HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-1206 Tree MIN
Ashland Tree Commission
Minutes, December 6, 2001
Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. by Chairperson Rich
Whitall. Additional commissioners in attendance were Bryan Holley, January Jennings,
Greg Covey, Dan Moore and Tom Peil. Staff in attendance was Robbin Pearce.
Approval of Minutes – Minutes of the November 8, 2001 meeting were approved with
corrections.
Welcome Guests – Bob Kendrick, Library Project Manager was present to give an
update. Elizabeth Schaefer, Willow Dean and Tina Jones – all Brooks Lane residents as
well as Anita Nevison of Birchwod Lane were present to discuss the East Village project.
And, Russ Dale, developer of the East Village project attended. John Freedom was also
in attendance.
Bob Kendrick, the City’s project manager for the library project gave a brief history of
his experience and outlined the existing conditions for tree protection at the library
project site.
Topics discussed included: excessive or not excessive limb pruning on the deodar cedar;
impact of the condition of the existing retaining wall; impact of the change of the site
conditions on the trees and the need for serious monitoring of specifically the cedar but
also all the trees on this site; who is making recommendations for work to be done to the
trees and who is actually doing the work; inconsistencies of tree protection fencing
during periods of work within the dripline.
Specifications or ‘means & methods’ for trenching was also discussed. Staff will research
what specification public works uses on city projects.
The Commission stated the primary concern now is the root systems of the existing trees,
and the impact of the change in drainage. Rich Whitall asked for a consultation with
the/an arborist.
Bob stated his appreciation for the ‘extra eyes’ on the project and he let the
commissioners know he is available to them at any time to address their concerns.
Old Business
A.Tree Ordinance – Staff is currently working on the press release. Commissioners
will have the opportunity to review the press release before it goes to press.
Talking points were discussed with the following assignments:
Rich Whitall Homeowner Issues
Bryan Holley Development Issues
Tom Peil Professional Issues
Greg Covey Public Lands Issues
Questions will returned to staff as soon as possible. The talking points will be
presented as a coversheet to the ordinance and will be mailed out to the
established list as well as being available and/or by request.
B.Recommended Street Tree List – Commissioners will review the completed
document with a fine-toothed comb. Covers will be discussed at the next meeting.
C.Jackson County Smart Map – Staff informed commissioners of the data that is
available through Engineering Department’s GIS database. Greg Covey will be
the contact person for this project.
D.Other – 1) Siskiyou Redesign Project – January Jennings reported the plan shows
only three trees being removed; all of which are worthy candidates for removal.
Dan Moore expressed concerns for the health of the existing parkrow trees and
the lack of traffic-calming effect of the proposed trees. January will update again
in January.
New Business
A.Site Review: Planning Action 2002-117 (East Village/Russ Dale)
Recommendation: 1) For over-all health of the tree canopy incorporate more
species diversity of street trees. 2) Considering alternatives to proposed maples if
you want very drought tolerant trees on this site. 3) Use backyard “buffer trees”
along east side of development to screen Chataqua Trace and other properties. 4)
Concentrate plant materials that encourage wildlife in the wetlands area.
B.Proposed Rewording of Ordinance: Tree Height Required Clearance – The
Electric department requested a letter of support for a change in the wording of
the ordinance which defines height clearance. The Commissioners requested a
representative from the Electric Department attend the March meeting to discuss
the issue.
C.Other – 1) The Street department requested a letter of support on tree clearance
issues. Rich Whitall will draft a letter of support. 2) Staffing – Staff presented a
comparison of staff time, staff hours and budgets for all city commissions. Bryan
Holley will draft a letter to request additional support.
Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm