2012-06-07 Tree Board Minutes.r
City of Edmonds
Citizen Tree Board
Minutes
June 7, 2012
Members present: Steve Hatzenbeler, Anna -Marie Heckman, Susan Paine, Sandy Seligmiller,
Laura Spehar, Rebecca Wolfe
Members Absent: John Botton
Staff Present: Arborist Dave Timbrook, Edmonds City Council member Joan Bloom
The meeting was called to order at 6:20 pm by Anna -Marie Heckman.
The May 2012 minutes were approved with no corrections.
Public attendee: Ken Reidy
Ken gave a presentation about issues he has encountered over a several year period involving
a development on a `critical area' slope adjacent to his property, two ensuing tree removals,
and a pending tree damage and potential removal issue on a large Western red cedar. The
ensuing group discussion focused on unclear or inconsistent tree code language and code
enforcement problems, particularly that of a developer not noting existing trees on their initial
project proposal. Ken expressed a goal of elevating the importance of the protection of trees in
Edmonds in the future, and hopes his experience can serve as a useful example.
Unfinished business:
The city departmental presentations of their respective tree responsibilities and concerns has
been postponed until the August meeting. We expect to hear from representatives from Parks,
Planning and Public Works.
New Business:
Next month's meeting will be on July 12 rather than July 5. It will be an internal roundtable to
refresh our knowledge of each other's experience with trees and tree issues, our goals,
interests, etc. We will also discuss the website content and Arbor Day ideas.
Laura Spehar suggested the Board participate in the July Fourth parade along with the
Edmonds Backyard Wildlife Habitat program. Anna Heckman and Susan Paine expressed
interest, and may carry the new Tree City USA banner.
Joan Bloom mentioned the possibility of having a Student Representative at our Board
meetings. We will need to organize the details and prepare a `job app' for the position, decide
what we want, and recruit interested students.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Sandy Seligmiller
June 28, 2012