Westminster Tree Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER TREE COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 7 PM 56 West Main Street, 4:30 PM 1. Call to Order Commissioners - Chair Steve Allgeier, Commissioner Cindy May, Commissioner Howard Wilt and Commissioner Richard Wilbur were present. Staff – Andrew Gray, Eric Schlitzer and Samantha Parthree were present Attendees – Brian Rhoten, Christian Fitzpatrick, Jessica Fitzgerald and Tim Bangerd were present. 2. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Wilt made a motion to approve the February 10, 2016 meeting minutes. Commissioner May Seconded. The motion passed. 3. Old Business There was no old business. 4. New Business a. 2016 Community Forestry Workshop – Ms. Parthree gave the Commission an update on registration, vouchers, tee shirt pricing and food. It was noted that the City is using their own billing service. Mr. Rhoten discussed potentially providing TRAQ. ISA. information and holding two tree risk and one pruning session next year. The City is waiting on the final CEU count. There was discussion on potentially asking professors/teachers at local colleges to inform students about the Forestry Workshop. b. Heritage Tree Trail Survey (Second Section) – Mr. Gray went over the staff report which included the number of trees and species surveyed. The Commission was informed about the proposed tree trail sign. The City has received approval from Carroll County Recreation and Parks to attach the proposed sign under the existing county sign. Discussion centered on the complexity of the sign and the Commission wanted less wording.  c. 2017 Growth Award – Mr. Gray presented the staff report including the two activities that would satisfy the requirements. There was also discussion on the Tree City USA re-certification application. It was suggested to survey park trees for next year’s growth award (2018). 5. Commissioner Reports a. Chair Allgeier informed the Commission that McDaniel College is in the process of becoming a Tree Campus USA. The City may be able to use the partnership for future Growth Award credits. The Chair inquired about a Street Tree replacement plan and possibly holding an Arbor Day event in the fall. b. Commissioner May – Inquired about whether the City is going to remove one of the two Ginkgo Trees, that was planted during the Arbor Day Celebration, to erect a sculpture. Commissioner May would like the Commission to confirm that the trees will not be removed. The Commission agreed. 6. Staff Reports Mr. Gray introduced Mr. Tim Bangard. Mr. Bangard explained his background and expressed interest in joining the Tree Commission. 7. Adjournment Chair Allgeier made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner May seconded. The motion passed. Adopted November 9, 2016