2019-08-01 Tree Board Minutest EDMONDS CITIZENS' TREE BOARD `
APPROVED Meeting
110 Notes AUGUST 1, 2019
The Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board Meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Vivian Olson, Co -Chair
Bill Phipps, Co -Chair
Frank Caruso, Vice -Chair Gail Lovell
Barbara Chase Doug
Petersen Steve
Hatzenbeler
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Suzanne Juergensen
STAFF PRESENT
Rich Lindsay, Parks Manager
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
None
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Diane Buckshnis, City Council member
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vivian Olson called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM in Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex, in
Edmonds.
2. ROLL CALL/INTRODUCTIONS
Gail Lovell volunteered to do note taking.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES
Agenda approved with the addition of current 3rd Avenue Street Tree status in New Business.
4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
No one present.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
After a minor change regarding the Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour Tree Board coverage, the minutes
of the July 2019 meeting —held on June 27 2019 (in lieu of the typical first Thursday which would have
been on July 4)—were approved.
6. OLD BUSINESS /DISCUSSION
THIRD AVENUE N STREET TREE REPLACEMENT
A meeting was held this week concerning street tree replacement, attended by PUD, Diane Buckshnis,
City Council, Phil Williams, Public Works Director and Doug Petersen, Tree Board. There are financial
concerns about placement of new trees due to the need to widen sidewalks and change ADA ramps.
Adequate funds do not exist to cover costs for the replacement of Hornbeams on 3rd Ave N and also
replacement of trees on 220th. There is a city street tree plan being developed. Tree Board will seek to
be involved in this.
According to PUD, the most efficient way to prune the multi -trunk Hornbeams on the west side of 3rd Av
(where there are high voltage power lines) is with a buzz cut.
PUD has a seven year cycle plan for tree care in Edmonds, including monitoring wires and pruning as
needed in different sections of the city each year.
A discussion ensued regarding the possibility of grants for tree replacement and using potential street
trees in a demonstration garden to test them before planting on streets.
UFMP FINAL THOUGHTS
There was no decision in the UFMP to maintain or enhance tree canopy. A need was expressed for
Tree Board to be involved in the development of the city code regarding tree removal. We would like to
receive progress reports from Kernen Lien to ensure transparency and a workable code for the city.
Doug will write a letter to Kernen offering TB assistance and support.
RECAP OF GARDEN TOUR PARTICIPATION
The Garden Tour was a complete success, with over 800 guests touring gardens. We had identified 14
trees in 4 gardens with signs, and duplicated a list of identified trees for people to use as they toured the
gardens, and thereafter. Frank, Vivian and Gail had a TB table with runner and brochures, to confer with
guests on trees, pruning, etc.
It was moved, seconded and approved to reimburse Gail $23.00 for providing 150 copies of the tree
identification list.
PARTICIPATION IN CIVIC FIELD TREE PLAN; ART COMMISSION JOINT PROJECT WITH
PERMACULTURE DEMONSTRATION
A civic field tree master plan is in the process, which includes small trees. The landscape design will
include art installations. TB can be involved in the design as it proceeds, in the next 3 to 6 months.
UPDATE ON TREE BOARD TABLE AT FARMERS MARKET ON SEPT 7
Two trees have been purchased for our event: a Sourwood and a Golden Smoke tree. The market
doesn't allow tents unless they can be held down. Rich Lindsay will supply 4 sand bags for our tent.
Gail agreed to restock FAC and City Hall Green Room with Tree Board brochures. UPDATE
ON ARBOR DAY PLANS ON OCT 5
Planting will be held on Pioneer Way, south of the previous planting. Rich informed us that the area
will be cleared of Japanese knotweed and prepped. The earth is soft here. We'll plant 40 small plants,
including cedar, fir, cypress and coastal redwood. A staff of 3 will be present.
7. NEW BUSINESS
ID TREE TAGS
File data on each tree is in the process of being completed by Steve and Suzanne for Bill re ID tags.
TREE CITY USA CERTIFICATION
Doug has information re Tree City. Contract is up and running. Kyle Braun will be contacted re
specifics.
REPORT ON SNOHOMISH COUNTY HEALTHY FOREST INITIATIVE AND SW COUNTY PARK
Bill Phipps has been in communication with Snohomish County Parks and Rec, which covers 20 parks,
including our Southwest County Park. Chelsea Bishop is the Senior Park Ranger there. She reports
that about 40 dangerous trees have been removed (alders, etc) and will be replaced with 30 to 40
conifers. They will be providing seedlings, and will be happy to have TB volunteers assist with planting.
This is part of a county health and forest management program called Healthy Forest Initiative. It is led
by Lisa Dulude, Manager of Energy and Sustainability. Their goal is to plant a million trees by 2040.
As part of HFI, a private consulting firm, Forterra, has a contract with Snohomish County Parks and Rec to
do a forest assessment of the county parks.
WENACHEE TREE PRUNING SEMINAR
Doug will attend the seminar on Aug 15, and get information regarding TB sponsoring a seminar here.
8. IDEAS AND COMMENTS
Frank suggested that we have name tags to wear when we are in public representing TB. He will look into
this.
Rich reported that Debra Dill will be invited to our meetings as the current city arborist.
9. ADJOURNMENT 7:37 PM
Next meeting Thursday, Sept 5, 2019.