HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-10-14 Tree Advisory Board Minutes MINUTES OF THE TREE ADVISORY BOARD, DECEMBER 10, 2014
11:00 A.M.
CITY SHOPS TRAINING ROOM
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Elisa Boyd, Chairperson
Scott Makoutz
Lessa Racow
Bill Hoch
Patrick Cross
Jeff Krauss—Commission Liaison
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Amy Hansen- Forestry
Doreen Olean, Recording Secretary
AGENDA
1. The meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by Chairperson Boyd.
2. Review of meeting agenda—no changes to the agenda
3. Approve October 15, 2014 meeting minutes—:28- Board member Makoutz motioned to
approve the minutes as submitted with the exception of removing the possessive to "nursery"
(recommended by Mayor Krauss) after the time frame of 14:08 under"New Business—Urban
Forestry Management Plan". Board member Hoch seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Public Comment—none.
5. New Business
a) ISA-RMC& NRM Tree School Conference October 1 &2, 2015, Bozeman—Amy
Hansen -1:34- Bozeman will be hosting the Northern Rocky Mountain and the
International Society of Arboriculture Chapter(ISA)Tree School. This will be a
large conference of about 200 to 250 people. Forester Jolliff will be the local
contact person. Forestry Department just found out on December 51h that
they would be the host site. Ms.Jolliff is looking for a venue for the
conference. More information will be available at the next Tree Board
meeting.
6. Old Business
a) Urban Forestry Management Plan—6:25
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MINUTES OF THE TREE ADVISORY BOARD, DECEMBER 10, 2014
Board member Makoutz asked the Board to set goals for the Master Plan for
the Urban Forest. There will be three main categories: 1)tree infrastructure
2) management of urban forest and 3) community engagement.
Tree Infrastructure- Board member Cross felt that a back yard tree survey
using an online form would be useful and also would engage the public. Board
member Makoutz wanted to grow the tree canopy of Bozeman (canopy is
currently about 6 to 7%). Maybe goal could be to double current canopy
cover. Bozeman has pockets of agricultural land within the city limits so
maybe the normal sampling would not be accurate. Mayor Krauss talked
about using boulevard trees (1 tree for every 50' of street)as the measure as
to how many streets have completed boulevard trees and how many trees are
in parks and newly developed parks. There is a need to increase age and
species diversity of trees. There could be a possibility of requiring each lot to
plant a diversity of trees in the boulevard.
Management of the Urban Forest-26:44—This would include hiring a
municipal forester which is a shift in being proactive in managing the urban
forest and planning for the future of the forest. Mayor Krauss cautioned
against creating positions in the plan, but instead to recommend why positions
are needed because of gaps in service (ie staffing wise it now takes a 23 year
rotation to prune each tree). Trees along streams or creeks should be included
as well. Board member Cross suggested drafting a statement of need, costs
involved and reasoning for needed credentials.
Community Engagement-36:40—Board member Racow suggested maybe
using school Arbor Day activities with getting kids and their families involved.
Privately Owned Trees—41:25—Should the city consider expanding the scope
of tree protection ordinance by regulating privately owned trees? Assistance
rather than regulation would be a better option. Rely upon education rather
than regulation for privately owned trees. Maybe add to the Master Plan a
suggestion that homeowners notify City when they cut down a privately
owned tree, no regulation to do this however.
Nurseries—50:09—Most of the nurseries are located outside the city limits.
Maybe add a FYI list of certain trees and why not to plant them. Remove the
Ash tree from the City recommended tree list.
Concerning operations of tree services in Bozeman and requiring they be ISA
Arborist? There is no way to regulate.
7. FYI
58:34—Board member Makoutz announced that public meetings for the Urban Forestry
Plan have been scheduled for January 14, 21, 28 and February 41n
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MINUTES OF THE TREE ADVISORY BOARD, DECEMBER 10, 2014
8. The next meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2015 at the City Shops Training Room at 12:00
noon.
Board member Racow motioned to adjourn the meeting at 11:59 a.m. Board member Cross seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
Elisa Boyd, Chairperson
ATTEST:
Doreen Olean, Board Secretary
PREPARED BY:
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Doreen Olean, Board Secretary
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