRENSBURG TREE BOARD BOARD MINUTES February 23, 2017 The Warrensburg Tree Board met in regular session on February 23, 2017 at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay. The meeting was called to order by Larry Olpin at 4:03 pm. Members in attendance: Larry Olpin, Leslie Bayless, Kevin Courtwright, Trish Smith and Jay Raveill. Others in attendance: Barbara Carroll, Chuck Conner and Jason McCarty (Public Works).  Agenda: Trish Smith moved to approve the agenda with no changes, Jay Raveill seconded. Approved 5-0.  Minutes: Jay Raveill moved to approve the minutes with one correction (last paragraph on first page should read “mid June to July”, not “mid July to July). Kevin Courtwright seconded. Approved 5-0.  Discussion Items o TRIM Grant Update  Tree Contractor Selection Barbara Carroll reports that Campbell Tree Service is under contract and has received the Notice to Proceed so he will be starting anytime. There are three trees being swapped out and no decision made to date on replacements. Chuck Conner reminds that he needs that in writing when the decision is made.  Date for KOKO radio show Larry Olpin will be get this confirmed with Kathy Baldwin at Parks and Recreation.  Date for Master Gardener’s Presentation Leslie Bayless do a presentation on the TRIM Grant this evening explaining why we are concentrating on Ash trees and handing out MDC pamphlets about Emerald Ash Borer.  Planning for Educational Workshop The Pruning Workshop held last November fulfills this obligation. However we are planning another event in conjunction with UCM’s BioBlitz on April 22nd. We will set up a table and Jay Raveill will do a guided walk with tree identification. General discussion about tree giveaway for this event and Arbor Day/Earth Day. Leslie Bayless moved that the Tree Board purchase Prairie Fire Crabapple trees to give away at both the UCM BioBlitz and the Arbor Day/Earth Day celebrations, Trish Smith seconded. Approved 5-0. o Education/Outreach Efforts  MCFC Conference-March 7-9, 2017 Kevin Courtwright confirmed that he is attending.  Trail around Racehorse Lake at Pertle Springs map The trail continues to improve but not enough for mapping at this point.  Earth and/or Arbor Day Celebrations Leslie Bayless reported that the Arbor Day/Earth Day celebration is April 22, 1:30 – 3:30 pm, the same day as the UCM BioBlitz and that she is not available that day. Trish Smith reminded us the problem with noise last year and that we need a PA system for the reading of the proclamation and the tree giveaway. General discussion about handling both events the same day. Chuck Conner reminded that he will have oak seedings available as well.  Barbara Carroll reports that the Farmer’s Market opens on April 29th so we could attend that as well and finish distributing the seedlings. (See motion under Planning for Educational Workshop for approval of tree purchases for giveaway) o Other  Missouri Forestkeepers Chuck Conner advised that Missouri Forestkeepers may be an available resource for some larger trees, usually 3-gallon. General discussion as to planting sites, transportation of trees and who would do actually planting.  Tree Health Tour Jay Raveill reported that he would like to have a Tree Health Tour this summer and suggested Cave Hollow Park and Sunset Hill as there seems to be a large number of unhealthy trees. General discussion to arrange for late June to early July on a Monday or Tuesday at 8:00 am.  KCP&L is a Tree Line USA Trish Smith asks about KCP&L involvement as they are a Tree Line USA. Barbara Carroll states that they have been in the past as far as tree donations and the contact person was Mark Dawson. Trish Smith will follow up on that.  Budget Request Barbara Carroll passed out a copy of our current budget and advised that we need to review and bring our thoughts to the March meeting. General discussion about budget concerns.  Next Meeting Date: Next meeting date is set for March 23, 2017.  Adjourn: Jay Raveill moved to close the meeting, Trish Smith seconded. Approved 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 pm. Signature __________________________________________________ Approved by Larry Olpin, Chair