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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-1107 Tree MINASHLAND TREE COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 7, 1996 II. III. IV. Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m. Members Present: John McClendon (Chair) Donn Todt (Minutes) Nancy Kerr Jack Goldberg Robbin Pearce (Staff) Approval of Minutes - not discussed Guests: January Jennings and Brian Nelson (prospective Tree Commission members), Margrett Gelatt (interest in trees on Highway 66), Charles (Chuck) Beck, Brian Reed, Ruthie Beck, Scott Kurtz, Colin Swales, Doug Neuman, Ron Blanchard, and Brian Reed (planning actions). Old Business: R/par/an Area Protection/Enhancement- McClendon provided information that SOSC plans to develop some of Roca Canyon as an arboretum. Also, he stated Headwaters has a project that involves the evaluation of Roca Canyon. Trees for Newborns - Kerr and Nancy Slocum (Planning Department) have worked out a design for the certificate. It was approved with minor additions. TID Trees - Todt noted that TID had been found negligent in its application of the herbicide "Spike". Jennings observed that trees are continuing to die along the portion of the ditch with which she is familiar. Todt suggested the value of these trees was incommensurate with the value of the trees TID was willing to replace them with. Nelson suggested that due to the long half-life of the pesticide, it might be some time before replacement plantings could be made where appropriate. It was agreed that a follow-up census of dead and dying trees be taken in the spring or summer. McClendon and Todt will draft a letter to TID regarding Tree Commission ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 7, 1996 Vo concerns, including the possible "remedial action" of root pruning. Tree City USA Sign Locations - Goldberg furnished photos showing possible locations along Highway 66. The Commission agreed it should be posted with the "Welcome to Ashland" sign and that perhaps the City might look into doing some landscaping in the vicinity. It was also suggested a sign is needed along the Siskiyou Boulevard entrance to the City. Goldberg will look at possible locations. Holiday Relief- Todt gave a report and update on the effort. Pearce noted that City Council had agreed to participate in the project. Other Old Business: Clay Street Overpass - Kerr showed the Commission a copy of the grant application, noting it was due in early December. The Commission agreed to meet at the site on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. to discuss landscaping possibilities. Todt will talk to Ken Mickelsen and Jill McClelland in the Parks Department for assistance in writing the grant. New Business: A. Planning Actions (see Site Review sheets) go Trees and the Law - Todt will ask the City Attorney, Paul Nolte, if he would be willing to offer an educational presentation in January. C. Other New Business: Video - Todt suggested that an educational video regarding utility pruning and trenching around trees be purchased and provided to Public Works, Parks Department and other applicable agencies and organizations. Approved by voice vote. Tree Removal and Replacement Along Highway 66 - Margrett Gelatt expressed regret that the City was removing the trees and said the City should do everything possible to save them. Pearce noted information was scant in prior Tree Commission ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 7, 1996 Vl. minutes regarding these trees. Todt mentioned the project was originally scheduled to happen some time ago and that prior Tree Commissioners Marl< Jenne and Rich Whitall had been conceptually aware of the project. Jenne had discussions with Brian Almquist regarding City plans, and former chairperson Whitall had submitted a letter to Planning/Public Works giving conceptual approval to the project. Tree Commissioners felt they needed more specific information from Public Works regarding the number of trees to be taken out and that conceptual approval did not constitute final approval. Tree Commissioners also noted that with the recent rapid turnover in membership, there was a lack of continuity with regard to information on the project. Current Tree Commission Chairperson McClendon will get on the agenda for the next City Council meeting. Todt will tall< to Public Works about getting current information. Tod[ also stated that since the project had been planned for so long, why were concerns not expressed within the context of Tree Commission meetings? Adjounment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. 3