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:
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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
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December 1, 2022
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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
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The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Next meeting: January 5, 2023
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