HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-0803 Tree MIN
ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION
MINUTES
AUGUST 3,1995
l. Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Present:
John McClendon
Mark Jenne (Minutes)
David Jacquat
Rich Whitall (Chair)
Dave Mason
II. Approval of Minutes - July minutes approved.
III.
Guests:
Gary Arnold (Oregon DEO - Medford Office)
Ron Bass (PA 95-084)
Suzy Brown (Representing Richard Bolton, PA 95-084)
Frank Papen (PA 95-066)
Suzanne McQueen (PA 95-088)
Mrs. Williamson
IV. Old Business:
A. Update of Recommended Street Tree list - John McClendon reports for
Donn that the layout artist cannot complete the project. Donn is continuing
this project on his own. One copy of the list was availablel but was not
reviewed at this time. An idea was fostered to make an additional list that
would give local sources for each of the trees. This would lessen the
problem of species substitutions due to the "unavailability" at one nursery.
B. Arboretum Status - Regarding the possibility of an arboretum on the
Billings property at the north end of town - Dave indicates thatl despite
newspaper reports to the contrary, the idea of a golf course on this property
is becoming less likely. This is due to the city's finding (to be confirmed
August 15) that as much as 20% of the land is wetlandl making that part of
the property unsuitable for a golf course. This wetland's finding would also
tie in with the wetlands sewage treatment option. An arboretum could
easily maintain a riparian area thus benefitting wetlands, conservation and
sewage treatment. Several local groups are working for the arboretum in
lieu of the golf course and the large private supporter is still interested.
ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION
MINUTES
AUGUST 3, 1995
Commission feels an arboretum partnership between the city and private
donors would be attractive - each could get an arboretum at half price.
Dave indicated that financially, a golf course would be better for the first 15
yearsl but after that time an arboretum is more advantageous.
Environmentally an arboretum would be much more beneficial.
C. Interface with Engineering regarding tree pruning notices - John
McClendon reports for Donn. Jim Olson in Engineering has agreed to refer
tree visual-clearance questions to the Tree Commission for consultation in
cases where there could be a question via Nancy Slocum.
D. Goals and Vision Planning - Richard Whitall and Mark Jenne will come up
with a survey to be mailed to each Commissioner to get a list of interests
and try to gauge our depth of commitment. Results will be discussed at our
next meeting.
E. Tree Inventory Tutorial Offer - Mark has come up with a typed set of
instructions, but is delinquent in contacting Phil Lind regarding the computer
speed problem.
F. Big Street Trees List - David has not come up with a draft list yet, but
envisions that it will be accompanied by other guidelines such as site
suitability to ensure long-term tree health.
G. Review of 1 994 Planning Action Compliance - No report, Vince James
absent.
v. New Business:
A. Site Review -
1. PA 95-066 (Fourth @ A St.) - Frank Papen was asked to
add two more street trees.
2. PA 95-087 (Second & E Main) - John Fields would like to
get a street tree on Main St., but the site looks too restrictive.
The design is nice.
3. PA 95-088 - (2425 Siskiyou) - Suzanne McQueen explained
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ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION
MINUTES
AUGUST 3, 1995
the plan. We suggest the Liquid Amber be replaced with
another species. Street trees will be put in after the Siskiyou
Boulevard redesign.
4. P A 95-084 (Siskiyou @ Mary Jane) - Plan looks good.
Neighbor Ron Bass was advised to watch out for root
compaction to his trees.
5. PA 95-085 (Mountain @ Hersey) - The plan needs more
details. The slope is particularly steep.
6. PA 95-075 (963 B St.) - Needs details as noted. The plan
looks crowded.
B. Gary Arnold of State DEQ discussed non-point pollution sources
and how they can be affected by actions around riparian areas.
Healthy riparian corridors help control excess nutrientsl high stream
temperatures and sedimentation. Development factors including
species variety and stream buffer size have degraded the riparian
areas ability to clean itself. Perhaps we can cooperate with DEQ on a
comprehensive riparian management plan for the-city and give our
ideas to the City Council and Parks Department.
Other ideas include making a riparian inventory within the city limits
and/or restoring damaged areas by planting new cover (perhaps with
volunteer effort and donated materials to keep costs down).
Sediment in Reeder Reservoir leads to sluicing which essentially kills
Ashland Creek for a few years. Steep slopes and road cuts could
perhaps be stabilized in the reservoir drainage.
North Mountain Avenue park is a prime candidate for restoration.
The City of Phoenix now has an ordinance requiring a minimum 25'
buffer around all creeks.
These are all ideas we could help with. The Tree Commission could
help educate as well as perform direct action.
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ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION
MINUTES
AUGUST 3, 1995
Because Ashland is near the beginning the Rogue Valley, drainage
here has a big impact on the valley. A formal plan may also help the
City if Coho Salmon is listed as an endangered species by keeping
federal mandates to a minimum. Next month we can discuss a
possible riparian protection program.
VI. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
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