2023-07-06 Tree Board Packeto Agenda
Edmonds Tree Board
REGULAR MEETING
BRACKETT ROOM
121 5TH AVE N, CITY HALL - 3RD FLOOR, EDMONDS, WA 98020
JULY 6, 2023, 6:00 PM
REMOTE MEETING INFORMATION
Join Remote Meeting by clicking this URL: https://edmondswa-
gov.zoom. us/j/82838461777?pwd=SGdQYjZU Nj h NV3ZTSHd M d H N PT2xhdz09
This is a Hybrid meeting. The public may join in -person or on-line. The physical location of the
meeting is at Edmonds City Hall 121 5th Avenue N., 3rd Floor Brackett Room
Meeting ID: 828 3846 1777, Passcode: 068009
Call in to the Meeting by Dialing (253) 215-8782
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and
their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and
taken care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we
honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF DRAFT MINUTES
A. 7680 : Draft Meeting Minutes
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. 7690 : Tree Code Amendments - Project Update and Debrief
B, 7678 : 2023 Work Plan Review & Updates
C, 7677 : Upcoming Events/Projects Discussion
7. NEW BUSINESS
8. TREE BOARD CHAIR/MEMBER COMMENTS
9. ADJOURNMENT
Edmonds Tree Board Agenda
July 6, 2023
Page 1
Tree Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 07/6/2023
Draft Meeting Minutes
Staff Lead: N/A
Department: Planning Division
Prepared By: Deb Powers
Background/History
N/A
Staff Recommendation
Approve (with any requested amendments) the draft Tree Board meeting minutes from the June 1, 2023
Regular Meeting.
Narrative
N/A
Attachments:
06012023 Tree Board Meeting Minutes draft
Packet Pg. 2
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CITY OF EDMONDS
�, � TREE BOARD
�•� Summary Minutes of Regular Meeting
June 1, 2023
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Cass called the Tree Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Board Members Present
Janelle Cass, Chair
Bill Phipps, Vice Chair
Wendy Kliment
Ross Dimmick (alternate)
Board Members Absent
Chris Eck (excused)
Kevin Fagerstrom (excused)
Crane Stavig(excused)
Staff Present
Deb Powers, Urban Forest Planner
Others Present
Jenna Nand, Edmonds City Council Liaison
It was noted that Andy Lyon had resigned from the Tree Board.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Board Member Dimmick read the Land Acknowledgement.
MINUTES:
Approval of May 3 and May 4 Tree Board Minutes
The May 3 Tree Board minutes were approved as presented.
The May 4 Tree Board minutes were approved as amended with the correction of the spelling of "Chair"
Cass under Call to Order.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Tree Board Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2023
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There were no audience comments.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Final 2023 Tree Board Work Plan/Budget - The Board expressed appreciation to Ms. Powers for the
layout and clarity. Councilmember Nand noted that this will be very useful for the future.
2. 2023 Event Planning:
• Garden tour signage — Board Member Kliment is waiting for tree info to make the signs. She and
Vice Chair Phipps will coordinate picking up and dropping off the stakes.
• October Arbor Day event — Vice Chair Phipps reported that his trees are growing well. Board
members suggested that he take regular pictures of their progress. c
• Tree walking tour — Board Member Stavig was not present, discussion tabled until next month.
c
Project Status:
• Sierra Park — Vice Chair Phipps explained that according to Andy Lyon the interpretive signs have
been written, proofed, translated to Braille and are ready to print. Sign locations have been chosen. o
They need help planting a few trees, moving a few signs, and installing one new sign. He noted they --
still need to get approval from the Parks Department. Vice Chair Phipps said he has sent emails to L
Sandy and Jim from the Lion's Club to let them know that he will be the point of contact going 13
forward. a
Homeowner's Tree List — There was discussion about the need to update this list and consensus to
review this topic again when Board Member Stavig is present. Councilmember Nand suggested that
this could be a good basis for a tree voucher program once they figure out the administrative details.
Exceptional Street Tree Designation — Andy Lyon was the lead person for this project and due to
his leaving the Board, the project/program has stalled. Ms. Powers reminded the Board that the
nomination process, selection committee and other details would need to be clarified in
collaboration with Public Works and/or Parks department. Councilmember Nand suggested
reaching out to the Youth Commission to see if this would be something they would want to take
on. Ms. Powers noted that they break for the summer but could be contacted in the fall.
Councilmember Nand suggested considering having a joint meeting with the Youth Commission
because they have many similar interests (climate and environmental issues).
Vice Chair Phipps raised a conversation he had with Pam Tauer from the Climate Protection
Committee, who is interested having a book, map, and self -guided tour of notable trees on private
property in Edmonds. Chair Cass noted that Ms. Tauer might be interested in going on the garden
tour. Ms. Powers asked if it would be acceptable to the Board if she were to contact Ms. Tauer to
see if she would be interested in helping establish a Heritage Tree program as shown in the Urban
Forest Management Plan. Councilmember Nand suggested asking the Mayor about consulting with
the City Attorney to write a memo regarding the legal implications of using the term heritage versus
exceptional tree.
4. Tree Code Amendments — Staff Update:
• Ms. Powers explained that the bulk of the consultant's scoped public engagement was wrapped up
with the second Community Conversation event held May 15. She summarized public engagement
efforts for the tree code updates. The consultant's summary reports will be presented at the
upcoming Planning Board meeting and at all public hearings. Staff plans to discuss property owner
Tree Board Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2023
Page 2 of 4
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tree removals draft code at the June 14 Planning Board meeting and discuss changes to the existing
development code on June 28. June 28th is proposed to be a joint meeting with the Tree Board and
the Planning Board. Is this acceptable to the Tree Board? Ms. Powers noted the Tree Board could
consider the joint meeting be in lieu of the regular Tree Board meeting on July 6 if desired.
• Vice Chair Phipps said one Planning Board member he talked to said they were expecting some
sort of plan or proposal from the Tree Board on the tree code updates. Chair Cass noted that the
Tree Board already gave staff input, but until they see the draft code, they aren't ready to have an
opinion on it. Ms. Powers noted that staff understood the Tree Board wanted to provide their
recommendation to City Council; but could also make one to the Planning Board if they choose to.
• Chair Cass suggested keeping the July 6 meeting to discuss what was covered at the joint meeting
with the Planning Board.
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Motion made by Chair Cass, seconded by Board Member Kliment, to hold a joint meeting
with the Planning Board on June 28 and its regular meeting on July 6. Motion passed
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unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS 2-
0
1. 2015 Planning Board Public Hearing on Proposed Tree Code Amendments — Chair Cass requested the
Board view a video from a 2015 public hearing and discuss their impressions of that meeting. The
general summary was that there was public uproar at that time about private property tree removal
regulations. Board Member Kliment said that the Urban Forest Management Plan goals only point to
addressing tree codes related to development, then general education, and stewardship about trees. She
wondered if they are setting themselves up for a repeat of the 2015 public hearing. Vice Chair Phipps
thought that the 2015 public outcry was a result of a coordinated effort by a group of people in the Bowl
and was not representative of Edmonds as a whole. He expressed frustration that property owner tree
removal issues had been kicked down the road by the 2015 Council just because of public outcry. The
Board noted more concerns raised by the public in 2015. Councilmember Nand brought up more recent
issues with increased housing density and preserving tree canopy. Ms. Powers noted that in 2015, the
draft code was much more restrictive than what the Planning Board is considering now. She reminded
the Tree Board that the Planning Board and City Council requested to consider Phase 2 code
amendments for property owner tree removals in 2021 and confirmed the project scope in 2022.
2. Tree Board website updates
Motion made by Board Member Kliment, seconded by Chair Cass to table the Tree Board
website updates item to a later date. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Schedule Review of How the Tree Code Works - Vice Chair Phipps explained that studying how the
tree code works with specific developments on private property and visiting those sites is not really
something the Tree Board should do but they can do it on their own as citizens. Chair Cass suggested
in the fall they could have a mock scenario comparing a development with the old code to the new code.
Board Member Kliment noted that they have already done a mock scenario with the old code; they just
need to do it with the new one and compare the two. Vice Chair Phipps said he wanted to know how
the existing code works with development especially with regard to conservation subdivision as an
Tree Board Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2023
Page 3 of
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incentive to retain trees. Ms. Powers noted she provided data on that topic at last summer's mock
development exercise but can provide the same information again if the Board requests.
There was consensus to schedule a walkthrough of a mock development scenario with the new
code in September.
TREE BOARD CHAUUMEMBER COMMENTS
Vice Chair Phipps asked if they are going to prepare anything for the joint Planning Board meeting on the 28ffi
Ms. Powers replied that she was not aware that it was expected or necessary.
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ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m. c
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Next meeting: July 6
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Tree Board Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2023
Page 4 of 4
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Tree Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 07/6/2023
Tree Code Amendments - Project Update and Debrief
Staff Lead: N/A
Department: Planning Division
Prepared By: David Levitan
Background/History
Amendments to Edmonds tree code, Chapter 23.10 of Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC),
are currently underway. The Tree Board held a joint meeting with the Planning Board on June 28, 2023
to discuss property owner tree removal code concepts as well as next steps.
Staff Recommendation
N/A
Narrative
Staff will provide an update on the tree code amendment project and answer Tree Board members
questions about the project. The Tree Board will discuss proceedings from the June 28, 2023 joint
meeting with the Planning Board.
Packet Pg. 7
Tree Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 07/6/2023
2023 Work Plan Review & Updates
Staff Lead: N/A
Department: Planning Division
Prepared By: Deb Powers
Background/History
The Tree Board develops a Work Plan to outline events and projects for the upcoming year and to
establish the Board's annual budget. At the May 4, 2023 meeting, the Board suggested minor revisions
to the 2023 Work Pla, which were subsequently approved at the June 1, 2023 Tree Board meeting.
Staff Recommendation
N/A
Narrative
The Tree Board will be reviewing the status and providing updates on Approved 2023 Work Plan
Events/Projects under consideration: the Sierra Park interpretive tree sign project, Public Tree Walking
Tour, online Homeowner's Tree List and Exceptional Street Tree Designation program. Updates to event
dates, alternative project leads and anticipated costs will be discussed.
Attachments:
052323 TB Work Plan
Packet Pg. 8
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2023 TREE BOARD WORK PLAN
Revised 5123123
Ongoing Annual Events
Date
Description
TB Lead
Anticipated
Partners/Contact
Cost
Earth Day Celebration*
Concurrent restoration projects @ Yost/Pine Ridge parks. Tasks: host sign-
(UFMP Goal 2E, 21)
4/22
in tables and provide snacks, water, TB info materials.
Wendy
$60
Parks Contact: Angie Feser/Jenn Leach
Annual City Council Report*
Tasks: compile photos, verify prior years' events/accomplishments, create
(UFMP Goal 413iii)
3/7
PPT and give presentation.
Janelle
N/A
Contact: Deb for Council packet submittal
Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour*
7/16
Tasks: coordinate with EIB committee, print, assemble tree ID signs/stakes
Wend y
?
(UFMP Goal 4)
Contact: EIB/Tia Scarce digdiq@mac.com, Carol Murray (EIB Pres.)
Tree/seedling giveaway at Edmonds Farmers' Market, raffle and public info
on critical areas. Tasks: submit application for space. Procure giveaway and
Crane
(trees), Kevin
Arbor Day Event*
10/7
raffle items. Plan critical area educational aspect (materials, equipment,
(forms,
$840
Note: required for Tree City USA
etc.) Plan loading, unloading, delivery of raffle items (optional).
application),
Design/print educational materials. Assign booth shifts.
Janelle (CA)
Contact: Emily Young, EFM Coordinator, emily.young@edmondok.com
Approved 2023 Events/Projects
Date
Description
TB Lead
Anticipated
Partners/Contact
Cost
Replace signs, restore site, plant
Sierra Park site restoration. Plant site -specific trees/understory and replace
trees at Sierra Park*
Not
interpretive signs.
A
$500
(UFMP Goal 4A)
Determined
Contact: Angie FeserAngie. Feser@edmondswa.gov, Lion's Club: Deandra?
Tree Code Update Project*
2022-2023
Tree Board provides written recommendation to City Council.
N/A
N/A
(UFMP Goal 1A, Phase 2)
Contact: Deb deb.powers@edmondswa.gov
Public Tree Walking Tour
Not
Informative tour featuring tree factoids, history, etc. that spotlights public
trees. Consider a speaker with specialized tree knowledge. Location: TBD
Crane
$350
(UFMP Goal 4A)
Determined
Parks Contact: Angie Feser
Update Recommended Tree List
Homeowners*
for Homeowners*
Not
Currently online. Shows outdated species, not formatted to print.
Crane
?
(UFMP Goal
Determined
(Note that a Street Tree List/Street Tree Plan are City projects currently underway).
*Specifically listed under Tree Board Powers and Duties per ECC 10.95.030
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2023 TREE BOARD WORK PLAN
Revised 5123123
Approved 2023 Events/Projects
Date
Description
Partners/Contact
TB Lead
Anticipated
Cost
Designate street trees worthy of merit. Develop nomination process, tree
Exceptional Street Tree
criteria, selection committee. Create signage/plaque for designated trees.
Designation
Not
Determined
Hold a celebration, invite dignitaries? Consider mapping on City website for
Amy
?
(UFMP Goal 4A)
greater public education and tree advocacy.
Contact: Angie Feser (Parks), Oscar Antillon (Public Works)
TOTAL 2023 ANTICIPATED BUDGET: $1,750
DISCUSSED BUT NOT APPROVED AS 2023 PROJECTS
Potential Projects
Approx
Description
TB Lead
Anticipated
Date
Cost
Public Education/Advocacy
Anti -topping campaign or other positive tree messaging such as Trees Are
(UFMP Goals 1Ei, Goals 4A-C)
the Answer! Trees are Good! Healthy Trees/Healthy Cities, etc. Create a
Tree Owner's Manual Handbook (see DNR example).
Tree giveaway event or voucher
See Lynnwood/Kirkland examples of City -run voucher programs, adapt to
program
TB -run program. Organize one-time tree giveaway event for planting street
(UFMP Goal 3A)
trees or trees on private property.
Recognize superior tree care or
Develop a certification/awards program for property owners/developers.
preservation
Contact?
(UFMP Goal 3C)
Complete
Over and above TCUSA Arbor Day* requirements. Need 10 points to receive
Earn TCUSA Growth Awards
by Dec 1st
Growth Award.
Contact: Deb
Establish program to designate Heritage/Notable Trees in Edmonds.
Heritage/Notable Tree Program
Develop nomination process, tree criteria, selection committee. Create
(UFMP Goal 1D, Goal 3C)
signage/plaque for designated trees. Schedule celebration, invite
dignitaries? Consider mapping on City website for greater public education
and tree advocacy.
*Specifically listed under Tree Board Powers and Duties per ECC 10.95.030
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2023 TREE BOARD WORK PLAN
Revised 5123123
Approved 2023 Events/Projects
Date
Description
TB Lead
Anticipated
Partners/Contact
Cost
Provide instruction on tree
Could be one-time or ongoing annual event. Planting could be related to
planting or pruning
increasing species diversity. For public or private property trees.
(UFMP Goals 2G, 21, 413iii)
Contact: Parks or Public Works?
Administrative Projects
Description
Shared file storage for
WingFTP (edmsvr-ftp) at Wing FTP Server - Web Client (edmonds.wa.us)
Account: -, PW:
Deb
N/A
documents, photos, etc.
Contact: Deb
Develop a guide consistent with all City boards/commissions. Includes new member
Tree Board Handbook
orientation, board history, mission, guiding principles/policies, primary responsibilities,
Deb
N/A
budget info, staff role, etc.
Contact: Deb
Revise content, imagery and graphics for greater advocacy and outreach (within City web
Webpage update
content standards). Consider replacing "Right Tree" messaging. Research other city's TB
N/A
webpages. See Kirkland "Trees" website.
Contact: Deb
*Specifically listed under Tree Board Powers and Duties per ECC 10.95.030
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Tree Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 07/6/2023
Upcoming Events /Projects Discussion
Staff Lead: N/A
Department: Planning Division
Prepared By: Deb Powers
Background/History
N/A
Staff Recommendation
N/A
Narrative
Continue planning and coordination discussions on the upcoming (July 15) Garden Tour event, tree
signs, Arbor Day celebration (October 7) and the Sierra Park tree planting and interpretive sign
installation project.
Packet Pg. 12