City of Olney Tree Board met April 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
Agenda #1 “Call To Order” The meeting of the Tree Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 S. Whittle Ave., Olney, Illinois, with Brandy McKinney presiding.
Agenda #2 “Roll Call” The following Tree Board members were present: Brandy McKinney, Bill Caulfield, Chris Simpson, Kelsie Sterchi, Paige Abell, and Bill Page.
Agenda #3 “Approve Minutes Of Tree Board Meeting On February 28, 2018” Mrs. Sterchi moved to approve the minutes of the Tree Board meeting on February 28, 2018, seconded by Mr. Simpson. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
Agenda #4 “Public Comments/Presentations” No one from the public was present.
Agenda #5 “Update: Recover, Replant, Restore! Program Scheduled For April 30, 2018” Mrs. McKinney had been sent a press release from Barb Grabner-Kerns about the upcoming Recover, Replant, Restore! Program. The program would take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 30, 2018, at the Olney Public Library. Information on the program had also been shared in the most recent edition of the City’s e-newsletter. Mrs. McKinney also believed that Mrs. Grabner-Kerns had a flyer that could be used. If not, one could easily be created.
Mrs. McKinney would provide copies of the press release to the Olney Daily Mail, the Olney Gazette, Freedom 92.9, and the Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Sterchi would post information on the City’s website and Facebook page. Mrs. Sterchi also suggested that if a flyer was available, copies could be provided to the local nurseries.
Mrs. McKinney had been in touch with members of the Council about the event. She asked if it would be an issue for more than two members of the Council to be in attendance. Mrs. Sterchi indicated that it would not be an issue as long as City business was not discussed by those members.
Mrs. McKinney asked if there was a listing of those who applied for an Arborist License in Olney. Mrs. Sterchi replied that companies are only required to get such a license if working on street trees or trees in the parks. She believed two companies may be on file, and that they could be contacted about the program.
Mr. Caulfield, a certified arborist, mentioned that he was expecting to retire from the postal service in 2018. Upon his retirement, he mentioned that he would be happy to trim a few trees in the City Park. He understood that if allowed, he would most likely need to be accompanied by a City worker. He would perform the work at no charge. If the City approved of the work, he would be happy to do more. Mrs. Sterchi would speak with the City Manager to see if that could be a possibility.
Mr. Caulfield continued by noting that there was a section of an Oak tree, near the red slide in the City Park, that was dead and cracked. He recommended that portion of the tree be cut out. Mr. Page agreed, commenting that the had seen the same tree and felt it could be a potential liability issue to the City. Mrs. Sterchi would create a work order to resolve the issue.
Due to refreshments being provided at the program, Mrs. Sterchi mentioned that Mrs. Grabner-Kerns recommended that attendees register for the event. A link was provided in the recent e-newsletter, and the website was listed on the press release.
Mr. Simpson asked if there was a cap on attendance. Mrs. McKinney did not believe there was a cap.
Mrs. Sterchi asked which class(es) at the high school were involved with trees, and if the program could act as “school time” for those who could attend. Mrs. McKinney replied that the FFA may be interested. Mr. Simpson added that a couple of competition teams on tree identification, and those in the Landscape/Turf Management elective may be interested. He could not be certain, but felt that the program could be appropriate for such students to attend.
Mrs. Sterchi asked if the City or Tree Board needed to provide or bring anything to the event. Mrs. McKinney did not believe so.
The principal from St. Joe had asked if sixth graders could attend. It was not believed that the program would be appropriate for those of such a young age, but Mrs. McKinney would ask Mrs. Grabner-Kerns if the program could be recorded and posted on YouTube.
Agenda #6 “Discussion/Possible Action: Arbor Day And Earth Day Plans” Mrs. McKinney reminded the Board that a tree would be planted in observance of Arbor Day. In addition, a City-Wide Pride Clean Up Day would be held. Volunteers would select a route, and pick up trash along that route the weekend of April 28. Volunteers could dispose of their trash as they saw fit.
Mrs. Sterchi mentioned that 10 flowering trees and two purple lilacs had been received from the Arbor Day Foundation. One of the trees could be used for the Arbor Day planting, or all could be saved as an incentive to those who volunteer for the City-Wide Pride Clean Up Day. The Board liked the idea of giving the seedlings to the first 12 volunteers for the City-Wide Pride Clean Up Day so that they could get into the ground more quickly.
Mrs. Sterchi moved to give away the 10 flowering trees and two purple lilacs to the first 12 volunteers for the City-Wide Pride Clean Up Day, seconded by Mrs. McKinney. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
Arbor Day observance plans would be as follows: proclamation signing on April 27, City- Wide Pride Clean Up Day April 28 or 29, and the Recover, Replant, Restore! Program with Arbor Day tree planting on April 30.
A few members of the Tree Board picked up routes for the clean up. Interested volunteers could contact Mrs. McKinney for a route and a tree.
Mrs. McKinney then asked if the Ameren Grant funds should be used to buy the tree for the Arbor Day planting. Mrs. Sterchi replied that she had yet to receive the grant funds, so the tree would need to be purchased another way. She believed that funds were still available in the Tree Maintenance Program line item that could be used. Most likely, the Ameren Grant funds would need to be utilized in the 2018/2019 fiscal year instead.
Mrs. McKinney recommended that Mrs. Sterchi ask the City Manager for permission to utilize the remaining Tree Maintenance Program funds for 2017/2018.
Mrs. McKinney had heard requests for shade trees at the Together We Play Park, behind the benches. Mrs. McKinney had mentioned the idea to the Park Department Supervisor in the Summer, and at that time, he had no issue with the tree placement. She felt that three trees would be sufficient in that area.
Additionally, the City Park was full of mature trees, but needed some immature ones planted. Mr. Bradley had also mentioned to her that Bird Haven had dead trees removed recently, and could use some re-planted in that area.
Agenda #7 “Discussion/Possible Action: Street Tree Replacement Application (729 N. Walnut St.) ” A Street Tree Replacement Application had been received from Michael and Linda Winter, 729 N. Walnut Street. The Winters requested an Armstrong Red Maple to be placed on the nine foot wide section between the sidewalk and the street.
Mrs. Sterchi had spoken with the Sewer and Water Distribution Supervisors as to whether or not they had lines in that area. Neither supervisor believed that lines were in the area proposed for planting, but the Water Distribution Supervisor felt that it should be considered that plans were such that a new water main would be placed along the west side of N. Walnut Street within a few years. If and when the water main was placed, the tree may need to be removed or could be damaged. Mrs. McKinney stated that she would rather see a tree have been “loved then lost” than not have one planted at all.
Due to the area having many overhead utility lines, Mr. Page did not believe that an Armstrong Red Maple would be a good choice. The Tree Board agreed. Looking at the application, the Board felt that for the area, a Flowering Crab or Crape Myrtle would be a better option.
The Board then discussed possibly adding Dogwood, Redbud, or Crabapple to the list of tree options on the application. During the tree care workshop, Mrs. McKinney would ask Mrs. Grabner- Kerns for her recommendations. Mr. Page added that the Trident Maple should also be researched.
Mrs. McKinney moved to approve the Street Tree Replacement Application, subject to the following conditions: the Winters be made very aware that any potential tree planted in the area may be damaged or removed due to plans for water main extension, that the Winters select a Flowering Crab or Crape Myrtle instead, and that a J.U.L.I.E. be called in prior to planting, seconded by Mrs. Sterchi. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Mrs. Sterchi would get into contact with the Winters.
Agenda #8 “General Discussion” Mr. Page felt that the time had come for tree stakes to be removed at the Tree Identification Park and along the TrustBank lot on Main Street. The Main Street stakes could be returned to Krajec’s for a refund.
The middle tree along the TrustBank lot did not look good, according to Mr. Page. He had not gotten on of his vehicle yet to take a closer look, but wondered if it was just struggling or should be replaced. He asked Mr. Caulfield if he could inspect the tree and provide his opinion. Mr. Caulfield replied that he would take a look at the tree.
Mrs. McKinney had noticed that stakes also offered protection from mowers and deer. She wondered if they should stay in place for a while longer. At the TrustBank lot, Mr. Page felt that the way the trees were planted, the mowers should not be an issue.
Mrs. McKinney had noticed significant damage done to the Tree Identification Park signs by mowers. Some were cracked, while others were busted in half. She wondered if metal signs would hold up better. Mr. Page also suggested that the signs be placed closer to the trees.
Some of the newly planted trees at the City Park were also being damaged by deer. She wondered if having three untied stakes placed around those trees could be helpful. Some of the smaller trees may also be better suited for cages.
Mrs. McKinney would get in touch with Mr. Bradley to also see what he would recommend.
Agenda #9 “Scheduled Next Meeting Date” The next meeting of the Tree Board was scheduled for May 8, 2018, at 7:00 p.m.
Agenda #10 “Adjourn” Mrs. McKinney moved to adjourn the Tree Board meeting, seconded by Mrs. Abell. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. The Tree Board meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
http://www.ci.olney.il.us/Tree%20Board%2004112018.pdf
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