HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-25-2013 Tree Committee Meeting MinutesThe Tree Committee of the City of Fairhope met Tuesday, March 25, 2013 at 3 p.m. at the Delchamps Room, 161 South Section Street in Fairhope. Present: Jennifer Fidler, Paul Fontenot, Maria Gwynn, Patrick Waldrop, and Harriett Gutknecht. Absent: Jo Anne Hogan, Walt Bolton, Kent Schwartz and Skip Jones, Guest: Steve Moore Paul Fontenot called the meeting to order. The minutes from the meeting on Thursday, January 24, 2013 were reviewed and approved 1st motion by Harriett Gutknecht and 2nd by Maria Gwynn and unanimously carried. New Business-Steve Moore, Fairhope resident attended the meeting. He is concerned about the water that is getting stuck in his drainage ditch and becoming stagnant. He feels that if the water drainage can be redirected then the problem would be resolved. Mr. Moore wanted to address the Tree Committee to make them aware of the situation and get their thoughts on the issue and see what could be done. There was general discussion among the group regarding this issue. The Tree Committee made a motion to look at all the different ways to protect the tree and avoid cutting it down to resolve the problem, 1st motion by Maria Gwynn and 2nd by Harriett Gutknecht and unanimously carried. Patrick Waldrop updated the group on the Treasured Tree program. He suggested adding specific Treasured Trees to the State Champion point value to maintain the objective of the current Alabama State Champion. ArborDay-Harriett Gutknecht gave an update on Arbor Day that was held on February 23, 2013. She thanked Jennifer Fidler and all those that attended Arbor Day for their efforts. Harriett added that the leftover trees would be given away on Earth Day set for April 27, 2013. Old Business -Harriett Gutknecht stated that the committee no longer has any guides to "Native Planting" & "Beach Trail" guides available for the public. The estimated cost of printing would range from $4,500-$6,000. The committee requested that Gayle Fogarty invite John Parker to the next Tree Committee meeting to provide an update on the trees on the Hwy 98 Corridor. The next Tree Committee meeting will be July 11, 2013 in the Delchamps Room. There being no further business, the meeting was duly adjourned at 4 p.m.