2024-04-04 Tree Board MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
r. TREE BOARD
a Summary Minutes of Regular Meeting
April 4, 2024
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Chair Kliment called the Tree Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Board welcomed new Board
Member White who introduced himself.
Board Members Present
Wendy Kliment, Chair
Ian Higgins
Ben Mark
Crane Stavig
Ray White
Ross Dimmick (alternate)
Board Members Absent
Bill Phipps, Vice Chair
Janelle Cass
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Staff Present
Angie Feser, Parks, Recreation & Human Services
Director
Others Present
None
Board Member Dimmick read the Land Acknowledgement.
MINUTES:
1. Approval of March 7, 2024 Tree Board Minutes
The March 7, 2024 Tree Board minutes were approved as presented.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Kliment added an item to New Business regarding the Mayor's City Board and Commissions Task Force.
The agenda was approved as revised.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Tree Board Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2024
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Ed Thomas, Edmonds resident, said he moved from Seattle to Edmonds/Perrinville a couple years ago for the
beauty. He and his wife are very concerned about the healthy -looking trees that are coming down by the groves
and hope something is done to stop this. Director Feser commented on the existing tree code and challenges the
City is having with this topic. She welcomed their comments and also encouraged them to also share their
thoughts with the City Council.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Tree Board Annual Presentation to Council Report — March 26, 2024 - Chair Kliment reported on the
annual presentation she gave to the City Council and reviewed comments she received from the City
Council members. She summarized that they are not supportive of a ban on removal of old
growth/heritage trees.
2. Tree Code Interim Code Amendment recommendation to Council — (Motion is in the March 7th
meeting minutes.) - There was some debate about whether the Board should hold their recommendation
until the Planning Board takes that portion of it to the Council. Director Feser summarized the Council's
situation and discussed issues surrounding an emergency moratorium on tree removal. The group
discussed Dennis Weaver's request to consider an interim amendment to the Tree Code. It was noted
that the Board's recommendation on this topic is also included in the Tree Board's Tree Code
Recommendation to the City Council. This might be sufficient since the Council is extremely busy and
will not be taking action on this topic anytime soon.
3. Tree Board's Tree Code Recommendation Letter to Council - There was a question about whether to
just submit the minutes to support their vote at the last meeting. Director Feser explained they could,
but they still would need to submit an introduction to explain why the topic is coming forward. Board
Member Mark will work on this for the Board to review at the May meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Earth Day Event — April 20th — There will be two events, one at Yost Park and one at Pine Ridge. Chair
Kliment reviewed the Tree Board's responsibilities. Chair Kliment will help at Pine Ridge, and Board
Member Stavig will help at Yost from 10-12. Board Member White will attend Yost if he is available.
2. Watershed Fun Fair — May 18th - Board members should keep the date in mind if they are interested in
helping. Director Feser reported the seedlings are ready and beautiful.
July 4 meeting — Reschedule to July 1 lth or no meeting? — There was discussion about whether a July
meeting would be necessary. Someone thought the Board usually takes a summer break in August
anyway. If they cancel July would they also take August off? The group agreed to wait until the May
meeting to decide.
4. Mayor's City Board and Commissions Task Force volunteer — Director Feser explained the Mayor is
putting together a task force to review the City's 17 boards and commissions and looking for volunteers
interested in being on the task force. The Mayor will make the final selections. Board Member Dimmick
expressed interest.
Tree Board Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2024
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STAFF COMMENTS/UPDATES
Director Feser explained there is an article in My Edmonds News about the lawsuit that was recently decided
around the tree issue and land rights. More information will be coming out from Council.
TREE BOARD CHAIR MEMBER COMMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
Next meeting: May 2
Tree Board Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2024
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