2020-03-05 Tree Board MinutesAPPROVED Notes of
Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board
City Council Chambers — Public Safety Complex
250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds, WA
March 5, 2020
6:00 pm
1) Call to Order
Frank called the meeting at 6:00 am and read the Land Acknowledgement
Roll Call/Introductions
Attendees: Tree Board Members: Doug Petersen, Vivian Olson, Barbara Chase (vice chair), Frank Caruso
(vice chair), Bill Phipps, Gail Lovell, Suzanne Juergensen, Donna Murphy, Ross Dimmick (Alternate)
Diane Buckshnis as City Council Liaison
Debra Dill, Arborist and Kernen Lien from Development Services
Audience Members that signed in: Darrol Haug, Vivian Olson and Katherine Combs
2) Approval of Agenda
Moved and approved with no changes.
3) Approval of Meeting Notes
Moved and Approved with no corrections.
4) Audience Comments
Darrol Haug spoke about the value of the motto of "Right Tree, Right Place" and talked about the Chase Bank
Trees and Main Street Trees. He stated that trees on Main Street are dangerous and need to be removed.
Debra Dill indicated that there are procedures that are being completed and that it will take time and the Chase
Trees are already in the cue.
Vivian Olson stated that there was invasive bamboo on 9th and it was pushing through the sidewalk and that we
should address that issue if we can.
Katherine Combs made her remarks under new business which dealt with the Arbor Day.
5) Old Business/Discussion
• Street Tree Planning Program
Kernen Lien spoke about the City's Street Tree Plan with established downtown and corridor guidelines
with maps for street trees and 60" wide right of way trees. This city group is different from the plan being
development by the TB committee. A new title for the TB groups "street trees" and it is "Tree Choices for
Street and Homes" and this was approved by the group: ACTION: Tree Choices for Street and Home.
• UFMP/City Arborist
It has been established that between 2005 and 2017, the City of Edmonds lost 2% of its tree canopy in
Edmonds which amounts to about 100 acres. Lots of trees are being clear cut and replacement of trees is
questionable as our parks are full. So, discussion occurred about partnering with Forterra or Mountain to
Sound's Partnerships. Aging Alder Trees on Alder needs to be removed and that will be addressed as
noted during the citizen comments. They will be removed and appropriate native trees will be replaced.
The crafting or updating of policies have not moved forward according to Kernen as the City is waiting to
hire a code "planning person" to write code.
• Web Links Projects
Suzanne who has developed the project was given compliments on the draft data and all members were
instructed to read the material and make comments for the next meeting. Donna suggested engaging
children which will reach parents about the importance of trees. She offered to help create a tree bingo
board which she said she would help launch.
• Earth Day
April 25, 2020 will celebrate the 501h anniversary of Earth Day. Tree Board will participate in the ivy pull
from 9:30 -noon at Yost Park (same place). Diane will buy the snacks and Gail will buy the coffee. Amount
up to $75 was approved in a previous meeting.
Additionally, 150 native red cedars will be planned along Shell Creek.
• TB Presentation to City Council
Donna and Frank will put presentation together and Diane has set it to March 24th
• Edmonds Elementary School Planning (formerly Olympic Elementary School)
Barbara talked to the principal Brett Hagan and he was uncertain if the Tree Board could do a tree and
shrub planting in a small plot. Discussion occurred regarding where and what type of plantings and this
area will be discussed next meeting.
• Forterra
Joanna Nelson des Flores of Forterra will make a 15-minute presentation and followed with question and
answers about their group and programs. Debra and Rich from City of Edmonds will also be there
representing Parks. Forterra has taken out 70 alders from the South County Park and we will see if we can
see if we can partner with them on replanting.
6) New Business
• Katherine Combs of the Edmonds Library and works in the Children's section. She would like to have
assistance for an Earth Day Program on April 22 (Wednesday) at 4PM and wanted to see if Tree Board
was interested in educating and/or providing crafts. Donna agreed and Diane will help in set up.
Katherine also said she would be happy to set up a table at the library at any time. She also said she was
planning a presentation at several libraries about trees and Barbara said she would help. Her email is
kcombs@snoisle.org
Council Member Kristiana Johnson brought forth a resolution for Tree Board comments and edits. It was
read and questions were asked and Members were to bring any additional comments to next meeting.
7) Tree Board Member Ideas and Comments
• Discussed putting trees on media strips on Aurora Avenue. Parks and Rec staff do not have staffing to
maintain trees and that Shoreline's median was now looking bad as no one was able to weed.
• Frank and Suzanne will once again assist Gail on the Edmonds In Bloom Garden Tour.
• Covid — 19 or coronavirus was brought up and so Tree Board needs to determine how to manage this in
future meeting.
8) Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:03.