2021-01-07 Tree Board MinutespF E D4,
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January 7, 2021
The Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board Member Frank Caruso via Zoom
meeting, Edmonds, WA.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT
Frank Caruso, co-chair
Kernen Lien
Barbara Chase, co-chair
Ross Dimmick
Bill Phipps
Donna Murphy
Doug Petersen
Brian Doyle
Suzanne Juer ensen
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
ELECTED OFFICIAL PRESENT
Diane Buckshnis
ELECTED OFFICIAL ABSENT
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
All present and accounted for.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Agenda was approved, with addition of discussion of neighbor issue over Alaska cedars, under Old Business.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of December 3, 2020 were approved.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS:
There were no audience member comments.
OLD BUSINESS:
a) Forterra — Suzanne Juergensen reported that she had not yet received descriptive materials from Forterra. She
therefore suggested that discussion be tabled until the February meeting and Joanna Nelson des Flores be invited
to attend the following March meeting. Suzanne will forward materials to Tree Board members once received, and
they are asked to review materials prior to the February meeting.
b) ACE group presentation — Doug Petersen advised that ACE had recently rewritten its bylaws. Consequently, the
Tree Board presentation is no longer on their agenda and will not be for some time.
c) Tree Code update—Kernen Lien led the board through the revised Tree Code draft pertaining to new
developments, providing examples of potential costs to impending project developments. New developments would
be required to retain 25 — 30% of their sites' existing trees. Otherwise, replacement fee for each tree lacking would
be $1,000. Priority would be given to retaining large trees first Recommendation of this draft was to be made to City
Council at its January 13 meeting.
Bill Phipps pointed out that only 3% of Edmonds land remains for development, urging that additional measures be
included in the Tree Code regarding tree retention in existing developments and residential properties. He
suggested the offering of incentives such as tree vouchers.
d) Tree Board positions —Brian Doyle was welcomed to the Tree Board. He has replaced the vacancy left by Gail
Lovell's resignation.
e) Partnership with Snohomish County Conservation District —Barbara Chase visited Edmonds Elementary to assess
open spaces for further native plantings. Snohomish County would be the resource providing trees. Contacting
other schools to promote their engagement in similar projects was also mentioned.
f) The issue presented by a neighbor who wants Alaska cedars removed was also discussed. His concern is that the
trees will eventually block his view. However, board members who visited the site questioned ultimate view
blockage. It was also pointed out that these trees are in a right-of-way area; our right-of-way policy states that trees
in these areas will not be removed for views.
NEW BUSINESS:
a) Note takers for meetings this year
Donna, February
Ross, March
Doug, April
Bill, May
Brian, June
b) Budget request —Motion was approved to present 2021 budget for City Council approval. A total of $10,000 will be
requested, of which $6,000 would be designated for consultant and $4,000 for Tree Board.
c) Planning activities for 2021—Continuing limitations of social gathering due to the COVID pandemic will impede our
efforts in this regard. Currently, only groups of up to five can work together in city parks. We will continue to monitor
restrictions on a monthly basis to assess possibilities for activities.
Activities mentioned were Arbor Day and Earth Day events, possibly working with Susie Schaefer at the Native
Garden. Donna Murphy suggested Tree Bingo and agreed to send members a writeup outlining its suggested
implementation. Bill Phipps and Donna will again do Tree Tags Project this summer.
d) Tree Board officers for 2021— A motion was passed that Frank Caruso and Barbara Chase will continue as co-
chairs for 2021.
e) Publications center —Gail Lovell, at the final meeting she attended in December, offered suggestions to consider for
future Tree Board efforts. One of them was establishment of a publications center, where Tree Board brochures
would be made available as well as books on trees which could be borrowed. Suzanne Juergensen agreed to
contact Gail to obtain further information on her idea as well as ask about books she would be willing to contribute.
Suggestions made for locations to pursue were library and new waterfront center.
TREE BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS:
The Chase Bank issue of tree roots impeding sidewalk was again discussed, and it appears that responsibility for
mitigation of the issue rests with Chase.
ADJOURN:
Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.