Tree Advisory Board 9.17.2021

Detailed briefing

Tree Advisory Board — September 17, 2021 ATTENDEES: Patrick Wise, Nancy Rondell, Kevin Mulder; Dana and Rachel, Parks Director, were also present. Sue was absent due to illness, and Ben was unavailable while on Isle Royale. • The board approved the previous meeting minutes. Staff reported that the Tree City USA application had been submitted the prior week and was awaiting review, evaluation, and certification by a forester. No approval decision had been received. • For Layton Park plantings, several proposed locations were shifted away from overhead wires to nearby open spots. Staff said letters would be sent after Ben confirms the revised locations. • A possible donation of trees along Traverse Street, south of Main Street toward Harbor Point, remains under review. The area may be too tight for the city’s stated guidelines of 30 feet from corners and 20 feet between trees. Members also raised the larger question of whether additional trees should be planted before a maintenance and watering plan is in place. • Members said the current $500 donation amount likely covers little beyond tree purchase and installation and may not adequately cover maintenance. Possible approaches included increasing the requested donation, limiting the number of trees provided for a set donation, and encouraging donations to the existing tree-care fund. A revised amount would need City Council approval. • The board discussed a public education series, potentially branded “Tree Canopy,” for the Harbor Light and possibly other outlets. Ideas included short monthly pieces on why trees matter, planting locations, fall preparation, property-owner responsibilities, and individual tree species. Local landscaper sponsorships and the Chamber newsletter were suggested. Staff will ask Charles about publication options, pricing, article length, and use of the same content on city social media. • The board’s main planning priority is an itemized tree-care and maintenance plan. Staff will ask Ben for general cost estimates by task—such as irrigation, watering, gator bags, spraying, monitoring, and training—rather than one total figure. Members want to use those details to set priorities and prepare a future budget request. Worth watching: • Whether Ben’s maintenance-cost assessment identifies an affordable initial scope of work and how long it will take to prepare. • Whether Traverse Street can accommodate donated trees under current spacing standards. • Whether the city seeks Council approval to revise the tree-donation amount. Upcoming: No next meeting date was announced; staff follow-up is planned on Tree City USA status, planting locations, newspaper outreach, and a maintenance-cost assessment. Why it matters: The board is weighing new tree planting against the ongoing costs of keeping the city’s existing and newly planted trees healthy.

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