Westminster Tree Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER TREE COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 4:30 PM Conference Room, Second Floor, 56 West Main Street 1. Call to Order Commissioners - Chair Steve Allgeier, Vice-Chair Cindy May, Commissioner Richard Wilbur and Commissioner Tim Bangerd were present. City Staff-Andrew Gray, Eric Schlitzer, and Sam Parthree were present Attendees - Christian Fitzpatrick and Jessica Fitzgerald. 2. Approval of Minutes a. Commissioner Wilbur made a motion to approve the March 8, 2017 meeting summary. Vice Chair May Seconded. The motion passed. 3. Old Business a. 2017 Urban and Community Forestry Workshop- Ms. Parthree announced that three people have registered for the Workshop as of June 14, 2017. A reminder email will be sent again on June 30 to advise that Early Bird discounts will end on July 31. Chair Allgeier inquired whether invitations were sent to the Society of American Forestry. Ms. Fitzgerald confirmed; the information is posted on the Society's website. Ms. Parthree also confirmed the agenda was drafted. 4. New Business a. Comprehensive City Tree Plan - Mr. Gray reviewed the staff report that included the recommendation for the Tree Commission to craft a plan that could potentially become the official Comprehensive City Tree Plan. He cited examples from other cities for comparison. Vice Chair May inquired about how Chestertown, MD worked with Washington College to complete its  plan. Mr. Gray suggested working with McDaniel College to partner in creating the Westminster plan, and will contact Chestertown to follow up. The Commission agreed to draft an outline of the plan during the July meeting. b. Beneficial Insect Release - Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that over 200,000 insects would be released at City Hall, on June 17, 2017 at 10:00 A.M., including 100,000 lady bird beetles. Bartlett Tree Expert staff will be available to answer questions and also provide promotional items to guests. 5. Commissioner Report a. None 6. Staff Reports a. Tree City USA Growth Award Status - Mr. Gray stated that the Forestry Workshop improvements and beneficial insect release should complete the requirements for the 2017 Growth Award. Additionally, the city-wide tree inventory would be incorporated into the Comprehensive City Tree Plan to complete requirements for 2018. Vice Chair May made a motion to cancel the August meeting of the Tree Commission, due to lack of quorum. Commissioner Wilbur seconded. The motion passed unanimously. b. Mr. Schlitzer stated that tree trimming along Main Street is currently in discussion and he will meet with Lewis Tree Service and the Department of Natural Resources next week. Ms. Parthree added that City Administrator Barb Matthews is also meeting with BGE representatives for a field tour of the areas scheduled for trimming. Tree Commission members are invited to participate. 7. Adjournment Chair Allgeier made a motion to adjourn. Vice Chair May seconded. The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 5:21 PM. Steve Allgeier, Chair Westminster Tree Commission Adopted on July 24, 2017