Tree Advisory Board 8.21.2020

Detailed briefing

Tree Advisory Board — August 21, 2020 ATTENDEES: John Cups, Dana Mulder, Mark Gilbert, Sue R. Stewart, CeCe Johnson. • The board approved the July 17 meeting minutes. Staff then reported on the bluff issue: the city believes it does not own the bluff section between Ann Street and Church Street. Council reportedly lifted the moratorium on trimming and cutting trees on city-owned bluff property, decided not to pursue a bluff vegetation management plan now, and retained the existing policy. • Staff said owners associated with the Ann-to-Church section are being encouraged to form an association. The city has provided addresses, research and an offer of limited assistance, but staff said it cannot manage or negotiate with individual owners one by one. Tax treatment and a legal description for the property remain under review with the county. • A consultant presented concepts for the M-119/Zoll Street gateway near City Hall: canopy trees, shrubs and perennial beds, pedestrian lighting, relocated City Hall signage, and a possible low wall that could function as an entry feature or seating/wayfinding element. Discussion focused on hardy trees for roadside salt, winter exposure and traffic; shade for trail users; maintenance obligations; and whether the planting should use one species or a limited mix. • The board discussed a proposed $12,000 donation tied to a requested Japanese oak near City Hall. Members questioned whether that tree would survive locally because of hardiness-zone concerns. Staff will contact the donor about possible alternative species. • For a Main Street tree donation, members discussed swamp white oak, maple diversity concerns, availability, church sightlines and roughly 30-foot tree spacing. Staff plans to involve a church representative and bring the matter back. • The board approved a Glen Drive right-of-way request for three maples, with staff to reconfirm the application with DPW. A request to replace a tree at 316 E. Third Street with an Ivory Silk Japanese tree lilac was discussed; staff will check with DPW and electric staff because of nearby utility lines. • Members asked for a ready list of public planting sites for donated trees and grant-funded planting. They also raised concerns about tree losses and declining lindens at Zorn and Shea parks, including possible irrigation, chemical, soil and water-management factors. Worth watching: • Whether bluff owners organize and seek city assistance for the Ann-to-Church bluff section. • Final tree species, maintenance responsibilities and wall details for the M-119/Zoll Street gateway. • Follow-through on an irrigation audit and records review for Zorn and Shea parks. Upcoming: The Main Street donation discussion is expected to return September 18; ArborFest is scheduled for September 24 in Manistee, with city-funded registration and lodging offered to interested board members. Why it matters: The board’s choices affect public-tree diversity, maintenance costs, street safety, park health and the appearance of key entrances to downtown.

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