Tree Board 5.20.22

Detailed briefing

Tree Advisory Board — May 20, 2022 ATTENDEES: Patrick White, Nancy Rondell, Tana Mulder, and John Cassie were named during roll call. • The board approved its previous meeting minutes. No vote count was recorded in the transcript. • Members requested a future agenda discussion on Main Street trees, including possible collaboration with the DDA and City Arborist on added green space near Spring and Main. The discussion was framed as a response to a visibly bare area expected after tree removals. • The board reviewed an MDOT drainage/culvert project east of town. Members said the work will require removal of trees in a temporary easement, while a permanent easement will cover the culvert. They understood that MDOT had agreed to replant in some areas and had proposed sugar maple, red oak, and cockspur hawthorn. However, the exact work limits, number of affected trees, and planting locations were still not clear enough for a reliable inventory. • Members discussed asking for a clearer, locatable plan—such as stakes, coordinates, or usable drawings—so the site can be surveyed. The board expected that City Council would look for its recommendation, but no final species choice or formal recommendation was made at this meeting. • For public education, members discussed a possible article on why trees may be removed. Comments focused on unacceptable risk from structural defects or decay, conflicts with utility lines, and the chance that a tree failure could harm people or critical infrastructure. They also discussed explaining the difference between city trees and trees on private property. • Arbor Day planning covered 2,000 pine trees, white-pine distribution at the farmers market, food and beverage logistics, trail and tree-identification activities, nature art, tree climbing, signs, and publicity. Rachel said she would pick up food and ice. Friday setup at 2 p.m. was discussed, and farmers market setup was expected before its 9 a.m. opening. Worth watching: • MDOT needs to provide clearer project boundaries and replanting details before the board can assess tree losses and replacements. • The board still needs a future Main Street tree/green-space discussion with the DDA and City Arborist. • Arbor Day organizers need to complete signage, forms, banner placement, media outreach, and volunteer/event setup details. Upcoming: Friday Arbor Day setup was discussed for 2 p.m.; farmers market setup was discussed ahead of its 9 a.m. opening. Why it matters: The board is balancing public safety and infrastructure work with tree replacement, public transparency, and hands-on community tree programming.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.