2017-06-01 Tree Board MinutesEDMONDS CITIZENS' TREE BOARD
Meeting Notes
June 1, 2017
The Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board Meeting was called to order at 6:01 pm by Co -Chair Steve
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Hatzenbeler in the City Council Chambers - 250 5 Avenue North, Edmonds, WA.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Steve Hatzenbeler, Co -Chair
Doug Petersen, Co -Chair
Vivian Olson, Vice -Chair
Barbara Chase
Frank Caruso
Albert (Jed) Marshall
William (Bill) Phipps
Gail Lovell
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
N/A
1. CALL TO ORDER
STAFF PRESENT
Jeannie McConnell, Public Works and Utilities
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Diane Buckshnis — City Council member
Co -Chair Hatzenbeler called the meeting to order
2. ROLL CALL/INTRODUCTIONS
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
One item was added to the agenda under New Business:
Update of Tree Board roster to revise current status of members
4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
N/A — no audience members in attendance
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The May meeting minutes were approved after a few changes were given to Diane for correction.
6. OLD BUSINESS/ DISCUSSION
A) Gail Lovell, project leader for the `Edmonds in Bloom' garden tour on July 16, will be joined by
Frank, Jed and Vivian tomorrow for a tour of the five yards. Trees will be viewed in each yard
and 3-4 trees will be selected for signs to be displayed during the event. These signs will go to
Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board Meeting Notes
June 1, 2017
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each host in June. Gail will be out of town in July and will not be present for the event, but Doug
will attend the informal tour conducted on the day before the event (July 15). There are no
particular obligations for Tree Board members on the day of the event.
B) There was considerable discussion on the Edmonds UFMP, and the presentation by Ian Scott
and Keeley O'Connell during the May meeting. Diane spoke to Shane Hope regarding the
necessity to have a complete overview of what is required in our tree canopy. The plan ideally
should include private property. The plan for enforcement in the case of violations needs to be
addressed. There was disagreement as to whether the plan discussed was too general and not
specific enough or whether the plan can only be presented in the form of generalities at the
present time. Several people felt that their meeting with the Tree Board was part of their fact
finding process. Without question, it will be a very complicated process moving forward. The
community events will be aimed at the generation of ideas and solutions. The question was
raised as to when we can expect to hear more about their progress. At this point, there is no
hardfast schedule, it is, indeed, a work in progress.
C) Bill Phipps led a discussion on the UFMP and Tree Ordinances. Bill has spent a considerable
amount of time looking into surrounding towns and their tree ordinances. There are three
common threads among ones in Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Woodway and
Shoreline: (1) Tree removal is limited for existing homes; (2) If a tree is removed, a replacement
tree is required; and (3) There are limits on tree removal where new construction occurs. These
ordinances are critical with the tremendous growth pressures underway and more houses being
built. Bill was commended on a job well done.
D) An Arbor Day event for October was discussed. Barbara Chase talked to Rich Lindsay about
possible ideas and she will follow up with him. It was suggested that Rich be invited to attend
the July meeting. October 7, 14 or 21 are possible dates (although each date is unsuitable for at
least one Tree Board member). Geography should be part of the selection process in deciding
where to hold the event, so all areas of Edmonds eventually derive benefit from Tree Board
projects.
7. NEW BUSINESS
A) Diane and Doug gave a report on the Urban Forest Symposium they attended at the UW
Botanic Gardens. The main theme was good environmental stewardship, plus diversity in the
industry. Job equity and forest diversity in the urban setting were also highlighted. Free trees
can be offered for certain situations, and the Tree Board might be interested in this in the future.
Thanks to Diane and Doug for attending.
B) Partnering with the Mayor's Climate Protection Committee was discussed. The Tree Board has
met with them a few times. We may partner with them in writing an article on tree value for 'My
Edmonds News.' Most of their recent time has been devoted to Taming Bigfoot. Doug will
attend a meeting on the latter on June 10 at the Public Works Building.
C) Steve attended the Watershed Fun Fair on May 6 and commented that it was well done. The
Tree Board has had a table at this event in the past and it was mentioned as a possibility for
2018, depending on what else we choose to do next year. That particular weekend has many
conflicts, although probably only one member would need to attend the table.
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June 1, 2017
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D) Jeanie McConnell discussed the materials for the Green Resource Room. These include a
website that is currently being updated; plexiglass displays; brochures; many different aspects
are covered; low energy meters; water saver kits; rain barrels; information on rain gardens;
examples of low impact development. It was discussed whether the Tree Board should have a
presence, maybe a `right tree, right place'. It was suggested that some of Barbara's articles
could be on display.
E) The location of the Tree City USA plaque and the Tree Memorials at the Frances Anderson
Center were discussed. Both Rich Lindsay and Deb Johnson will be asked about these. There
was some clarification on the memorials and whether the Tree Board should be more involved.
This might be another activity to be considered for 2018.
F) There was a general discussion on views and trees. Which is more important — the great view
of Puget Sound or the value of the tree or trees that may block some or all of that view? It was
suggested that a Tree Manual/Handbook (similar to the dog behavior manual displayed at the
dog park) might be very worthwhile. Such a handbook could be displayed in numerous venues
and media outlets. Diane will email members the off leash area website for viewing.
G) The Tree Board roster is currently out of date. Shane and Denise will be contacted so it is
current.
8. TREE BOARD MEMBER IDEAS AND COMMENTS
1) Kudos were given to Jed and Bill for the wonderful tree tags that were on display. It was
suggested that this be done again in the future. It was very well received by the public.
2) There was brief discussion on the required frequent resetting of passwords for Tree Board
members to access their emails. We'll deal with it, although 2-3 months seems a bit on the
short side.
3) A question was asked about critical areas. Before development occurs, permits need to be
issued. Prior to this, a biologist does a survey on the parcel of land in question.
8. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Next Meetings: Thursday, July 6t" and Thursday, August 3'd, 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers.
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June 1, 2017
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