Westminster Tree Commission

Westminster Tree Commission MINUTES OF MEETING Wednesday, October 14, 2015 56 West Main Street, 4:30 PM 1. Attendance Commissioners - Chair Steve Allgeier, Commissioners Cindy May and Richard Wilbur Staff - Bill Mackey, Samantha Parthree, and Andrew Gray Attendees - Jessica Fitzgerald, Brian Rhoten 2. Approval of Minutes a. The Commission approved the minutes of the September 9, 2015, meeting on a motion by Commissioner May, seconded by Commissioner Wilbur. 3. Old Business a. Carroll County Historical Society Sidewalk – Chair Allgeier referenced a report prepared by Bartlett Tree Experts regarding the trees that were causing damage to the sidewalk at the Historical Society of Carroll County. Discussion arose about ADA compliance. Staff suggested incorporating historical society tree replacement into the overall Main Street tree replacement plan. Mr. Rhoten informed the commission that subject trees are healthy and a precedent would be set if they were removed. A motion was made by Chair Allgeier for the trees to remain because of their significance and health. The motion was seconded by Commissioner May. b. Green Ash Tree inventory in Westminster – Mr. Gray informed the Commission that Colleen Kenny, the Maryland State Forester, surveyed Ash Trees in many of the public areas. These areas include: Main Street (between Pennsylvania and Old Manchester), City Hall, King Park and Belle Grove Square. Ms. Kenny will follow up on a couple of public parks that were missed. 4. New Business a. Incorporating Historical Society tree replacement into Main Street tree replacement program – Chair Allgeier took this item off the agenda because it was already discussed and resolved as part of Old Business item a. b. Replanting empty tree pits along Main Street – Mr. Gray described the plan to replant the empty tree pits. The Commission decided that it would be a great idea TREE COMMISSION MINUTES 10-14-15| Posted 11/12/15  to use next meeting as a chance to walk down Main Street together and identify empty tree pits and pits that need to be replanted with better suited street trees. c. Treating identified Ash Trees in Westminster – Will discuss once full survey is completed. d. 2016 BGE vegetative management maps – Commission Members discussed the maps BGE provided. Consensus was directed at the importance of BGE informing the Commission to when work would commence along Main Street through Downtown Westminster. 5. Commissioner Reports a. Chair Allgeier thanked Jessica and Brian for their efforts in the Forestry Workshop. 6. Staff Reports a. Mr. Gray mentioned that he was impressed and learned many new things during the Forestry Workshop. 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned on motion by Chair Allgeier and seconded by Commissioner Wilt at 5:40 pm. TREE COMMISSION MINUTES 10-14-15| Posted 11/12/15