HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-2009 Tree Committee Meeting MinutesThe Tree Committee of the City of Fairhope met Wednesday, November 18,
2009 at 3:00 PM at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street.
Present: Bobby Green, Chairman; Members: Tom Ellis, Rick Kingrea, Skip
Jones, Jennifer Fidler, Public Works Director and Horticulturist; Jonathan
Smith, Planning and Zoning Commission; and new member Walt Bolton.
Pandora Heathcoe, Secretary. Absent: Maria Gwynn and Paul Fontenot.
Guests Present: Chris Francis, Francis Landscaping; Ed Skinner, and
Susan Davis.
The minutes of the September 9, 2009 meeting were duly approved as
presented. Tom Ellis moved to do this, Rick Kingrea 2nd the motion and it
carried unanimously
New Member-Walt Bolton from BES, Inc. introduced himself and gave a
description of his background and environmental expertise.
Committee Vacancies-Two new possible members were discussed;
Katherine Pate and Troy Strunk. Walt Bolton moved to do this, Skip Jones
2nd the motion and it carried unanimously
New Ordinance Language-Bobby Green gave a handout that he said he
plans to read to the City Council at the next City Council meeting in January.
The Ordinances were gone through one by one with several suggestions
and changes being discussed. It was discussed that these ordinances are
for commercial and multi-residential properties. Bobby Greene will make the
necessary changes and email each member copies for discussion at the
next December meeting. Rick Kingrea also suggested that the fines
amounts defined in the ordinance should be reviewed by City Attorney Tut
Wynne, approved by the City Council; and then reviewed by the State
Attorney General's Office. Jennifer Fidler moved to do this, Jonathan Smith
2nd the motion and it carried unanimously
Arbor Day -Jennifer Fidler reported that Arbor Day will be February 2th
the Faulkner College Campus. Some of the seedlings that will be given
away are: Hickory; Button Bush; Holly; Big Leaf Magnolia; Plums; and
Turkey Oaks. There will also be a program at Centennial Hall called "Simple
Steps You and I Can Do to Save Energy around Your Home."
Treasured Tree Program-Tom reported on the centennial tree program.
There has been one tree found, measured and recorded to date. Each tree
winner receives a medallion and a certificate.
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Knoll Park Report-Bobby gave a report on the Knoll Park project. There
has been 18 months of renovation with two controlled, scheduled burns
being done. The hope is to have another scheduled burn possibly in the
spring. Over 130 species have been found so far in the park and the plan to
have more trees planted this winter is underway. The Council should be
given an update sometime in January.
Under old business: The Regency -Publix site was discussed as to
whether they have done what required. Jennifer said she had a sketch and
amended their drawing and added that they have been notified that the trees
must be saved in the right away. It was discussed that "a request must go in
front of ALDOT because Highway 98 is a public highway," and usually a
developer would rather cut the trees and then pay the fine. As further
discussion has led to the suggestion of getting a current tree inventory,
Jennifer Fidler said she has begun taking one and that they understand we
have it so no further removal will be made on the property. Skip Jones
moved for this to be done. Tom Ellis 2 nd the motion and it carried
unanimously.
Susan Davis, owner of the Fairhope Newsstand was present again to have it
voted on her appeal for trimming back the tree behind her property. She
state that the limbs are in her "air space" and should be trimmed back. Chris
Francis suggested to her that further trimming would damage the tree and
eventually kill it. Her appeal of Jennifer Fidler's denial to cut the tree was
voted upon, and the committee voted to uphold Jennifer's decision. Walt
Bolton moved for this to be done. Tom Ellis 2nd the motion and it carried
unanimously.
Under new business: Earth Day-Jennifer Fidler stated that Montrose
Storage is currently being discussed because they pruned trees back and
did the pruning very badly. Neal's Tree Service performed the work and the
work was performed without a permit.
Jonathan Smith left at 4:00 PM
There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned.
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