Harbor Springs May 15 Tree Advisory Board Meeting

Detailed briefing

Harbor Springs Tree Advisory Board — May 15, 2020 ATTENDEES: Dana Mulder, Mark Gilbert, Jeff Granger, CeCe Johnston, Sue Stewart, arborist Ben Velen, and staff members referenced as Victor and Margo. • The board supported a request to donate a mountain ash in memory of former Police Chief Dean Rye, to be planted near the police station. Members said the exact site should be selected for the tree’s survival and returned to the donor for confirmation. The donor was asked to submit the completed request and a $500 check to the City. • Arborist Ben Velen said mountain ash can support species diversity but may face fungal disease and pest issues. He said the City should commit to maintenance if the memorial tree is planted, because loss of a memorial tree could carry added significance. • February 21 and April 21 meeting minutes were approved through roll-call votes. • For the downtown tree-grate project, staff said the bid request would list nine acceptable tree species and propose replacement of all downtown trees. Trees under a 3-inch caliper could be relocated elsewhere in the City. A pre-bid meeting was scheduled for June 8, and construction was not expected before September 14. • The board discussed a possible temporary holding location for salvaged downtown trees at the Pepper Street well house, where irrigation is available. No final relocation plan was selected. • Staff will follow up with Ronald Fenix on his proposed donation of elm trees for Main Street and potentially Traverse Street. Members emphasized selecting the right tree for the location and avoiding overly tight spacing; Ben Velen was asked to research spacing. • The board agreed it should be possible to accept donations below the current $500 tree-donation amount, but did not settle on a recognition or funding policy. Ideas included donation tiers, matching gifts, and a separate tree-fund recognition plaque. Worth watching: • Staff and Dana Mulder are to bring options for a smaller-donation recognition system to the next meeting; council approval would still be needed. • A request for four crabapple trees on Zoll Street will be reviewed for sight-distance and spacing concerns before staff proceeds. • Permanent tree or shade changes at Marina Park remain uncertain because a possible harbormaster-building redesign could alter the green space. Upcoming: The board said it will meet again June 19. Why it matters: The discussion links memorial and private donations, downtown replacement work, and future grants to Harbor Springs’ long-term street-tree and park-shade decisions.

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