Tree Board Meeting 10.15.2021

Detailed briefing

Tree Advisory Board Meeting — Oct. 15, 2021 ATTENDEES: Patrick Wise, Nancy, Dana, Savannah, and Karen Lieran were present; Sue was absent. The board said it had quorum. • The board moved forward with a monthly public outreach feature for print and social media. Members favored the title “Tree Canopy” and discussed using a consistent tree image as part of the feature’s branding. Patrick agreed to refine the preferred graphic and provide an updated version by the beginning of the following week. • The first “Tree Canopy” article will explain why trees matter and feature a sugar maple. Members asked for more conversational, Harbor Springs-specific language. They discussed including future article topics and a maple-syrup link only if space allows. Harbor Light publication was described as free, although the publisher retains the right to edit and decide whether to publish. The publisher also discouraged editorial-style pieces, such as disputes over trimming on the bluff. • On Layton Park, the board considered whether trees from residents who do not want street trees could replace a removed hedge. Members noted that canopy trees may not screen the adjacent parking area adequately. Nancy agreed to contact Victor about what trees were reserved and whether their species fit the screening purpose. • Maintenance funding was a central concern. The board reviewed a Penn State Extension publication on community-tree-program budget allocations and said the city needs clearer information on what it costs to maintain existing trees, particularly watering newly planted trees. Members discussed seeking general-fund support from City Council and obtaining cost information from Ben before making a presentation. • Members supported increasing the donated-tree amount from $500 to $600. Discussion indicated the added amount could help with maintenance. The board also questioned the cost of newspaper thank-you notices for each donor and preferred handwritten board thank-you notes, with possible recognition through the monthly feature or social media. • The proposed maintenance-donation effort was discussed under the name “Friends of the Trees,” rather than “Friends of the Tree Board.” Members viewed donations as a supplement to—not a replacement for—general-fund support. • The board began discussing future downtown Main Street tree planning. Possible issues include empty tree pits, sidewalk crowding, tree-grate costs, and whether fewer but more consistently placed trees might be appropriate. No policy decision was made. Worth watching: • Whether Ben provides maintenance needs and cost estimates in time for budget planning. • Whether Victor confirms suitable Layton Park tree species and next steps. • Whether the $600 donated-tree amount and “Friends of the Trees” approach are formally implemented. Upcoming: An interim meeting was set for Nov. 5 at noon; the regular next meeting was stated as Nov. 19. Why it matters: The board is shifting attention toward sustaining Harbor Springs’ existing public trees while building outreach and donation tools for future planting and care.

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