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TREE COMMISSION MINUTES
March 6, 2014
CALL TO ORDER –Ashland Tree Commission meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on March
6, 2014 in the Siskiyou Room in the Community Development and Engineering Services
Building located at 51 Winburn Way, Ashland, Oregon.
Commissioners Present Council Liaison
Ken Schmidt Carol Voison - ABSENT
Gregg Trunnell
Staff Present
Russ Neff Michael Pina - Staff liaison
Casey Roland Anne Thayer - Parks liaison - ABSENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Schmidt motioned, Roland seconded to approve the February 6, 2014 regular meeting minutes
and the motion carried unanimously.
WELCOME GUESTS & PUBLIC FORUM
No guests.
PLANNING ACTION REVIEW
There were no actions to review
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Arbor Day Planning - The Commission discussed plans for the upcoming Arbor Day celebration
in April at the Ashland Christian Fellowship located at 50 East Hersey. Parks arborist Anne
Thayer noted that the three Heritage Birches are on order and are to be delivered by Southern
Oregon Tree Service on April 12, 2014.
Council Update - This year, the Council is requesting that all commissions provide an annual
report to the Council updating them on the items and business of the year. The Tree
Commission’s date is set for March 18, 2014. Our discussions this year will include the 2014
Tree of the Year winner, Arbor Week events scheduled throughout April, and recognition of
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Ashland as a Tree City USA for the 29 consecutive year. Staff requests that someone from the
commission join staff in presenting in front of the Council. Schmidt volunteered his time.
Tree of the Year - City Administrator Dave Kanner provided the Tree Commission a memo
discussing the Commission’s anticipated choice for this year’s Tree of the Year winner; a
Fremont Cottonwood located at 380 Clay Street. The City is currently in active discussions with
the Housing Authority of Jackson County to acquire the property and build affordable units. If
the Housing Authority acquires the property, a tree removal request is likely, despite its
recognition of Tree of the Year, as preservation of tree would reduce the buildable area by nearly
half of the property. After staff had handed out the memo, Commissioner Trunell motioned that
the Fremont Cottonwood still be recognized as 2014 Tree of the Year. Roland seconded, all ayes.
Other - The commission once again discussed adding “No Topping” signs to the bottom of our
existing Tree City USA signs at the three entryways into Ashland. Staff will again bring this
issue up with higher staff and report back once given direction.
Meeting adjourned at 6:56 pm
Respectively submitted by Assistant Planner Michael Piña
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