2019-06-27 Tree Board MinutesEdmonds Citizens' Tree Board
r xMa. APPROVED MEETING NOTES
June 27, 2019 (instead of regularly scheduled meeting on July 4)
The Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board Meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. by Co -Chair Bill Phipps in the Council
Chambers, Public Safety Complex, 250 51h Avenue North, Edmonds, WA.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT
Bill Phipps, Co -Chair Kernen Lien, Development Services
Vivian Olson, Co -Chair
Frank Caruso, Vice Chair
Barbara Chase
Doug Petersen
Steve Hatzenbeler
Gail Lovell
Suzanne Juergensen
BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT: I ELECTED OFFICIAL PRESENT
Diane Buckshnis, City Council member
ELECTED OFFICAL ABSENT
CALL TO ORDER:
Co -Chair Bill Phipps called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
All Board members were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Agenda approved with the addition of the Street Tree Plan to Old Business and the Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour to
New Business.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The June meeting notes were approved with no corrections or omissions noted. Doug will forward to Jana.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS:
Ross Dimmock commented on the discussion at last Tuesday's City Council meeting about the UFMP. He commended
Kernan on the cleanup of the document from a scientific standpoint. His comments led to a discussion of the first item in
Old Business. One of the most important elements of the plan is the discussion of the benefits of trees. However, the
map of Edmonds was inappropriate for the city. It was based on Sacramento, CA and this city does not have the slopes
Edmond has and the issue of slope stabilization. Several examples were cited which should have been better
elucidated, particularly addressing the different sectors of Edmonds, rather than broad generalizations. The overall
goals, although better than in the initial draft, are still too vague. Ross did not recommend its adoption or its rejection as
a plan — it falls far short of what was expected from the consultant. Too much is lacking from the document and too
much space is devoted to photos that are unnecessary. Several Tree Board members expressed concern that the
UFMP may not be strong enough to be a basis for future tree code updates. As that seemed to be one of the primary
purposes of the UFMP, discussion continued regarding what, if anything, can be done about that without a complete
rewrite of the UFMP. When asked if he thought the UFMP was useful for the City's development of a new tree code,
Kernen pointed out a few specific items that were added to the draft UFMP to help with the future tree code updates.
Discussion ensued on the enhancement or maintenance of the current tree canopy and all of its complications. Should
30% tree canopy be the goal? How was this determined? This was based on 2015 GIS photos and it has likely
decreased, possibly as low as 27% in the four years that has elapsed. Should the Tree Board get involved in examining
the different sections of the city, based on topography? This would be aimed at supplying vital information for the
eventual writing of the Tree Code. Bill will contact the County to look into partnering with them in the future with regard
to some of the county parks within Edmonds (Southwest County Park was used as an example and tree cutting that
was done in early 2019). How should the Tree Board next proceed with the current plan in hand? It was agreed that we
should update the data from 2015 to determine the current tree canopy, and to see how close it is to 30%. It can then be
proposed that a goal be to increase it to 30%. It was recommended that the GIS be conducted every five years, not
every ten years as depicted in the UFMP. Timeliness in moving forward the Tree Code writing is critical. Hiring a full-
time Arborist is also very important. Ross was thanked for his time, effort and diligence in improving the quality and
value of the UFMP.
OLD BUSINESS:
A) UFMP and the City Council action
See above under Audience Comments.
B) Sno PUD communication regarding trimming of city trees on 3rd Ave.
Vivian contacted Phil Williams about the tree trimming policies and why the trees were topped instead of replacing
those trees with trees more appropriate for that location. No response has been received thus far. Steve will follow
up on this.
C) Update on Tree Board table at Farmer's Market on September 7
All is set for the date. Two trees have been purchased for the lottery. Doug and Suzanne have other trees that will
be donated to the cause. Setup will begin at 7:45 am. Diane will be present for setup and breakdown. Workers for
the three shifts: 9-11 Doug, Steve; 11-1 Suzanne, Vivian; 1-3 Barbara, Frank
D) Update on Arbor Day plans for October 5
Rich Lindsay will attend the August meeting to discuss the specifics.
E) Street Tree Plan
Barbara, Gail and Debra Dill met this morning. They are compiling info from four cities regarding their street tree list
— Marysville, Redmond, Shoreline and Seattle. Bill recommended that the grates used for tree planting in Seattle be
explored. Street tree planting should be started now! Diversity of tree planting is vital to avoid disease epidemics or
insect infestations. Soil quality of the planting strips is also a factor to be considered.
NEW BUSINESS:
A) Tree ID Tags progress report
Steve and Bill have been working on the information for the fliers for each tree. Bill is still working on the
calculations. Trees will be located by the entrance to the pier, the library and City Council Chambers. Suzanne will
assist in the file preparation once Steve sends her the files. The deadline was moved back from July 2.
B) Contract for Tree City USA Certification
Vivian communicated with Shane to go ahead, but has not heard back — she will follow-up on this.
C) Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour update
All is nearly set for July 21. The trees have been selected and Gail will make the signs. There will be a table at one
of the gardens hosted by Tree Board members with brochures, etc. There will be two shifts: 11-1:30 Frank; 1:30-4
Gail; Vivian will likely be present during both shifts.
TREE BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS:
Vivian mentioned a Shell Creek Cleanup at the Holy Rosary Church on Saturday, June 29 from 10-12 am.
ADJOURN:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Next Meetings: Thursday, August 1st and Thursday, September 5t", 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers