HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-0104 Tree MIN
Ashland Tree Commission
Minutes, January 4, 2001
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:08pm by Chair Rich Whitall. Additional commissioners
in attendance included January Jennings, Tom Peil, Dan Moore, Greg Covey, Planning Director John
McLaughlin, Staff Robbin Pearace and Council liaison Cameron Hanson.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes were approved as submitted.
Welcome Guests: Bryan Holley was in attendance. Steve Hoxmier was present for his planning action.
Old Business.
A. Tree Ordinance – John McLaughlin explained the changes made. He asked that each commissioner
review the changes and get any comments to him. McLaughlin stated everything will wait until March
when we will know the fate of Measure 7. If Measure 7 is upheld the ordinance will be stalled. It will
actually be an opportunity to develop an educational program which could include such items as how
trees increase property values and need protection. If Measure 7 is repealed we will need to start by
1)preparing a summary of the ordinance and 2)a list of commonly asked questions, 3)establish a
timeline for public meeting(s), 4)review the ordinance in house with the Planning Commission and
then 5)take it to Council. Discussion included using the time wisely, creating a public education
process; articles in the paper, utility bill stuffer including eg Hillside, Hargadine and Holly street,
explaining such issues as:
1)History of Street Trees (Holley/Todt)
2) Heritage Trees/Tree of the Year (Covey)
3) Toping (Jennings)
4)Right Tree/Right Place (Moore)
5) appropriate Pruning (Jennings)
6) Tree Protection During Activities (Whitall)
7) What it Means to be a Tree City USA/Benefits of an Urban Forest /What is Arbor
Day? (Peil)
8) cultural Directions for Planting Trees (Nelson)
Whitall will contact the Tidings for their parameters. Staff will make available research materials in
the Conservation office.
Discussion also included asking the Electric department to present to the Tree Commission the process for
trimming trees in the powerlines (what you do, topping or an alternative, history of trimming, schedule –
how often?, requirements to be able to trim trees – arborist or lineman, monies available to replace trees in
powerlines with appropriate trees. Staff will ask the Electric department to present this information at an
upcoming meeting.
B. Project Updates: 1) Calle (Todt) – Project is in full swing and should be finished in January. 2)Library
– Discussion resulting in Moore volunteering to raft a letter to Friends of the Library regarding tree
protection. 3)Elks (Todt) – The project is complete. Staff will look into signage regarding bioswales.
4)Helman street – Staff reported the Engineering Department contacted staff regarding sidewalks and
street trees on Helman street. The project is being discussed by the neighbors. More information will
be presented next month. 5)Siskiyou (jennings) – As part of this discussion John McLaughlin
explained that most City projects are bid by out-of-town architectural firms based on ‘history’ and.or
‘experience’ or a particular ‘structural strength’. Discussion included the weakness of the ‘package’ is
the ‘out-of-town’ landscape architect. It was decided to write a recommendation to the City Manager to
use local landscape architects in bid packages. Jennings will draft te recommendation.
C. Other – There was no additional old business.
New Business
A. Site Review
B. Arbor Week Activities: A number of activities were tentatively planned:
?
Jennings will be involved with a second grade school class activity
?
Tree of the Year 2001 (staff)
?
Tree of the Year 2000 Plaque (Todt)
?
Tree Planting (Todt)
?
Mayors Proclamation
?
Council Presentation
?
Terry Skibby’s photos – past & present Tree of the Year
?
Reminders in the utility stuffer, City Source (Fall flyer- reminder to look & pick trees for the
Tree of the Year)
C. Other – There was no additional new business.
Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm