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2022-12-01 Tree Board MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS �, � TREE BOARD �•� Summary Minutes of Regular Meeting December 1, 2022 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Vice Chair Phipps called the December 1 Tree Board meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Board Members Present Bill Phipps, Vice Chair Wendy Kliment Andy Lyon Crane Stavig Board Members Absent Janelle Cass, Chair (excused) Ross Dimmick (excused) Chris Eck (excused) Staff Present Deb Powers, Urban Forest Planner Others Present None LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT — ROLL CALL — INTRODUCTIONS Board Member Stavig read the land acknowledgement. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Ms. Powers requested adding a poll/discussion about the January 5 meeting under Administrative. The agenda was approved as amended. AUDIENCE COMMENTS There were no audience comments. MINUTES: 1. Approval of November 3, 2022 Tree Board Minutes The November 3, 2022 Tree Board minutes were approved as presented. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Tree Board Meeting Minutes December 1, 2022 Pagel of 3 1. Ongoing/Annual Events Review of joint meeting with Planning Board — Vice Chair Phipps noted this meeting did not happen because the Planning Board did not have a quorum. The meeting was tentatively rescheduled for 7 p.m. on December 14. Consensus on Code Amendment input — review and vote. Ms. Powers pointed out that Board Member Lyon had made some changes to the FTP document. There was discussion about how to approach reviewing these. Ms. Powers also reviewed proposed amendments and the status of the new minor code amendment update process which would use a roster process. There was also discussion of legal risk related to tree code regulations. Ultimately, due to the public input process, the community and City Council are the final decision makers of what is adopted. It was also noted that the composition of the Planning Board is in flux so that could also change the dynamics. Motion made by Board Member Lyon, seconded by Board Member Kliment, to recategorize six minor amendments into moderate or major and agree on the other minor changes as presented. Vice Chair Phipps stated he would be abstaining because he was not comfortable with this process to address his issues regarding minor code amendments 9 and 18. The motion died for lack of a quorum. Motion made by Board Member Lyon, seconded by Board Member Kliment, to approve the acceptance of minor amendments except for 9 and 18. Motion passed unanimously. 2. Special Events/Projects • 2023 Work Plan — review, add activities — Tree planting with Edmonds School District — Tree Walk — City Park — Vice Chair Phipps said he and Board Member Kliment met and came up with a plan for what they would like to talk about. There was discussion about finding someone very charismatic to lead the walks like Arthur Lee from Seattle or Bess Bronstein who used to live in Edmonds. Hiring a professional could be a good use of Tree Board funds. — 2023 Arbor Day and tree giveaway — Vice Chair Phipps suggested considering ideas other than the tree giveaway such as tree plantings. Additional ideas/comments: o Board Member Lyon would like to discuss putting permanent plaques on at least four exceptional trees he has noticed downtown along with some interesting environmental facts about the trees. Ms. Powers noted that this could be in line with the heritage tree program where trees are nominated to be designated as a heritage tree. Board Member Lyon said he was thinking more of an informal specimen tree recognition. o Board Member Kliment brought up an idea from Chair Cass to identify and educate property owners that are in a critical area. o Board Member Stavig recommended a discussion about approved street trees for Edmonds. The current list is outdated and contains trees that are inappropriate or invasive. There was discussion Tree Board Meeting Minutes December 1, 2022 Page 2 of 3 about the background of this list. The Tree Board indicated an interest in being part of the update discussions. o Board Member Lyon said he talked with the Lyons Club people about recommendations for new tree signs for Sierra Park. o Ms. Powers reminded the Board about the usefulness of keeping the work plan in giving the required annual presentation to the City Council. Chair Cass (not present) was nominated and unanimously approved to give the next Tree Board briefing to the City Council. 3. Administrative • January 5 Meeting Poll/Discussion — It appeared that there would be a quorum in January. There will be an alternative staff person because Ms. Powers will be on vacation. • Officer Elections — Elections will happen in January. • Position # 1 Vacancy— Hopefully, there will be anew member in January. There was discussion about the importance of communication about issues and/or giving notice if resigning. NEW BUSINESS None I\ 03 Lei I] -,]0 ►I 1 �1►Y Y The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. Next meeting: January 5, 2023 Tree Board Meeting Minutes December 1, 2022 Page 3 of 3