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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-12-2017 Tree Committee Meeting MinutesTree Committee Meeting January 12, 2017 10:30 a.m. Delchamps Room Members present: Jeff Davies, Paul Fontenot, Harriet Gutknecht, David Dyson, Skip Jones, Jo Hogan, Patrick Waldrop, and Jennifer Fidler, ex-officio. Gayle Fogarty took minutes. Absent: Craig Tappan, Jay Robinson, City Councilmember Guests: John Parker and Judy Callaway Paul Fontenot called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. The minutes from the meeting held on Thursday, November 10, 2016 were reviewed and approved 1st motion by David Dyson and 2nd by Harriett Gutknecht and unanimously carried with noted amended changes: appointing Patrick Waldrop as vice chairman, updating Patrick to Paul's name, changing trees in Rock Creek to trees on Corridor Hwy 98. Harriett Gutknecht introduced guest John Parker of the Corridor 98 Project to the Tree Committee. He provided the group with the history of the Corridor 98 Project that began in 1987. The organizers of this group changed the 4-lane highway to a tree lined parkway. A successful fundraising effort began and $228,000 was raised, 780 Live Oaks and 3,200 Crape Myrtles were planted. This project included educating city officials, developers and building officials with their plans. The size and height of the signs that would be allowed on Hwy 98 were a topic of concern for the Corridor 98 Committee. This committee worked with the City of Daphne and the City of Fairhope, Fairhope did an excellent job of adopting the effort. Since, this is a state highway, the City of Fairhope and City of Daphne signed a maintenance contract with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), allowing the trees to be maintained by their respective City. Patrick Waldrop brought up the topic that if trees are in the City of Fairhope city limits, then ALDOT should not be able to cut down trees as needed, without a formal discussion/communication with the City. John Parker agreed, and restated that an agreement is in place, ALDOT and the County should be constantly reminded of this agreement. Paul Fontenot inquired about forming a Tree Commission, like the City of Mobile has in place, Patrick Waldrop stated that he wanted something more formal in place to protect the trees throughout the City, John Parker agreed and stated that protection of these trees are not in place. John added that he will send a copy of the agreement to Jennifer Fidler and Patrick Waldrop. Old Business -There was general discussion among the committee regarding the large Live Oak Tree located near 200 South Section Street, and what could be done to help save the tree. Skip Jones stated that he has not spoken to Fairhope Single Tax Corporation (FSTC) regarding financial assistance to save the Oak Tree, because he didn't have the information from Chris Francis yet. Guest: Judy Callaway -Judy Callaway attended the meeting to_ bring the Thompson Hall Road/Bay Meadows tree canopy to the Tree Committee's attention. There was general discussion among the group of how beautiful/historic the tree canopy is and the committee agreed that this is something that needs to be preserved. Jennifer Fidler added that she has informed developers that they are required to submit a tree removal form to her and are not authorized to remove any trees without her approval. Arbor Day -Harriett Gutknecht shared information about Arbor Day set for February 11, 2017, at Faulkner State Community College Campus at 10 a.m. Harriett reminded the committee members that the tree seedling bagging will take place on February 10, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Pecan Building. Paul Fontenot brought up when the Arbor Day Poster Contest Judging would be held. There was general discussion among the group, January 20 or January 21, 2017 at 9 a.m. was decided upon as potential dates. Jennifer Fidler informed the group that she would check with Paige Crawford, Special Events Coordinator of the City of Fairhope and would e-mail the committee members when a date is confirmed. Old Business -There was general discussion among the committee regarding the large Live Oak Tree located near 200 South Section Street, and what could be done to help save the tree. Skip Jones stated that he has not spoken to Fairhope Single Tax Corporation (FSTC) regarding financial assistance to save the Oak Tree, because he didn't have the information from Chris Francis yet. There being no other business, the committee adjourned at 11 :55 a.m.