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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-0903 Tree MIN ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 3, 1998 I. Meeting was called to order at 5:05p.m. Members in attendance: John McClendon Kerry KenCairn Rich Whitall (chair) January Jennings Bryan Nelson Bob Kuenzel Staff present: Robbin Pearce II. Approval of Minutes - Minutes were approved with minor changes. III. Guests - Alex Jansen, David Richardson, John Galbraith (PA 98-091) and Ken Ogden (PA 98-090) IV. Old Business A Recommended Street Tree List Update - A subcommittee was formed consisting of Jennings and Nelson. They will finish the draft for review by the full commission in October. The d raft will then be reviewed by community members. Commissioners will review the final draft in December. It is the goal of the commission that the update be printed for publication by Arbor Week of 1999. Any additional suggestions, changes or additions should be submitted to staff or to Jennings by September 30th for inclusion in the October packet. B. Tree Inventory - Commission reviewed 1993 tree inventory. It was decided the inventory was a good snapshot in time but unless it is maintained it becomes of limited value. It was suggested that the new aerial photos be used for locating future planting projects. A priority property list could be made after criteria is established. Staff will bring the photos to the next meeting. C. Siskiyou Boulevard Protector Removal - Whitall and McClendon removed the majority of the protectors. Kuenzel will survey the area and remove any remaining protectors. D. Mountain Meadows Phase V Median Strip Update - KenCairn submitted draft letters for commission approvaL The letters are addressed to both the Tidings and the developers in support of the planting of a median strip on North Mountain. Corrections and additions were made. The letter to the developers will be signed by Whitall, Chair. Kuenzel recommended the letter to the Tidings come from KenCairn as a Tree Commissioner. E. Other Old Business - There was no additional old business. v. New Business A. Site Reviews 1. PA9S-091 (Ashland Community Hospital Foundation) - Commission recommended applicant remove the junipers and assure the street trees along Maple were large stature trees. It was also requested that a new drawing be submitted if any additional building is proposed. 2. PA9S-091 (Alex Jansen - Siskiyou & Walker) - It was recommended to alternate the paving areas along Siskiyou to allow large trees next to the sidewalk and that the street trees be varied. A list was submitted. It was also suggested that a retaining wall be used along the west edge to protect the existing trees. Additional guidelines are found in the booklet "Protecting Trees During Construction." B. Shade Tree Project - Staff explained that the Conservation Commission wants work with the Tree Commission on a joint project. The idea is to plant shade trees both on west facing property lines for general shading and cooling and in parking lots. Nelson felt the need to address the vast amount of landscape debris (leaves, branches etc.) that is generated now with current limited disposal options before beginning a major new planting program. Staff will look into funding options and review the City of Eugene program. Nelson will draft a memo to the Conservation Commission. C. Videoland Update - Staff stated she had been informed by Planning Director John McLaughlin that the trees on Hwy 66, which staff recommended be removed based on conflict with the powerlines, will not be removed because the powerlines will be moved underground in approximately ten years. D. Soil Matrix Theory - Staff explained that Phil Frazee, a local arborist wanted to talk to the Tree Commission tonight, but had a schedule conflict. He will be at the October meeting to discuss his theory of soil matirx for planting as well as such issues as root barriers. E. Street Standards Design Review - The Commission asked staff to draft a memo recommending 7 foot minimum parkrows with a note of special concern for subdivisions with smaller front yards. This limited parkrow space would greatly restrict plantings to small stature trees, A note should be included which states all plantings should be done according to guidelines of the Recommended Street Tree List. Commissioners were concerned about the time line for adoption of the Standards. Staff will report at the next meeting. F. Other New Business - Staff reported that the new City Administrator, Mike Freeman, is turning the process of Tree Permits over to the Tree Commission. It was agreed that Tree Commissions McClendon, KenCairn, Whitall, Nelson, Jennings, or Kuenzel will be called to review each request with final approval being made by Todt. Todt will supply a set of ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) standards to be supplied with removal permits. VII ADJOURNMENT - Meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.