HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-10-2016 Tree Committee Meeting MinutesTree Committee Meeting November 10, 2016 3p.m. Delchamps Room Members present: Jeff Davies, Paul Fontenot, Harriet Gutknecht, David Dyson, Skip Jones, Jo Hogan, Patrick Waldrop, Skip Jones, Craig Tappan, Jay Robinson: City Council member and Jennifer Fidler, ex-officio. Gayle Fogarty took minutes. Paul Fontenot called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m. The minutes from the meeting held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 were reviewed and approved 1st motion by Harriett Gutknecht and 2nd by Patrick Waldrop and unanimously carried. Patrick Waldrop introduced the new members to the committee members: Craig Tappan and Jay Robinson: City Councilmember Reappointment of Tree Committee Chair and Co-Chair-A motion was made to reappoint Paul Fontenot as the Tree Committee Chair for another 3 year term, 1st by Patrick Waldrop and 2nd by David Dyson, none opposed. A motion was made to reappoint Patrick Waldrop as Vice-Chairman to the Tree Committee for another 3 year term, 1st by Harriet Gutknecht and 2nd by Craig Tappan, none opposed. Arbor Day-There was general discussion among the members regarding Arbor Day for 2017. Jennifer Fidler provided general information about Arbor Day for the new members. Harriett Gutknecht shared information about the seedlings, Treasured Trees Program (see attached) and stated that she and Jo Hogan will work on the Blessing of Trees portion of the program. Patrick Fontenot stated that Jo Hogan took photos of the 2016 Beautification Award winners prior to Arbor Day and Sherry Sullivan of the City of Fairhope enlarged them to have on display at the event. Paul F. also suggested having a local author read a tree poem at the event. Skip Jones added that a Canadian author will be in the Writer's Cottage during Arbor Day, Skip will work on securing this author to read a poem and will report back to the committee at the next meeting. Paul Fontenot inquired about the maintenance of trees on Corridor 98, Skip Jones stated that items are invading around trees, Jennifer Fidler informed the group that clearing of this is not a problem. There was lengthy discussion about the large Live Oak Tree located near 200 South Section Street. Jennifer Fidler stated that she has a report on the tree. Paul Fontenot shared his thoughts with the committee about the tree and feels this is a safety concern. Patrick Waldrop informed the members that the tree is estimated to be 75 years old. A motion was made requesting Tree Committee Member Skip Jones talk to Fairhope Single Tax Corporation (FSTC) regarding financial assistance to save the Oak Tree located near 200 South Section Street (by the Redeemer Lutheran Church), 1st by Patrick Waldrop and 2nd by Harriet Gutknecht, none opposed. There was discussion of setting future Tree Committee meeting dates, the committee agreed on the following dates, the meetings will be held in the Delchamps Room in the Civic Center.
•January 12, 2017, 9 a.m. (Tour Fairhope for potential Beautification Award Winners)•January 12, 2017, 10:30 a.m.•April 13, 2017, 3 p.m.•July 13, 2017, 3 p.m.•October 19, 2017, 3 p.m.Harriett Gutknecht inquired about ordering more of the Fairhope Parks and Trails brochures. There was general discussion of the brochures among the committee members. Jennifer Fidler stated that the information is on the City of Fairhope website. Patrick Waldrop informed the committee members about a Live Oak located on the Eastside behind the library. He is concerned about the Oak. There being no other business, the committee adjourned at 4:30 p.m.