2023-08-03 Tree Board Packeto Agenda
Edmonds Tree Board
REGULAR MEETING
BRACKETT ROOM
121 5TH AVE N, CITY HALL - 3RD FLOOR, EDMONDS, WA 98020
AUGUST 3, 2023, 6:00 PM
REMOTE MEETING INFORMATION
Join Remote Meeting by using the URL: https://edmondswa-
gov.zoom.us/j/82838461777?pwd=SGdQYjZUNjhNV3ZTSHdMdHNPT2xhdz09. This is a Hybrid
meeting. The Public may join in -person or on-line. The physical location of the meeting is at 121 5th
Ave N. City Hall, Brackett Room, 3rd Floor. The virtual Meeting ID: 828 3846 1777, Passcode:
068009. You may 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. July 6, 2023 Draft Tree Board Meeting Minutes
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. 2023 Work Plan Review & Updates
B. Draft Tree Code Policy Recommendations
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Draft Tree Board Handbook
8. TREE BOARD CHAIR/MEMBER COMMENTS
9. ADJOURNMENT
Edmonds Tree Board Agenda
August 3, 2023
Page 1
Tree Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 08/3/2023
July 6, 2023 Draft Tree Board Meeting Minutes
Staff Lead: Deb Powers
Department: Planning Division
Prepared By: Deb Powers
Staff Recommendation
Approve (with any requested amendments) the draft Tree Board meeting minutes (Attachment 1) from
the July 6, 2023 regular meeting.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - July 6, 2023 Draft Meeting Minutes
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°` "., CITY OF EDMONDS
TREE BOARD
Summary Minutes of Regular Meeting
July 6, 2023
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Board Member Fagerstrom read the Land Acknowledgement
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Cass called the Tree Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. It was noted that Chris Eck had resigned.
Board Members Present
Janelle Cass, Chair
Bill Phipps, Vice Chair
Kevin Fagerstrom
Wendy Kliment
Crane Stavig
Ross Dimmick (alternate)
Board Members Absent
None
MINUTES:
Approval of June 1, 2023 Tree Board Minutes
Staff Present
Deb Powers, Urban Forest Planner
Others Present
Jenna Nand, City Council Liaison
The June 1 Tree Board minutes were approved as presented.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Cass moved to move the Tree Code Project Updates to item C after the Work Plan Updates and
the Upcoming Events/Projects Discussion. The motion was seconded by Board Member Fagerstrom and
approved with Vice Chair Phipps abstaining.
Vice Chair Phipps moved to add a short discussion on Natalie Seitz' letter to the Board under New
Business, item A. The motion was seconded by Chair Cass and approved unanimously.
Vice Chair Phipps moved to add a discussion on clarifying Edmonds' tree canopy percentages to New
Business, item B. The motion was seconded by Chair Cass and passed unanimously.
Tree Board Meeting Minutes
July 6, 2023
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The agenda was approved as amended.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
There were no audience comments.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. 2023 Work Plan Review & Updates
B. Upcoming Events/Projects Discussion
• Edmonds in Bloom — Board Member Kliment said she received the printed signs from Ms. Powers
and just needs to laminate them, attach the stakes, and drop them off to the garden tour contact person.
Arbor Day:
o Board Member Fagerstrom reported the booth and tent have been reserved and will be in front
of the Rusty Pelican restaurant. Vice Chair Phipps will be bringing seedlings; Board Member
Stavig is working on getting some small-scale residential garden trees. Chair Cass will be
getting a hotspot from the Chamber of Commerce for the critical areas mapping activity using
a computer. Chair Cass will make a poster/sign inviting people to check their address for critical
areas. There was discussion about providing a press release to My Edmonds News and getting
on their events calendar. Councilmember Nand recommended forwarding something to the PIO
and using the opportunity to explain the Tree Board's work to the community. Chair Cass said
she would write a draft press release for board approval. There was some discussion about
purchasing additional trees for giveaways with the allotted budget.
o Vice Chair Phipps commented that there are other ways to protect critical areas and
recommended the Board inform people what else they can do besides protect trees. Other board
members agreed that is an important message and noted that other organizations address those
issues with public awareness. Ms. Powers noted the Watershed Fun Fair event as an example.
There was discussion about whether the Tree Board should expand their focus at the Arbor Day
event beyond the tree giveaway and critical area activity. Ms. Powers suggested the Tree Board
host a table at next year's Watershed Fun Fair and note that on the Work Plan under potential
projects. There seemed to be consensus to do that. Chair Cass noted they could provide links to
other groups and information on the webpage since their conversation time with people who
visit the booth will be limited. Board Member Kliment suggested that their focus at the Arbor
Day booth should simply be to help people find out if they are in a critical area and what that
means. Chair Cass concurred. Councilmember Nand recommended that Vice Chair Phipps
could reach out to other boards, such as the Mayor's Climate Protection Committee, to see if
they would want to push out any other messages. There was consensus to allow other groups'
brochures on the table but not have them be an emphasis.
o Councilmember Nand suggested setting up a joint meeting with the Mayor's Climate Protection
Committee. Ms. Powers said she could check with the staff liaison on that committee.
o There was discussion about providing information to people about the right way to plant a tree.
Tree Board Meeting Minutes
July 6, 2023
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Tree Walk — Board Member Stavig reported that Bess Bronstein is available October 7t' to lead the tour
immediately following the Arbor Day market event. She will come over prior to that day to refamiliarize
herself with the trees and select the ones for the tour. Councilmember Nand suggested memorializing
which trees she picks in case they want to make this an ongoing event. She recommended in the future
they could consider expanding the tour to other parts of town such as Lake Ballinger area. She also
recommended that the Board come to a City Council meeting to inform them about the Arbor Day
events. Ms. Powers noted that staff will be making a City Council proclamation on Arbor Day events.
• Sierra Park Signs — Vice Chair Phipps reported a message he received from the Lions Club and noted
it does not appear that the sign project will happen this year. They were informed that Parks funds
won't be available for three to four years. There was some discussion about using the $500 allocated
for the Sierra Park signs for another project. Some ideas include more trees for the October giveaway
event or living Christmas tree giveaways at the winter market.
Homeowners' Tree List — Chair Cass offered to put the existing list into Excel and upload it to the
FTP site so they can work on it collaboratively. Councilmember Nand suggested that the list feature
two or three best examples in each tree category and add photos and a hot link to the webpage. Ms.
Powers expressed concern about the staff time it would take to make design changes versus just
updating the list. She showed Seattle's online street tree list as an example of a printable list with
information that homeowners seek about trees. Board Member Kliment suggested just putting a link
to the Seattle list on the website. Ms. Powers thought that would be a good idea until the Board has the
resources to create their own list. Vice Chair Phipps distributed the Tree Board's Right Tree Right
Place brochure as an example of a limited list of recommended trees with photos. There was
discussion about trees and view issues in Edmonds and why the brochure was created. Ms. Powers
discussed the background of the Right Tree Right Place slogan.
• Exceptional Street Trees — tabled
Winter Market — There was interest in adding this to the Work Plan if there are sufficient funds following
the Arbor Day event. Vice Chair Phipps will reach out to the Chamber of Commerce for more
information about the market.
C. Tree Code Amendments - Project Update and Debrief
Ms. Powers recapped the joint Planning Board/Tree Board meeting held the previous week regarding
property owner tree removals. There was enough guidance at the joint meeting to create a draft code
(with some gaps) which will be brought back to the Planning Board at a meeting that has not been
scheduled yet. After that meeting, the Planning Board will discuss changes to the existing code prior to
holding a public hearing, after which they make their City Council recommendation.
Councilmember Nand said she really hopes that the Tree Board's code recommendations are clearly
preserved and communicated to the Council through the Planning Board recommendations and then
Tree Board recommendations to the Council itself. Ms. Powers noted that the Planning Board Chair
clarified roles in drafting code language at the joint meeting. Councilmember Nand said she wanted the
Tree Board to make a recommendation directly to Council so one or two idiosyncratic voices don't get
ahead of the recommendations of the boards who have spent months working on this.
Tree Board Meeting Minutes
July 6, 2023
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Vice Chair Phipps said he didn't know if they were even going to be able to come to a consensus for a
recommendation. He expressed frustration that they were just getting around to discussing the topic
tonight at 8:00. He thought they were going to set aside the entire meeting just on this topic. Chair Cass
agreed that was the intention, but she thought they would have been able to get through the other topics
more quickly.
Vice Chair Phipps asked to go around the table and have everyone to give their general
recommendations for property owner tree removal allowances:
• Vice Chair Phipps was in favor of allowing removal of two trees per 12 months (with the
exception of hazard or nuisance trees).
• Board Member Fagerstrom said he was in favor of allowing one removal every five years,
depending on the size of the trees.
• Chair Cass said she was in favor of honoring the resounding public input from 2015 expressing
objection to any mandates that say people must keep their trees. She recommended that their
action should be on education and positive incentives such as using fees -in -lieu to create a grant
program for low income and seniors to get tree maintenance so it isn't such a burden on them.
She also suggested sending educational postcards to people who are in critical areas. If trees are
a community resource, then they need to support the people who are providing this resource to
everyone else. She also agreed with Natalie Seitz that residents should be able to get a deduction
on their stormwater bill if they have certain trees on their property. She said that they are not
following the goals in the Urban Forest Management Plan. She stated that people in Edmonds
love their trees and that there is some evidence that the tree canopy is growing.
• Councilmember Nand said her preference is to preserve 50% of existing trees on lots when
development occurs, and that the next property owner would have to preserve the same trees.
• Board Member Kliment was in favor of limiting tree removals to one or two trees but was unsure
about frequency. Larger tree removals should be limited more, and critical areas should have
the most stringent removal regulations. She noted how the Planning Board considers these
decisions for the future, which isn't necessarily how the Tree Board has been looking at it.
• Board Member Dimmick said his background was in scientific analysis and federal and state
environmental permits. He stated that the data needs to show there is a documented reduction
in tree canopy before considering any limits to private property tree removals. He is sure that
people must be planting lots of trees on their property. If they see negative impacts from the
new housing density rules, they might need to revisit the issue in the future. Board Member
Kliment noted that information might relate more to changes to the development code than
property owner tree removals.
• Ms. Powers emphasized other cities that have been very progressive with their housing codes
to allow what the state is now requiring, also had at the same time property owner tree removal
limits and retention and replanting requirements with development.
• Board Member Stavig said he was in favor of some type of limits to property owner tree
removals. He acknowledged the increase in tree canopy and noted they don't know how that
will be changing before the next canopy analysis. He was supportive of allowing X number of
trees to be removed per year and protecting Landmark Trees.
• Councilmember Nand said she would like to see a work product of bullet points showing what
the Board agrees on, not just individual positions. She was very clear she wanted to hear the
Tree Board's opinion as a body. She stated she was tired of all the consultants who are from
Tree Board Meeting Minutes
July 6, 2023
Page 4 of 5
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outside the community coming up with policy recommendations and bringing them forward to
Council when City boards and commissions are not making policy recommendations. Ms.
Powers noted that a public engagement consultant summarized Tree Board input in a report
attached to the recent joint Tree Board/Planning Board meeting agenda. There was some
discussion about the Board's role in making code amendments and how to proceed. Chair Cass,
Vice Chair Phipps, and Board Member Kliment volunteered to form a subcommittee to draft
something for the next Tree Board meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion regarding Natalie Seitz' Letter
• Vice Chair Phipps noted that Natalie Seitz wrote in her letter that the Tree Board's email address
could not be found on the City webpage. The Board asked if the group email address could be
added to the website as only staff contact information is shown. Ms. Powers said she had a
recent discussion about the topic with her supervisor and is interested in the Tree Board's input.
• Chair Cass asked if there have been public comment emails related to the tree code updates
submitted that the Tree Board has not seen. Ms. Powers replied yes; all comments are compiled
and will be attached as public testimony to each decision -making body's public hearing agenda.
Tree Board members indicated they were interested in seeing those comments as they come in.
Ms. Powers replied that it was not the understanding of the person submitting public testimony
that it would be shared with other parties prior to a public hearing. Chair Cass commented that
there are other things that people might want to contact the Tree Board about that are not code
related. She felt that the public has the right to be able to email them if they want to. Board
Member Stavig wondered what the expectations would be for responding to emails. Ms. Powers
noted that a designated Tree Board member will need to respond to each email, screen it for
content and forward them as the Planning Board Chair does now. There was some discussion
about the pros and cons of this. Board Member Kliment expressed concern that they would be
overwhelmed with emails and things they could not respond to. Board Member Fagerstrom
thought that there are already plenty of opportunities for people to comment at public meetings.
• This item was tabled.
B. Clarification about Tree Canopy Percentages on Non-residential Properties in Edmonds
• Vice Chair Phipps requested clarification about what open space and public are. Ms. Powers
explained the land use areas are not clearly defined in the last canopy study and that open space
generally refers to land without buildings or roads. The report is unclear if it was public or
private open space. There was discussion about how this impacts the interpretation of the study.
TREE BOARD MEMBER IDEAS AND COMMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
Next meeting: August 3
Tree Board Meeting Minutes
July 6, 2023
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Tree Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 08/3/2023
2023 Work Plan Review & Updates
Staff Lead: Deb Powers
Department: Planning Division
Prepared By: Deb Powers
Background/History
The Tree Board develops an annual work plan outlining events and projects for the year and to establish
the Board's annual budget. At their July 6, 2023 meeting, the Board suggested minor edits to the 2023
Work Plan (Attachment 1), which is attached for Board review and discussion.
Staff Recommendation
Review updated Work Plan, discuss recently held events and plan upcoming events/projects, and adjust
Work Plan as needed.
Narrative
1. Prior event - Follow up discussion on tree identification signs from the July 15, 2023 garden tour.
2. Upcoming events - continue planning Arbor Day events that include a tree giveaway, critical area
awareness activity and a tree walking tour scheduled for October 7, 2023. Review draft press
release (Attachment 2) for changes.
3. Potential joint meeting - identify the purpose of participating in a joint meeting with the Climate
Protection Committee.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Tree Board Work Plan
Attachment 2 - Draft Press Release
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2023 TREE BOARD WORK PLAN
Revised 717123
Status
Ongoing Annual Events
Date
Description
TB Lead
Anticipated
Contact
Cost
Parks Earth Day Event*
Concurrent restoration projects @ Yost/Pine Ridge parks.
✓
(UFMP Goal 2E, 21)
4/22/23
Tasks: host sign -in tables and provide snacks, water, TB info materials.
Wendy
$60
Parks Contact: Angie Feser/Jenn Leach
Annual City Council Report*
Describe Tree Board previous years' activities and accomplishments.
✓
(UFMP Goal 46iii)
3/7/23
Tasks: compile photos, verify prior years' events/accomplishments, create and
Janelle
N/A
ECC 10.95 requirement
present PPT to City Council
Contact: Deb for Council packet submittal
Garden Tour Tree Signs*
Educate/inform garden tour attendees about tree ID, selection and care with signs.
(UFMP Goal 4)
7/16/23
Tasks: coordinate with EIB committee to ID trees, print, assemble tree ID signs/stakes
Wendy
7
Contact: EIB/Tia Scarce digdiq@mac.com, Carol Murray (EIB Pres.)
Tree/seedling giveaway at Edmonds Farmers' Market and public info on critical areas.
Bill, Crane
Arbor Day Celebration*
Tasks: submit application for space. Procure giveaway items. Plan critical area
(trees),
Tree Giveaway & Tree Walk
10/7/23
educational aspect (materials, equipment, etc.) Plan loading, etc. Design/print
Kevin
$840
Tree City USA requirement
educational materials. Write PR. Assign shifts. Followed by Tree Walk event below.
(space),
Contact: Emily Young, EFM Coordinator, emily.young@edmondok.com
Janelle (CA)
Contact: Deb for proclamation
Status
Approved 2023
Date
Description
TB Lead
Anticipated
Events & Projects
Contact
Cost
ON
Sierra Park Restoration*
Not
Replace interpretive signs, plant site -specific trees and understory plants.
Amy
$500
HOLD
(UFMP Goal 4A)
Determined
Contact: Angie FeserAngie.Feser@edmondswa.gov, Lion's Club: Sandy
UNDER
Tree Code Amendments*
2022 2023
Tree Board provides written recommendation to City Council on draft code.
N/A
N/A
WAY
(UFMP Goal 1A, Phase 2)
Contact: Deb deb.powers@edmondswa.gov
Tree Walking Tour
Informative tour featuring tree factoids, history, etc. to spotlight notable trees.
10/7/23
Speaker: Bess Bronstein. Time/location: after Market closes at 2pm, downtown.
Crane
$350
(UFMP Goal 4A)
Combine with Oct 7 Tree Giveaway Event (above)
Update Recommended Tree
ON
List for Homeowners*
Not
Linked from Tree Board webpage. Shows outdated species, not formatted to print.
Crane
7
HOLD
Determined
(Note that a Street Tree List/Street Tree Plan are City projects currently underway).
(UFMP Goal 4C, 5A)
ON
Exceptional Street Tree
Not
Designate street trees worthy of merit. Develop nomination process, tree criteria,
7
HOLD
Designation
Determined
selection committee. Create signage/plaque for designated trees. Hold a celebration,
Amiy
*Falls under Tree Board Powers and Duties per ECC 10.95.030
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2023 TREE BOARD WORK PLAN
Revised 717123
(UFMP Goal 4A)
invite dignitaries? Consider mapping on City website public education and tree
advocacy.
Contact: Angie Feser (Parks), Oscar Antillon (Public Works)
TOTAL 2023 ANTICIPATED BUDGET: $1,750
PREVIOUSLY 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 the
(UFMP Goals 1Ei, Goals 4A-C)
Answer! Trees are Good! Healthy Trees/Healthy Cities, etc. Create a Tree Owner's
Manual Handbook (see DNR example).
Tree voucher program
See Lynnwood/Kirkland examples of City -run voucher programs, adapt to TB -run
(UFMP Goal 3A)
program? Organize one-time tree giveaway event to incentivize street tree or private
property trees.
Award program or event
Develop a certification/awards program recognizing developers/property owners for
(UFMP Goal 3C)
superior tree care or preservation.
Earn TCUSA Growth Awards
Complete by
Beyond TCUSA Arbor Day* requirements. Need 10 points to receive Growth Award.
Dec 1st
Contact: Deb
Establish program to designate Heritage Trees in Edmonds. Develop nomination
process, tree criteria, selection committee. Create signage/plaque. Schedule
Heritage Tree Program
celebration, invite dignitaries? Consider mapping on City website for greater public
(UFMP Goal 1D, Goal 3C)
education, advocacy.
Contact: Deb
Could be one-time or ongoing annual event. Pruning instruction could be provided by
Tree planting or pruning class
expert (PlantAmensty?), planting could promote species diversity. For public or
(UFMP Goals 2G, 21, 4Biii)
private property trees.
Contact: Parks or Public Works?
Winter Market (Tree Giveaway?)
May consider as a way to address surplus 2023 budget funds
Contact: Chamber of Commerce
Ongoing SSS/Parks Dept. event at Salmon Hatchery, approx. 200 attendees. Tasks:
Watershed Fun Fair
May 2024
secure table, provide kids activity.
Parks Contact: Angie Feser/Jenn Leach
*Falls under Tree Board Powers and Duties per ECC 10.95.030
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2023 TREE BOARD WORK PLAN
Revised 717123
ADMINISTRATIVE PROJECTS
Status
Administrative Projects
Description
Shared file storage for
WingFTP (edmsvr-ftp) at Wing UP Server - Web Client (edmonds.wa.us)
✓
Account: -, PW:
-
N/A
documents, photos, etc.
Contact: Deb
Develop guide consistent with City boards/commissions with: new member orientation, history,
Tree Board Handbook
mission, guiding principles/policies, primary responsibilities, budget info, staff role, etc.
-
N/A
Contact: Deb
Revise content, imagery and graphics for greater advocacy and outreach (within City web content
Webpage update
standards). Consider replacing "Right Tree" messaging. Research other city's TB webpages. See
-
N/A
Kirkland "Trees" website.
Contact: Deb
*Falls under Tree Board Powers and Duties per ECC 10.95.030
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edmonds Citizen Tree Board Announces Arbor Day Celebration and Educational Event
Edmonds, [Date] - The Edmonds Citizen Tree Board is thrilled to declare October 7,
2023, as Arbor Day for our beautiful city. In celebration of this special occasion, the
board will be hosting an engaging booth at the Summer Market, offering
complimentary tree giveaways to the community. The event aims to promote
environmental consciousness and the significance of trees in our urban landscape.
At the Arbor Day booth, residents will have the opportunity to choose from a diverse
selection of tree species that are well -suited to the unique climate and environment of
Edmonds. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering a green and
sustainable community.
Additionally, the booth will feature an interactive educational component focused on
highlighting the importance of trees in critical areas. Visitors will gain valuable insights
into determining if their homes are located within critical zones and discover the best
approaches to tree and vegetation maintenance.
Following the Summer Market, the esteemed Bess Bronstein, a renowned horticultural
consultant, educator, and ISA Certified Arborist®, will lead a captivating walking tour.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore the downtown area while Bess
Bronstein highlights and points out interesting trees along the way. Her wealth of
knowledge and experience will enrich the experience tour, providing valuable insights
into the unique qualities of our urban forest.
We encourage all residents, nature enthusiasts, and those interested in sustainable
practices to join us at the Summer Market on October 7, 2023 and for the walking tour,
for a memorable Arbor Day celebration. -So-Cc-ome afpd-join us for an Edmonds kind of
Arbor Day, on October 7th, where we celebrate the beauty and importance of trees in
our community!
For more information, please
visit https://www.edmondswa.gov/aovernment/boards and commissions/tree board \
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Tree Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 08/3/2023
Draft Tree Code Policy Recommendations
Staff Lead: Deb Powers
Department: Planning Division
Prepared By: Deb Powers
Background/History
At the July 6, 2023 Tree Board meeting, City Council Liaison Nand suggested the Tree Board develop
recommendations to the City Council on amendments to the tree code, per the Tree Board Powers and
Duties outlined in Edmonds City Code (ECC) Chapter 10.95.030. Three members volunteered to form a
subcommittee to draft recommendations for Tree Board review. However, the subcommittee was
unable to consolidate three separate drafts into one document for Tree Board review.
Staff Recommendation
Review the three versions of subcommittee draft recommendations (Attachment 1) and attempt to
reach a consensus decision on Tree Board recommendations to forward to the City Council/Planning
Board on amendments to the tree code in advance of future work sessions and public hearings.
Narrative
Draft code has yet to be presented to the Planning Board or City Council and no public hearings have
been scheduled for amendments to the tree code, Chapter 23.10 of the Edmonds Community and
Development Code (ECDC). The Planning Board is tentatively scheduled to hold work sessions to review
draft code language on August 23 and September 13.
Attachments:
Attachment 1- Combined Draft Policy Recommendations
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DRAFT POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EDMONDS TREE CODE UPDATES
DEVELOPED BY SUBCOMMITTEE PER THE JULY 6, 2023 TREE BOARD MEETING
DRAFT 1
From: Phipps, William (Tree Board) <William.Phipps@edmondswa.gov>
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 10:34 PM
To: Kliment, Wendy <Wendy.Kliment@Edmondswa.gov>; Cass, Janelle ( Tree Board )
<Janelle.Cass@edmondswa.gov>
Subject: DRAFT Tree Board agreements on proposed Tree Code amendments, 2023.
DRAFT Proposed Tree Board recommendations to Planning Board and Edmonds City Council
concerning Edmonds Tree Code amendments, 2023:
All current Tree Board members agree the City needs to strengthen education and enforcement
around its "Critical Areas" tree codes currently in place. We need to increase awareness
and compliance. Most on the Tree Board feel that no significant trees should be removed from critical
areas.
All agree to the special significance of so called "landmark" trees, those trees with diameter of 24 inches
or greater. These trees deserve special treatment. Greater protections, greater incentives, greater
penalties for removal (number of replacement trees, fees in lieu) should be put in place to preserve
these giants.
All Tree Board members agree that the City should be incentivizing tree retention, especially landmark
trees) on already developed residential lots. The City should incentivize the planting of new trees, by
setting up a Tree Voucher system where citizens could get free trees to plant in their yards and
patios. This program would be budgeted for from the Tree Fund.
Most of the current members think there should be restrictions on personal tree removal on already
developed residential properties. There are varying opinions on how strict these limitations would be.
Another way to look at it is we all believe that property owners should be able to remove their trees if
they want to, for whatever reason. Our differences are that some of us want to slow that tree removal
process down. Property owners would be able to remove more than their allowances but would be
required to do replacement trees and/or fees in lieu.
Summited by Bill Phipps for Tree Board consideration.
DRAFT 2
From: wendy kliment <wkliment@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 1:37 PM
To: lanelle.cass@edmonds.wa.gov <ianelle.cass@edmonds.wa.gov>; Kliment, Wendy
<wendy.kliment@edmondswa.gov>; william.phipps@edmonds.wa.gov
<william.phipps@edmonds.wa.gov>
Subject: DRAFT Tree Board document
Tree Board — Summary of Tree board opinions RE: Tree Regulations on private/developed property
Areas of common agreement:
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Commonality: Most Tree board members support the following:
• Different regulations are needed for critical areas, however people need to be aware that
they are in a critical area, so education about this area is needed (Tree board to provide
educational opportunity at Farmers market in October)
• Different regulations should apply to trees that are 24" or larger
• There should be tree removal regulations on developed property, focused on preservation
of large trees rather than fees -in -lieu
• If a tree bank is chosen as an option, the tree bank should be in Edmonds
Some Tree Board members feel that Tree removal on private property should not be regulated, based
on the following:
Differences:
• Tree code not needed for private property owners until there is a need, shown via a tree
canopy assessment that indicates a decrease in the Edmonds Tree Canopy, versus the
current tree canopy assessment that shows the canopy unchanged or increased.
• Tree code not needed until an update is done on the Urban Forest Management plan, as the
plan specifically states that Edmonds does not want tree regulations for private property.
For those Tree board members that DO support regulations for private property,
• A maximum of 3 trees allowed to be cut annually without a permit but with reporting
requirements. Some Tree Board members favor more restrictive guidelines (ie: 1 tree per
every 3 years)
tip
Trees can be grouped to maintain a percentage of a lot (ie: 25%)
DRAFT 3
From: Cass, Janelle ( Tree Board ) <Janelle.Cass@edmondswa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2023 3:30 PM
To: Powers, Deb <deborah.powers@edmondswa.gov>
Subject: Janelle's version
Subject: DRAFT Policy Recommendation for Edmonds Tree Code Updates
To the Edmonds Planning Board and the Edmonds City Council,
We, the Edmonds Citizens Tree Board, submit our policy recommendation with the intention of
preserving the invaluable urban forest in our beloved city while recognizing differing perspectives within
our board. Our foremost consensus lies in the urgent need for a robust educational campaign to raise
awareness about the vital role trees and vegetation play in critical areas. By fostering an understanding
of their ecological significance and the benefits they bring to our community, we believe that more
residents will be motivated to participate in tree planting and maintenance efforts voluntarily.
Furthermore, the implementation of positive approaches to encourage tree planting and maintenance,
as well as the establishment of a tree voucher system, will serve as practical tools to support and
Packet Pg. 15
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incentivize residents in nurturing and expanding our urban canopy. These measures will not only
beautify Edmonds but also contribute to improved air quality, reduced stormwater runoff, and overall
enhanced well-being for our citizens.
Regarding the Tree Code pertaining to development, we advocate for its simplification and the adoption
of a more straightforward density metric for tree preservation. A clear and concise code will foster
transparency and ease the development process while maintaining a strong emphasis on preserving our
urban forest.
However, where we encountered differing views within our board was in the matter of limiting tree
removal on already developed single-family properties. The majority of the Tree Board members
recommend that homeowners be restricted to remove approximately two trees per year or two trees
per two years. Additionally, the majority of the board agrees that trees of "landmark" status, those with
a diameter greater than 24 inches, should have more stringent removal limits to safeguard our most
valuable and iconic specimens.
On the other hand, a minority group of board members believes that the residents of Edmonds have
shown a commendable commitment to tree maintenance, as evidenced by the recent canopy
assessment. In this perspective, homeowners should be incentivized for their investment in maintaining
trees that benefit the community, rather than penalized with excessive permitting requirements when
the need for tree removal arises. Furthermore the Urban Forest Management plan did not call for
restricting private property tree removals and adding this code is a departure from the plan that
included a far more expansive public outreach effort than the recent outreach by the consultant and
administration.
Considering the varying viewpoints, we recommend a balanced approach that finds a middle ground.
Encouraging tree preservation through education and incentives will be our city's primary focus, with a
restriction on tree removal for developed single-family properties, while taking into account individual
circumstances and needs. We propose a tiered permitting system that accounts for tree age, health, and
potential impact on the landscape. This approach aims to strike a balance between preserving our urban
forest and respecting the property rights of homeowners.
In conclusion, we recommend to the Edmonds Planning Board and the Edmonds City Council to embrace
this multifaceted policy recommendation that emphasizes education, incentives, and balanced
regulation.
Sincerely,
The Edmonds Citizens Tree Board
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Tree Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 08/3/2023
Draft Tree Board Handbook
Staff Lead: Deb Powers
Department: Planning Division
Prepared By: Deb Powers
Background/History
City of Edmonds boards and commissions are developing handbooks to include essential orientation and
procedural information and to provide general guidance on public meetings. The approved Planning
Board Handbook, now posted online, is the template for boards/commissions under the Planning
Division's oversight. The attached draft handbook (Attachment 1) shows language unique to the Tree
Board in red text.
Staff Recommendation
Review the draft handbook, provide requested edits, and, if ready, approve the handbook.
Attachments:
Attachment 1- Draft Tree Board Handbook
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DRAFT Citizens' Tree Board Handbook
This handbook is intended to provide an overview of the Citizens' Tree Board and its processes
and to gather useful references in one place. It is not exhaustive but touches on many of the
aspects of the Board's organization and work. Rules of procedure and rules governing the
election and duties of officers are included.
Welcome from the Development Services Director
Hello! The City of Edmonds boards and commissions play an important role in serving our
community. Each provides advice and recommendations to the Mayor and City Council
regarding programs, activities, and issues unique to their mission and purpose. Edmonds
Planning and Development Department oversees the Architectural Design, Planning and Tree
Boards in addition to the Historical Preservation Commission. I am generally responsible for
handling board budgets, staffing, and any legal or policy issues that may arise.
Thank you for your volunteer service to the City of Edmonds.
Susan McLaughlin, Director
Tree Board History
The Edmonds City Council created a Citizens' Tree Board in 2010 (Ordinance 3807). The
Board has an official webpage which summarizes a variety of information about Tree Board
activities. Edmonds' Urban Forest Management Plan identifies specific goals towards achieving
the Tree Board's mission described under its powers and duties.
Tree Board Powers and Duties
All City boards and commissions have powers and duties codified in Title 10 of the Edmonds
City Code (ECC), with the Tree Board covered by ECC Chapter 10.95.
The Tree Board's powers and duties are spelled out in Section 10.95.030 and are listed below.
A. The board is empowered to advise and make recommendations to the Mayor and the City
Council and, as appropriate, to the Planning Board and other boards or commissions of the
City on such matters including but not limited to:
1. An urban forest management program and/or ordinances to help preserve and protect
existing trees, encourage planting of additional trees, safeguard trees on parcels where
construction or renovation is occurring or planned to occur, and encouraging the
Edmonds citizenry to become active stewards of the urban forest.
2. Increasing community outreach and education regarding the value of trees, proper
selection of trees, and correct methods for planting of and caring for trees.
3. Working with civic, religious, and citizen groups on specific projects or to organize
invasive plant removal and native vegetation planting in accord with the department of
parks, recreation, and cultural services.
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4. Facilitating relevant grant applications supporting ecology and watershed protection
projects.
S. Sponsoring an annual Arbor Day event.
6. Working towards achieving and maintaining a Tree City USA status.
B. The board shall provide an annual report to the city council within the first quarter of each
year
Chapter 10.95 is included in its entirety as Appendix 1.
Orientation
The appointment process is outlined in ECC Section 10.95.010. Upon confirmation by the City
Council, a city email address is assigned to board members for their use (Appendix 2). All Board -
related correspondence and meeting agendas from the city will be sent to that email. Board
members should not use their personal email for City or Board business, which is subject to
public disclosure and, when applicable, the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA).
Staff Roles & Responsibilities
The Urban Forest Planner is staff liaison on the Tree Board, has subject matter expertise related
to Board business and should be the main point of contact for board matters. Staff liaisons
provide guidance in developing the Board's extended agendas and annual work plans,
coordinate with the Board Chair on individual meeting agenda items, provide information and
respond to questions on agenda items during the meeting, and records Board meetings.
The Senior Administrative Assistant to the Planning Division is primarily responsible for
distributing meeting agendas and posting minutes once they are approved by the Planning
Manager and handles invoices for Tree Board expenditures.
The Planning Division Manager reviews and approves monthly meeting agendas and any Tree
Board projects or events that involve Planning staff resources.
The Director of Parks and Recreation reviews and approves any Tree Board projects or events
that involve park locations or Parks staff resources.
The Executive Assistant to the Mayor manages personnel on City boards and commissions,
advertises for vacancies, and maintains the Tree Board position list. If your personal
information changes during your tenure or should you need to resign your position during your
term for any reason, please contact the Mayor's Executive Assistant.
Current Contact Information (as of July 2023); members will be informed of any changes.
Urban Forest Planner: Deb Powers, deb.powers@edmondswa.gov
Planning Manager: David Levitan, david.levitan@edmondswa.gov
Senior Admin Assist: Michelle Martin, michelle.martin@edmondswa.gov
Mayor's Exec Asst: Carolyn LaFave, carolyn.lafave@edmondswa.gov
Planning and Development Director: Susan McLaughlin, susan.mclaughlin@edmondswa.gov
Parks Director: Angie Feser, angie.feser@edmondswa.gov
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The Planning and Development Department is located on the second floor of City Hall (121 5tn
Ave. N) and can be reached at 425-771-0220.
Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) Training
The Washington State Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), found in RCW 42.30.020 and
Edmonds ECC 10.02 strive for greater government transparency by requiring all
board/commission business be conducted in open public meetings. All new board and
commission members are required to take OPMA training within 90 days of appointment
and to retake the training every 4 years. Board members are encouraged to take the
Attorney General's Office OPMA training. Board members should provide Planning staff
with a copy of their training certificate so that it can be forwarded to the City Clerk.
OPMA and Communicating via Email, Social Media, Phone, etc.
Violations of OPMA laws can result in penalties, as well as a breakdown in confidence in
government agencies. The city and individuals (staff or board members) can be held liable
for OPMA violations. For that reason, board and commission members are advised to
conduct business in regular or special meetings and retreats and err on the side of caution
in emails and other communication between members outside of meetings on topics that
may come before them, as even seemingly innocuous conversations or email discussions
can unknowingly become "rolling quorums" or "serial meetings" in violation of OPMA
rules. City emails are archived and indexed and subject public disclosure laws.
Urgent information that is to be conveyed to all board members prior to the next meeting
should be sent to staff for distribution via 'BCC' with 'no reply' expressly stated at the top
of informational emails. This handout from the Municipal Research Services Center (MRSC)
helps explain electronic communications under OPMA rules.
Meetings
"Regular meetings" are conducted in a hybrid meeting format on the first Thursday of the
month at 6 pm. Meetings are scheduled for two hours but may run under or over time,
depending on the agenda.
The in -person meeting location is in the Brackett Room on the third floor of Edmonds City Hall,
which is located at 121 5th Avenue N, unless otherwise noted.
Tree Board members and the public may also attend remotely via the Zoom online platform.
Board members are encouraged to attend in person when possible but may fully participate
remotely. Board members join as a "panelist" which allows for members to speak and interact
during the entire meeting, and are expected to have their camera on, if possible. Members of
the public join as an "attendee," which allows them to watch and listen to the meeting and be
promoted by staff during the public comment period of the meeting. Please allow sufficient
time to join the webinar and notify staff if you are having technical difficulties.
"Special meetings" are any meetings that take place outside the regularly scheduled date, time
and/or place. Public notice is required at least 24 hours in advance. The special meeting agenda
must be posted online and physically at 3 locations: in City Hall, at the Edmonds Public Library
and in the entrance to the Public Safety Building, outside Council Chambers. Once a special
meeting agenda is posted, the board cannot consider any subject or issue that is not listed on
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the agenda per OPMA rules. Members may remove items but not add new items. Special
meetings are typically called for emergencies or to focus on a specific topic or topics.
The Tree Board may need to participate in joint meetings with the Planning Board for agenda
items related to tree codes.
"Joint meetings" involving the Tree Board occur periodically. The Board may join another
group's meeting as with the City Council or the Planning Board or may host another board
or commission to discuss certain topics of common interest.
At the first few meetings that occur during the first quarter of each year, the Board
establishes its work plan and budget for the year.
Meeting Agendas
The purpose of an agenda is to organize Board business, set and achieve goals, plan events, and
work on projects efficiently. Meeting agendas are a coordinated effort:
• Members contact Chair/Vice Chair with clearly stated agenda topics. Chair may ask
member(s) how much time the topic may need and who will be leading the discussion.
The Chair may suggest to members certain topics be placed on a subsequent meeting
agenda.
• The Chair and staff discuss the upcoming meeting agenda to further clarify and prioritize
topics. A final list of meeting topics is due to staff by 5pm on the Tuesday in the week
prior to the upcoming meeting.
• Although agendas can be posted up to 24 hours before the meeting, out of courtesy to
members, staff will post upcoming meeting agendas the Friday prior to the next
meeting. That allows members sufficient time to review the upcoming meeting agenda,
read the previous meeting minutes and complete any action items prior to the next
meeting.
• Agendas (including special meeting agendas) must be posted at least 24 hours before
the meeting, or the meeting cannot be held. Posting the meeting agenda constitutes
public noticing.
Meetine Attendance
Your attendance at Tree Board meetings is important! If something arises that prevents
your attending a regular meeting, please notify the Urban Forest Planner and Tree Board
Chair (or Vice Chair, as needed) as early as possible. Excused absences are at the discretion
of the Chair and must be noted during the roll call. Per ECC Section 1.05.010, members of
all boards/commissions must attend at least 70% of the regular meetings in any one
calendar year and cannot miss more than 3 consecutive meetings, unless the absences are
excused. Any board member that does not meet attendance requirements may be
removed from that position by the mayor, per ECDC 1.05.020 and 1.05.030 (Appendix 3).
Should a board member experience continued difficulties in meeting the minimum meeting
requirements, they are encouraged to consider whether they are able to make the time
commitment needed to serve on the Tree Board.
Meeting Notes
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Tree Board meetings are recorded by audio and video and professionally summarized as draft
meeting minutes to provide sufficient detail on board discussions and actions. Draft minutes
are included in the meeting packet of a future meeting, which is most often the next meeting,
for approval by the board. Board members should review the draft minutes and discuss any
changes to them that are needed. Once approved or approved as corrected, meeting minutes
are posted on the Planning Board meeting webpage.
Board Membership, Officers, Quorum and Administration
By code, the Citizen's Tree Board consists of seven members plus one alternate and one
nonvoting Edmonds City Council liaison. The Board may also have a non -voting student
representative. Board members are appointed by City Council members and confirmed by the
full Council. All board members must be Edmonds residents and, if possible, represent
different watersheds and neighborhoods. The code also notes a preference for members to
have professional or hobbyist interest/experience in urban forestry and horticulture, such
as arborists, botanists, horticulturists, native plant experts, Master Gardeners and wildlife
experts (ECDC Chapter 10.95).
Officer Positions
Officers are typically elected at the last meeting of the year or the first meeting of a new
year, but elections may be held "as determined by the board" per ECC 10.95.020. If
volunteering for an officer position, please carefully consider your personal schedule, your
comfort level with electronic communication and availability outside of regular/special
meeting attendance for tasks such as coordinating meeting agendas. While it is not
essential to have an in-depth knowledge of trees or related subject matter, the Chair
should be familiar with rules of order to facilitate meetings. When nominating someone,
consider the same. The Chair runs board meetings and is the primary liaison with staff,
including agenda planning. The Vice Chair operates in the same capacity when the Chair is
not available.
The Chair/Vice Chair are responsible for providing expenditure forms and receipts to
Admin for reimbursement.
Quorum
All board members share an equal right and obligation to participate in Tree Board
decisions. This handout from Jurassic Parliament is really helpful in making a shift from
discussing affairs in a conversational manner to conducting board business in a democratic
manner. Board business is conducted by vote by a minimum number of members
(quorum). Per ECDC 10.95.020, four Tree Board members constitute a quorum for
transaction of business when all positions have been appointed, with at least three
members needed to take action on any particular item before the Board. That is, if four
members are present but two abstain from voting on an item, no action could be taken on
that item. If the number of members should be reduced to six or less for any reason,
including a member's removal for failure to maintain attendance, three members shall
constitute a quorum (per ECDC 1.05.010).
The Alternate position abstains from voting when all seven regular members are present.
In the event a regular member is absent or disqualified for any reason, the Alternate has all
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the powers of a regular member, including the right to vote on board decisions. The
Alternate is subject to the same attendance requirements as regular board members. If a
regular position on the board becomes vacant, the Alternate becomes a regular member
and fills that vacancy for the remainder of the term. The student members do not vote on
Board decisions.
Document Storage
The City's Information Services (IS) Department has set up accounts for boards and
commissions in the City's File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server, WingFTP, for document and photo
storage related to board business. Due to public records laws, Board members should not use
personal or other external file storage. The staff liaison can provide FTP server password and
account login information. Board members can log on to WingFTP to upload new documents to
share with the Board and can also download documents from the server to make changes, then
upload the edited documents. Staff will periodically review the materials on the FTP server for
compliance with Local Government Records Retention Schedules established by the
Washington State Archives.
Work Plan
The Tree Board organizes, sponsors, participates in, and holds ongoing annual events that
support the goals listed in the Urban Forest Management Plan and ECC 10.95 by-laws.
Celebrating Arbor Day is one such event, which is mandated to maintain Edmonds' Tree City
USA status. Other ongoing events include supporting Parks' Earth Day tree planting event and
providing educational tree signs for the Edmonds in Bloom Garden tour.
The Board may find it useful to maintain a Work Plan that tracks both ongoing and proposed
events/projects to maintain consistency over time, as member terms expire, or as new
members are appointed. A Work Plan that shows anticipated costs for proposed events and
projects must be submitted for budget approval. The first few meetings of each new year is an
ideal time to establish a Work Plan so the Board can make decisions on ongoing and new
events/ projects, develop an annual budget, strategically plan events, etc. The Work Plan also
serves as an excellent reference for creating the Board's annual City Council presentation (per
ECDC 10.95.030.13).
Budget
The Tree Board's budget is managed by the Director of Planning and Development. The Tree
Board is responsible for proposing an annual budget based on anticipated costs associated with
an annual Work Plan. The proposed budget is subject to Director review and approval prior to
accruing any expenditures for that year.
The City Council provides money annually for professional services used by staff to support the
Tree Board including the professional transcriber to prepare minutes.
Expenditures
Tree Board expenditures, without exception, must be first approved by the Board. Individual
members must not expend money on behalf of the Board and then seek approval at a later
meeting. Expenses must also meet City requirements regarding the purpose of the expenditure.
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Invoices for expenditures should be submitted to Planning Admin to bring forward for
reimbursement through the proper City channels:
1. The Development Services Director then approves the expenditure. Expenses are
regulated by the Finance Department which is regulated by the State Auditor. If you
have questions about whether an expenditure will be approved, please have the Chair
or Vice -Chair contact dev.services@edmondswa.gov who will forward your request to
the Director.
2. After approval by the Board, all pertinent receipts must be attached to the expenditure
template and e-mailed to dev.services@edmondswa.gov.
3. Expenditure documents must be received in a timely manner for processing.
4. Checks for payment take about two weeks to receive.
Annual Report
By code, the Tree Board is required to provide an annual report to the City Council within the
first quarter of each year. The PowerPoints from prior presentations are stored on the FTP file
server.
Member Conduct
Except where there are conflicts with ECDC Chapter 10.95 and this handbook, Robert's Rules of
Order shall be applied and followed, as summarized on the MRSC website and detailed in this
2017 MRSC report. At meetings, please respect fellow board members' time by holding new
topics that are not on the agenda until the following meeting agenda and limiting personal
commentary. Board members should insist on courtesy and respect and refrain from personal
remarks, insulting language, attacks, interruptions, sidebar conversations, and disrespectful
body language. The Chair or any member should be comfortable in identifying conduct that
they believe is inappropriate or unprofessional and requesting that it stop immediately.
Outside of meetings, all communication with City staff should be through the contacts
referenced previously.
As residents of Edmonds, board members are free to participate in a variety of projects,
activities, and discussions that impact the city outside of their official role, so long as they do so
in an individual capacity and not as a representative of the Tree Board. Members should be
especially cautious on topics that are likely to come before the Board in its advisory role to City
Council and are encouraged to proactively disclose any actions or discussions that may be
raised in association with Washington State's Appearance of Fairness Doctrine (Chapter 42.36
RCW).
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Appendices
1. Tree Board code (ECC 10.95)
2. City email password/sign-in procedures
3. Public Meeting Attendance (ECC 1.05)
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Appendix 1: Tree Board Code, Chapter 10.95 of the Edmonds City Code
10.95.010 Board created — membership.
A. There is hereby created a citizens' tree board consisting of seven members plus one alternate
and one nonvoting, ex officio position to be filled by an Edmonds city council member. Board
members must be Edmonds residents. It is recommended the board include citizens from
throughout the city (representing different watersheds and neighborhoods). Additionally, those
with professional or hobbyist interest/experience in urban forestry, horticulture, and habitat
enviroscaping are preferred; these may include arborists, botanists, horticulturists, native plant
experts, master gardeners, wildlife experts, and related.
B. Each council member shall appoint one Tree Board member to a term the duration of which
shall coincide with the term of the appointing council member. Each of the seven Tree Board
positions, numbers one through seven, will be appointed by the councilmember holding the
respective position number, one through seven. The alternate member shall be appointed by the
council president to a term the duration of which shall coincide with the term of the council
president. All appointments must be confirmed by a majority of the full city council. Newly
elected council members may reappoint an existing Tree Board member or alternate member or
may appoint a new member in the sole discretion of the individual councilmember. Where a
councilmember is appointed to fill a vacant council seat, that councilmember may only appoint
a person to the tree board if the tree board position associated with that council position
becomes vacant.
C. There shall be no term limits. Should a vacancy occur on the tree board, a new member shall
be appointed by the council position that previously appointed the vacant position on the tree
board for the remainder of the councilmember's term. (Ord. 4067 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 3875
§ 1, 2012; Ord. 3807 § 1, 20101.
10.95.020 Officers of Board — meetings —forum.
Members of the board shall meet and organize by election, from the members of the board, a
chair and vice chair and other officers as may be determined by the board. It shall be the duty of
the chair to preside at all meetings. The vice chair shall perform this duty in the absence of the
chair. Four members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If four regular
members are not present, the alternate member may fulfill the quorum requirement for that
meeting and vote accordingly. Otherwise, the alternate may not vote. A regular meeting of the
board is held the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. as a hybrid meeting that is
accessible both virtually and in -person and where the in -person component is conducted in the
Brackett Room, Edmonds City Hall, 121 Fifth Avenue N., Edmonds, Washington. (Ord. 4290 § 1
(Exh. A), 2023, Ord. 4067 § 1 (Att. A), 2017, Ord. 4034 § 1, 2016, Ord. 3807 § 1, 20101.
10.95.030 Powers and duties.
A. The board is empowered to: advise and make recommendations to the mayor and city council
and, as appropriate, to the planning board and other boards or commissions of the city on such
matters including but not limited to:
1. An urban forest management program and/or ordinances to help preserve and protect
existing trees, encourage planting of additional trees, safeguard trees on parcels where
Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board Handbook —Approved (date) Pa
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construction or renovation is occurring or planned to occur, and encouraging the Edmonds
citizenry to become active stewards of the urban forest.
2. Increasing community outreach and education regarding the value of trees, proper
selection of trees, and correct methods for planting of and caring for trees.
3. Working with civic, religious, and citizen groups on specific projects or to organize
invasive plant removal and native vegetation planting in accord with the department of
parks, recreation and cultural services.
4. Facilitating relevant grant applications supporting ecology and watershed protection
projects.
5. Sponsoring an annual Arbor Day event.
6. Working towards achieving and maintaining a Tree City USA status.
B. The board shall provide an annual report to the city council within the first quarter of each
year. [Ord. 4067 § 1 (Att. A), 2017, Ord. 4034 § 2, 2016; Ord. 3807 § 1, 2010].
Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board Handbook —Approved (date) Pag
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Appendix 2: Instructions for accessing City email
To access the City's email service, navigate to outlook.office365.com in your web browser. This
will connect you to the City of Edmonds Web App portal.
You will then be directed to the page shown below where you may enter your email
(firstname.lastname@edmondswa.gov).
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Appendix 3: Public Meeting Attendance (Chapter 1.05 of the Edmonds City Code)
1.05.010 Attendance required — Remote participation allowed.
A. In addition to being subject to removal for other particularized grounds as set forth in
applicable provisions of the Edmonds City Code and violations of the city of Edmonds Code of
Ethics for Board and Commission Members, members of all city boards, commissions and
committees (hereinafter "members"), except as set forth herein, shall be removed from office,
and the position deemed vacant as set forth in ECC 1.05.020(C) if such member attends less than
70 percent of the regular meetings in any one calendar year, and/or is not in attendance at
three or more consecutive regular meetings. Members may participate in board and commission
meetings remotely (by telephone, video conference, etc.) and such participation shall be
considered attendance for the purposes of this subsection; provided, that any such participation
must allow for all other members of the board or commission and any public in attendance to
hear the member on the remote device; and provided further, that any member participating
remotely must commence participation at the beginning of the meeting and must declare an
intention to participate until the end of the meeting. Remote participation is not a right.
Reasonable efforts should be made to facilitate remote participation within the limits of the
city's personnel and fiscal resources, but technical disruption may still occur. After resuming a
remote connection after any technical disruption of said connection, the chair shall determine,
subject to appeal, whether a remote member may participate in any action on a matter that
may have been discussed during the disconnection, based on the duration of the disconnection,
nature of the discussion, etc.
B. The chairperson of the particular board, commission or committee may excuse, subject to
appeal, any member from attendance at any particular meeting or meetings for reasons that
are (1) work related, (2) due to illness or death in the family, (3) extended vacations in excess of
two weeks in length, or (4) technical disruption; provided, however, each such excused absence
shall be so noted by the chairperson at the meeting from which the member is being excused
and such fact shall be recorded in the minutes along with the reason given for the excused
absence by the member. Excused absences shall not be counted for purposes of removal from
office, but only if so noted in the minutes as set forth herein. In the absence of the chairperson,
the member acting in the chairperson's behalf, such as vice -chairperson or pro tem, shall make
the determination, subject to appeal, of whether the absence is excused, and announce the
same for recording in the minutes of the meeting from which the member is excused. [Ord. 4266
§ 1, 2022; Ord. 4098 § 1, 2018; Ord. 2556, 1986; Ord. 2033 § 2, 1978; Ord. 2156 § 1, 1980].
1.05.020 Attendance records.
A. The city clerk shall keep a record of attendance of all board, commission and committee
meetings. Upon any member failing to attend three or more consecutive regular meetings
without the chairperson's excuse being noted in the minutes, the city clerk shall certify said
member's name in writing to the mayor and shall notify in writing the members, the
chairperson, and the appropriate city department head.
B. On or before January 15th of each calendar year, commencing in 1980, the city clerk shall
compile a list of members, if any, who have attended less than 70 percent of the regular
meetings in the past calendar year without the chairperson's excuses being noted in the
minutes, and shall certify this list to the mayor. The city clerk shall also notify in writing the
members, the applicable chairperson and the appropriate city department head.
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C. The member shall be automatically removed from office and the position deemed vacant as
of the date of the city clerk's written notification as set forth in subsections (A) and (8) of this
section. [Ord. 2033 § 3, 1978, Ord. 2156 § 2, 19801.
1.05.030 New nominees appointment/ confirmations.
Upon receipt from the city clerk of the names of members failing to maintain attendance as
provided herein, the mayor shall, within 90 days thereof, submit new nominations to the city
council for confirmation. The city council shall confirm or reject the nominations within 30 days
after the mayor submits the nominations to the council for consideration. A member removed
for failing to maintain attendance as provided by this chapter may not be renominated or
reappointed to a position on that or other city of Edmonds' board, committee or commission for
at least one year after removal. [Ord. 2033 § 4, 1978].
1.05.040 Exemptions.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to members of the following boards, commissions
and committees:
A. Edmonds city council; and
B. Edmonds civil service commission. [Ord. 2033 § 5, 1978].
1.05.050 Quorum requirements.
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Edmonds City Code, if the number of members of
any city board, commission or committee having seven positions and subject to this chapter
should be reduced to six or less for any reason, including a member's removal for failure to
maintain attendance, three members shall constitute a quorum.
B. Members participating in a board or commission meeting remotely, as provided for in
ECC 1.05.010, shall be counted towards the number of members required to constitute a
quorum by the regulations pertaining to each board or commission, provided in ECC Title 10
(Ord. 4098 § 2, 2018; Ord. 2033 § 6, 1978].
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