HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-13-2017 Tree Committee Meeting MinutesTree Committee Meeting April 13, 2017 3p.m. Delchamps Room Members present: Jeff Davies, Craig Tappan, Harriet Gutknecht, David Dyson, Jo Hogan, Patrick Waldrop, Jay Robinson, City Councilmember and Paul Merchant. Gayle Fogarty took minutes. Absent: Paul Fontenot and Skip Jones Patrick Waldrop called the meeting to order at 3:07 p.m. The minutes from the meeting held on Thursday, April 13, 2017 were reviewed and approved, 1st motion by Harriett Gutknecht and 2nd by David Dyson and unanimously carried. Old Business: Paul Merchant updated the committee on the Live Oak Tree located near 200 South Section Street. He stated that he has not done any trimming to allow the tree to leaf out, as much as it could for the health of the tree. He added that in the next 10 working days, he will cut the asphalt out on the south side of the tree and put down paver material and fill with crushed granite, this will help with the drainage issue. Mulch will be added to the north side of the tree, additional discussion took place about the roots of the tree. Arbor Day Discussion: Paul Merchant suggested to the committee look at the tree list and determine which trees should be ordered for Arbor Day. The list was passed around, twelve trees were agreed upon, Paul stated that he will check on these trees and see what is available. He will report back to the group at the next meeting. Harriet Gutknecht said, Arbor Day was great, although Mayor Wilson was not able to attend. Harriett also suggested that John Parker be recognized at Arbor Day in 2018 for his efforts with the Hwy 98 Corridor. Patrick Waldrop asked for an update on the Public Works Director position. Jay Robinson stated that the position has been posted, and storm water experience is required. Old Business: Jeff Davies suggested to the committee that limiting the number of beautification awards given out maybe something to consider. He also suggested creating a form that would have qualifications that a potential award winner would need to meet, such as architectural and environmental requirements. Jeff stated that he will put together some wording to be reviewed by the committee at the next meeting. New Business: Patrick Waldrop stated that an Urban Forestry Grant was applied for by Jennifer Fidler, for the tree trail and beach trail guides. Paul Merchant stated that he will check on this and report back to the group. He also mentioned that there is a cell phone app that could be created for the tree trail. Patrick added that he thought it would be a good idea for Paul Merchant to be a member of the Alabama Urban Forestry Association on behalf of the City of Fairhope, the other committee members agreed. Jo Hogan inquired about how much it would cost to replace the signs on the campus of Alabama Coastal Community College, as they are looking worn. There being no other business, the committee adjourned at 4:05 p.m.