2016-11-03 Tree Board MinutesEDMONDS CITIZENS' TREE BOARD
MEETING NOTES
NOVEMBER 3, 2016
Board members present: Steve Hatzenbeler, Chair; Vivian Olson; Bill Phipps;
Barbara Chase;
Board members absent: Doug Petersen; Albert (Jed) Marshall
Staff present: Kernen Lien, Planning Dept.; Julie Munger , consultant
Elected official present: Diane Buckshnis, Edmonds City Council
Visitors present: Jim Walsh; Cynthia Easterson; Janice Noe
CALL TO ORDER: A quorum was reached and the meeting was called to order by
Steve Hatzenbeler.
ROLL CALL: All present introduced themselves.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was modified and approved.
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 2016 MEETING NOTES: The meeting notes were
corrected and approved.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS:
Janice Noe joined us to inform us about a cool old property, the Severance
property at 192 and 93rd, that recently sold. It is the site of a historical garden and
significant trees. The tree board discussed visiting the site and possibly relocating
a particularly unique and ancient tree.
Cynthia Easterson, who is associated with the Audubon Society, joined us to seek
collaboration with the tree board in the efforts to save the Edmonds Marsh. She
proposed a joint tree planting event with the Audubon Society. At this point there
proceeded to be a wide-ranging discussion about the history and current political
situation regarding the marsh. Special mention was given to the recently
completed Marina Beach Master Plan involving the daylighting of Willow Creek.
OLD BUSINESS:
-The tree board agreed that our joint tree planting event in October with the
Parks Department went well. There was discussion about the rain; how awesome
the parks department guys are (thanks Rich); the lack of promised volunteers, and
especially the musicians that showed up to serenade us! Thank you Vivian for
arranging the music. Thank you Doug for the shelter and nourishment. Thank
you tree board for a worthy accomplishment.
-Julia Munger joined us to remind the tree board of the necessary paperwork to
continue qualifying Edmonds as a "Tree City USA" member. There was a
discussion of volunteer hours; the Tree Board University participation; this years'
activities and Barbara's articles in "myedmonds.com". Julia presented a "Tree
City" packet to the tree board to aid us in this annual requirement. Thank you
Julia!
NEW BUSINESS:
- Kernen Lien updated the tree board on the progress of the Urban Forest
Management Plan. He spoke about "Request for Quotes" stage; tree
canopy analysis; planning board hearings and "policy before code" theory.
It will take at least a year. Thanks Kernen for your participation and
expertise. Please keep us in the loop... whatever we can do to save the
trees.
- There are Tree Board vacancies. Invite only the best to apply.
-2017 Tree Board Plans? The tree board will consider: tree (benefit) ID tags
downtown; speaker/ educational event; further tree plantings; tree heritage
program; and school outreach/cooperation... more? Board will need to prioritize
and plan.
-Diane reached out from the Mayors' Climate Change Committee seeking
cooperation with the tree board: trees and climate change; "a work in
conjunction " ? Thank you Diane for your unwavering support and guidance.
-Bill supported cooperation between the tree board and the Save the Marsh
movement. There ensued a long discussion about buffer distances; Parks Dept
management; Port of Edmonds ownership; and the Shoreline Master Program.
-Steve is resigning as chair of the tree board. RIP STEVE ! Thank you for your
service and dedication and we hope you stick around to guide us.
ADJOURNMENT;
With no further business, the Edmonds City Tree Board adjourned for the
evening.
Next meeting: December 1, 2016
Minutes submitted by Bill Phipps