[0:00] Meeting of the tree board to order. We will start with a call of roll. [0:05] Um in the room we have Tim Melhorn, city forester. I can take care of that. [0:12] Chair. You got it then. I got it. Let's go. Cy. Thank you. Chair Pearson. [0:18] Uh no chairs or I'm sorry. Uh Commissioner Pearson, sorry. Here. Uh Commissioner Jacalto [0:24] here. Commissioner KD here. Commissioner Seagetter here. [0:30] Commissioner Bender here. Commissioner Sarella, Chair Canola [0:35] here. We have a quorum. [0:41] You can go ahead. Awesome. Uh then next up on the agenda is the pledge of allegiance. [0:50] Why don't you take it away? I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the [0:57] republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and [1:03] justice for all. [1:09] All right. Um, next up, everyone should have received the agenda prior to the [1:15] meeting. Um, does anyone have any amendments to make before seeking an [1:21] approval? A motion for approval? I move we accept as as presented. [1:29] Second. All in favor? I. All opposed. [1:34] Then we will run forward with this agenda that we've got in front of us. Thank you, Corey. Uh, and then the next [1:40] thing is the approval of the minutes from the March 18th meeting. Did everyone have a chance to go through [1:46] that? Then I would look for a motion to approve the minutes as they are written [1:51] from last meeting. Make a make a motion that we approve the [1:57] minutes of our last meeting as presented to us. I second that. [2:02] All in favor? I. All opposed. Motion carries. [2:09] All right. Next up is our open forum. [2:21] chair. Here's where you can ask anybody in the crowd if they would uh have any comments that um discuss with the tree [2:27] board or information that they would like to um provide to the tree board that's not on the agenda. [2:32] Fantastic. Well, we have an audience member with us. Is there anything you'd like to bring before the tree board? Oh, last night was so entertaining to come [2:38] again. Oh, man. What a great day. [2:43] Well, hearing nothing, I would move that we uh move on from this agenda item on [2:49] to uh our review of old business 7a. Just close the open forum. I'm going to close the open forum. [2:56] Okay. Chair, I can I can start with this. So, in the old business section, um we just wanted to provide a brief [3:02] update. Last uh uh commission meeting we had a pretty in-depth discussion about [3:08] Emerald Dashboard and the current um city code as written. Um we took the comments to the city council and uh [3:16] provide or receive some feedback and are actively working um with our legal team to to make some adjustments to that and [3:23] it's primarily focused around that deadline of timeline. So, um the process for notifying the [3:32] um property owner would stay the same where our forester would do an inspection on the property if they find [3:37] that they're um it meets any of the uh [3:42] aspects of what our code considers a disease tree. We would report that to the city council. If they concur with [3:48] that decision, they would be um notified that they do have to do removal. Uh uh [3:53] right now where we're going to move forward with is that will be extended to a 45day term. Um that's the that's the [4:00] tenative plan is we're going to propose to council. Um they would it would need to be adopted at that yet. So it's not [4:07] finalized but um in in that we're also going to provide our city forester Mr. [4:14] Mel Horn the uh flexibility to work with the property owner um in that if there [4:21] is a proof of intent to do the removal if that 45 days um lapses and that is [4:28] not um has not been removed there's another option for an extended 45 days again as long as there's proof or [4:34] intention that um that work would be uh tree would be abated at that point if [4:39] it's still not done then we would follow um the code as written for um you know [4:45] where the city would take over that removal and um again the city staff themselves will not do the removals. We [4:52] would work through a private contractor to do that and any associated fees and related would be assessed to a property [4:58] owner um for those. The council uh did uh we did discuss the terms of that. Uh [5:05] that interest rate would be at um the same base rate as our recent bond [5:10] rating. Um and uh they would have three years of an assessment to reimburse the [5:16] city through a special assessment role for those expenses. [5:21] Excellent. Thank you for the update. Yeah. One one additional thing that is not related to EAB is that um working [5:29] with our forester, Mr. Mel Horn, we've um we've received some inquiries from some residents related to [5:37] uh dead trees that don't meet what our current code consider a nuisance. Um in [5:43] chapter 7 of our city code, we can address that for commercial properties or rental properties. Uh there is a [5:49] definition of what's considered a um a dead tree and that is any deciduous or [5:56] coniferous vegetation containing foliage on less than 50% of the tree or shrub um [6:02] it's considered a dead tree and they at that point it would require them to do removal. the way the code is now. We [6:10] don't have that authority on a private residence and uh again we've received a [6:17] handful of complaints that are relevant about concerns. So we will be um adding [6:23] additional language proposed to the city council that would use the same language [6:29] that's in chapter 7 for a a dead tree. incorporate that into um what it you [6:35] know along with a disease tree as chapter 22 on trees describes and then [6:41] it would fall under the same terms and conditions for removal and abatement as what we're already talking about for [6:48] EAB. So really our hope with that is to um by making those minor adjustments, [6:53] transferring it uh similar language that's in the [7:00] uh property maintenance chapter 7 into this residential side. It'll give Mr. [7:06] Melhorn, our forester, the ability to uh help address those questions and concerns that and in inquiries that [7:12] other private residents have. Um it's just another tool to to be able to help us address those safety concerns. um [7:19] that one property owner might have about another. Awesome. Thank you. [7:24] Yes. So certainly open to any feedback on any of that. I mean, a couple different [7:30] things there, but that's that's uh that's the direction we're going. Again, nothing has been adopted by council yet. [7:35] Uh we will be looking at um right now we're shooting into August by the time um we'll get that finalized and get back [7:41] in front of council for approval. Beautiful. any um anyone have any comments, questions, [7:48] concerns? That sounds very reasonable to me. Thank you for the followup. Yeah. Yeah, I appreciate you guys' [7:55] feedback on that um previous one. So, if there's no other business in [8:00] there, I can move on to new business. Um we can give some um our forester and I [8:05] will kind of uh tag team this one a little bit. We've had uh as those that were in attendance um knew the we had an [8:13] obvious another successful uh 2025 tree giveaway event. Um we just got some [8:18] facts here. I'll I'll breeze through here. Um out of the 200 trees, 191 of [8:24] them were claimed um during the day of the event. Um the remaining ones were replanted in other places. Um we did [8:30] have a couple people that came um Monday asked if they could get a tree, but ultimately it was a success. Um 75% of [8:38] the trees we estimate were claimed by 9:45 a.m. So within the first 45 minutes, although the um we had steady [8:45] traffic continue until approximately 11:00 a.m. After 11:00 a.m., any resident who had not received a tree or [8:50] registered for one of those um could choose from any remaining available stock. It's hard to determine exactly [8:56] how many of those were because there was some people coming in for both, but point is that the majority of the trees [9:01] were um were taken. the uh there was some questions about how the online [9:07] registration and system worked well. The the Google form that we reverted back to here again in 2025 ultimately worked [9:13] very well um for city staff. There was significantly less calls for questions and you know [9:20] wanting to know if they were uh if the registration was fulfilled. And then we [9:25] also did two forms of follow-up. So the day after the registration followed up, hey, you're registered. And then again [9:31] um just before the event to remind people um of that that there was and and [9:37] arguably we did have a a a fair amount of people that later on decided to not take the tree, but in essence there was [9:43] others, you know, with the ending being able to allow people once we uh got through those that had reserves to come [9:49] and get I think that 191 out of 200 still a pretty good success. Um so certainly some discussion for uh you [9:56] know a future uh commission meeting and that of [10:03] is there interest in addressing those that might continually sign up never take a tree. Is is there any you know [10:09] concerns there? There's there's some opinions either way. Not something we're looking for action or feedback on right [10:14] now. Just something to be aware of on that. Um the master gardeners were [10:20] obviously present at the event um offering tree care tips and up to about 150 seedlings to anybody that wanted [10:26] one. We did host it at the North Fire Station worked really well um through the drive-in um drive out system and [10:33] then obviously with the separate event being the ecoair right adjacent to that at the school uh worked out to be a a [10:40] pretty good location for us. I'm not completely confident on what 2026 will [10:45] bring, but um certainly uh should we finalize plans and stuff like that that [10:50] are similar to 2025, it seems like a reasonable location to maintain their um [10:55] that location. So, um individuals seeking uh to pick up a tree came in [11:01] various vehicles and and uh anything from convertibles and and one person even came on a bicycle to claim their [11:07] tree. So, there was a lot of different a lot of different things there. So, um, that's really where where the event went [11:13] in 2025. If anybody has anything to add, I know some of you were there and any [11:19] feedback you wanted to provide or, um, you know, certainly we'll talk about future suggestions for 2026 here in a [11:25] moment. If I could mention the master gardener um, area that worked out really well to have the people come around to the side [11:31] and pull off and I don't think we ever had waiting lines. It was just seemed to move pretty well. Good. Um, yeah. And then we we did try to [11:38] recommend people to go over to the ecoair as well. I don't know how that you know the feedback on that event went [11:45] but um yeah went very well. Yeah. Very well. Positive. Excellent. Yes. [11:50] All right. Thank you. I thought it was good. Two thumbs up. Awesome. When I got I mean considering the the change of [11:55] venue and as and the um well the weather was good but I mean I I have we ever [12:03] given out 191 of the 200. I think that's by far the record. So, uh, uh, and, uh, [12:11] I think the followup before right before is is a great idea because, you know, [12:18] people get busy about things and so that's I think that really was effective. [12:24] Yeah. One thing, you know, to add to that is we did also hand out every person as they came to the, you know, [12:30] drove up to the registration table for the trees to claim their trees, they were given a packet that had various [12:36] information on the tree types of all different species that we were handing out, not so specific to them. Um, [12:42] planting in, you know, instructions, long-term tree care stuff, and we also had a map in there so they could see how [12:49] to get to the master gardeners. And then we also had a flyer for the ecoair in there. So, um, with hopes that people it [12:55] would be easier to see where people were and most people took it. So, hopefully it helped um get them to um the master [13:02] gardener table and to other places. So, um good good information. Thanks for the [13:08] feedback on that. As we look forward into 2026, um there was some consideration on using again some [13:14] different platforms for that registration, but we're we're uh at this point we're going to maintain through the through the same system that we had [13:21] last time. um this this last year with an online sign up and stuff. And really the the best [13:28] easiest part of that aspect of that is you don't have to create your own login um through there's some other platforms [13:34] that are available but every person that registers for a tree has to create their own essentially username and login and [13:41] not everybody wants to do that right and it causes a lot of confusion to different people that aren't familiar with that stuff you know for all [13:48] different age groups and things so we'll maintain um as I said there we're going to um you know there's some [13:54] consideration in um you know working [14:00] to help connect you know better connect how we know which tree they're getting through like color coding and stuff like [14:06] that. Nothing um more just to help streamline efficiencies and and confusion as people go into there. Um [14:15] considering the unclaimed trees um the a number of unclaimed trees, we don't know [14:21] that a weight list is really a value um for us. And because we didn't we didn't [14:27] track anything off the weight list at the time that we knew people once we got close to that time if they came up and [14:32] said, "Hey, I'm not registered. Can I still get a tree?" We just let them get a tree. We didn't check to see if there [14:37] was. So there it's just another form of tracking that we didn't utilize and it's it's extra work on that. So if it's not [14:44] unless we're checking it off and we're going to at that point, you know, go off a list from top down, but what does it [14:49] matter if somebody claimed a tree, they were outside that that window. Um and then also, you know, given the influx of [14:56] individuals that um chose time slots, um we're considering doing more defined [15:02] pickup during a window because remember, like I said a little bit earlier, the majority of people claim in the first 45 [15:08] minutes and although we had time section spread out over the whole time. Uh we're considering just stating if you if you [15:15] res reserved a tree or registered for one that this is the window it you know whether that is from 9 to 10 o'clock or [15:23] 9 to 10:15 and then after that feel free anybody can come and get it because [15:28] again it was a lot of um a lot it went well um I think that the staff and [15:36] feedback that we received that traffic moved well through it and that stuff but [15:43] just try to tighten that up and then broaden that opportunity for others that maybe missed the registration or [15:48] deadline to then come and claim a tree. So, um certainly something we're looking forward or considering um at 2026. [15:56] I have a question. Was there ever a backup traffic backup on Hadley very far? Uh there was I mean to I would say [16:03] probably I'm just going to make an estimation maybe 75 yards or so. We had [16:09] uh um with the use the width of that roadway, obviously people were on the shoulder able to utilize that so we [16:15] didn't impact other traffic flow. And then we had a city staff member that was working alongside them to ensure that [16:21] they were in line for a tree had they registered for a tree and if they didn't register for a tree and and with the the [16:28] ecoair going on and stuff, there was some confusion. Is that the entrance to the ecoair? You know, they didn't even they weren't even there to register with [16:34] a tree. So I think that helped a lot in in getting people up there. But with us consolidating the traffic to the one [16:40] side only access and you know with the roundabout it worked well. So if you came from you know the south or the east [16:47] and it's simple to go up to the roundabout turn around and come back and then just wait in line. But it it went [16:52] really good, you know, really swiftly. I we didn't hear any complaints. No complaints. Good. Yeah. Good question. [17:00] Um, so yeah. Any other um feedback on on that stuff? Um, for at least the the [17:07] tree board or the tree giveaway from anybody for 25 or 26? I think this is one of the easiest ones [17:13] I've ever done. I mean, things seem to be smooth and uh, [17:18] as Mike said, it's, you know, it's the first time we came close to giving away [17:24] every tree. That's Yeah. And you know, credit credit really um our our forester, Mr. Melhorn, did a [17:31] ton of work um him and the other forestry team, especially um in the first few days, you know, or the days [17:37] leading up to the event, prepping the trees and everything like that, getting everything in line. Um the public works [17:43] um admin, Kaitlina, and also our communication specialist, Sarah Cornell. They did the heavy lifting on the [17:49] registration stuff. So couldn't have done it without them um and their work to ch you know communicate with [17:54] residents and and stuff like that. So make sure we'll we'll share that information with them, but give give [18:00] that credit to them. They they really stood up so that you know people like me could just walk there and and show up [18:05] and pretend like we were, you know, helping. So yeah, the city staff made it [18:11] Yes. super easy. And I hope they know that it doesn't go unnoticed. Instrumental. [18:17] Yeah, we'll appreciate that and uh be certain to share that message with them. Thank you. [18:24] Yeah, 2025 was a great event. I thought it went super well. It was really fun. Yep. [18:30] Sounds good. If there's no other comments or questions on uh on tree b on [18:36] tree giveaway, we can um can move on. The the next item that we have just to [18:42] um briefly talk about here is the spring planting event. That was another event that we recently had. Weather wasn't the [18:50] uh warmest of the event, but I think it it turned out well. Um you know, throughout the um throughout the whole [18:57] thing, we they planted the teams planted seven white pines, four ironwood, one blue beach, three Ohio Buckeye, three [19:04] swamp white oaks, um three zestar apple, and two river birch. And then [19:09] additionally um for staff did plant additional yellow wood and hackberry in [19:14] the wooded lot um you know outside of the time of the the thing. But uh and [19:19] then all trees of the either the day or followed up after all stake chipped um [19:25] and fenced for protection. and um our forestry team will make sure that they um continue to um ensure the that those [19:34] trees that we planted remain successful and and are watered and stuff throughout the the growing season here. So, it's a [19:40] really good location to do that. Uh again, credit to the forestry team and Mr. Mel Horn did a lot of of removal in [19:47] that area last year of um correct how many trees do you estimate of ash that [19:53] you removed out of there? somewhere between 100 and 110. So, this was it's a really good event. I [19:59] know we received a lot of feedback. Um, at the time of the removal, there was a lot of concern from residents that were [20:05] driving by. What are you doing? You know, it's a w now it's wide open and um, you know, good thing as as our as [20:11] our city forester would, you know, calls it a reforestation. And that's, you know, it's nice to have the other community members be a part of that [20:18] stuff like that. So, in, you know, 5 10 years, we can see the fruits of that labor. [20:24] So again, good event. Um next year, um spring planting options, we're considering doing some work uh maybe not [20:32] related to specific for tree planting, but some maintenance and cleanup of some existing native landscape areas and [20:39] stuff like that. our our city forester and forestry team have a few different areas in mind that they're they're doing [20:45] some evaluation on um in that kind of thing, but uh got some areas that are overrun with some some different grasses [20:52] and stuff and it would be a good opportunity to use some some native plugs and other things to provide some [20:58] color into those grass areas and stuff like that. So, um nothing set in stone on that quite yet. It's just some things [21:04] that we're considering, but certainly happy to take any feedback from from the commission if there's uh there's ideas [21:11] or suggestions whether that's now or at our next meeting or any time like that. [21:17] Could I just make a comment about the dates? Um we didn't have a big representative uh representation from [21:24] the master gardeners this year because it falls on our big annual spring um plant sale. And so that's kind of a all [21:32] hands on deck and I don't know if um I know you know with Mother's Day may just [21:37] get so busy, but um that that was one of our gaps. I know from the master gardening standpoint is it's hard to get [21:44] the volunteers when they're all have have to be at the county fairgrounds. So that's just something to think about for [21:50] timing next year. I thought it went fine with the people we had and the staff were so helpful and you guys who were [21:56] there. Um, I don't know that it was a problem, but in the past we have had better attendance. So, just Yeah. And [22:04] that's a change. Our sale used to be on Sundays always for the master gardeners, and now they moved it to that Saturday. [22:10] So, I don't think it will go back to Sunday. Heads up. [22:16] Okay. Thank you for the feedback. Yeah, it was another excellent event and [22:21] another one where the city staff was fantastic. Did a great job getting everything set up, ready to go. made it [22:27] easy for the people who wanted to come help stick trees in the ground, just show up and do it. Yeah, thanks for that. Certainly, again, [22:34] uh credit to our forestry team and our parks team that help help set that stuff up. [22:40] Any uh have all of them survived? Are we seeing transplant shock yet on any of them? Yes, the Ohio Buckeye is struggling out [22:48] there. So, it also had been leafed out for three to three and a half weeks. So, I'm [22:55] hoping next year it might bounce back. I'm going to wait and see. But that was the only species. The rest of them are [23:02] all doing really well. Okay, [23:09] that's all I had. Anyone else have any comments or questions about this past spring planting or any suggestions for [23:16] next year? Okay, last uh last thing we've got under [23:24] new business is just the upcoming um Buckthornne removal event. A reminder of that that uh we will have another uh [23:30] commission meeting before then um be our our last one of the calendar year but it is part of of your adopted work plan. So [23:37] this is as a reminder the second Saturday in October which will be October 11th of 2025 from 9 to 11. It'll [23:44] be back here at Walton Park and it'll be an extension of continuation from where uh efforts um commenced last year um [23:52] just behind the Walton ball fields and stuff like that continuing to the north uh wrapping around to the east as far as [23:58] we can get. Um obviously uh searching for any volunteers or anybody interested [24:03] in helping through that event. Um they can come to the city's website um and contact myself or our forester Mr. [24:10] Melhorn be happy to uh provide any follow-up information or supportive information on that. But again, we'll [24:16] have another meeting um with this commission before that actual event. But just as a reminder that that that is our [24:22] next um organized event coming up that the uh the tree board represents [24:29] questions or feedback on that. I'm happy to take those. [24:37] I would just like to say that one is I think the most fun. You get to you get to do the most stuff as a volunteer [24:43] and arguably make the biggest difference visually. Yeah. It's it's ecologically it's a nightmare. [24:50] Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. Certainly. Okay. Chair, that's all I have under um [24:57] under new business. Fantastic. Before we move on to um the [25:03] other stuff on the agenda, uh item eight, other does anyone have any last minute [25:09] uh additions to any of the new business? [25:16] We're good to move on to the next agenda item then, Corey. Okay, I'll start with the the staff updates and I'll uh I'll pass this on to [25:23] to Mr. Mel Horn. just I want to um I want to emphasize that you know I see [25:29] the work that the forestry team does daytoday and I I think that I want to [25:36] recognize them for their work. They're a very small crew and they get we get calls constantly for stuff. Um, we get [25:44] inquiries through our Cclick Vix platform which we're happy to receive, but uh, they get pulled in a lot of [25:49] different directions in this community and are always willing to help out and stuff like that. So, as we talk about [25:54] these events, um, they've been very busy doing those and and I want to let our our forester, Mr. Mhorn, just kind of [26:00] give you an update on on the various different things that they have on their plate right now. um um obviously with [26:06] Summerfest coming up, they're really um all hands on deck with a lot of that stuff, but you know, there there's just [26:12] an incredible amount of different things that they're they're being pulled in a lot of different directions. Just want to make sure to point that out and maybe [26:18] you can go ahead and provide some background to the stuff that you guys got going. Yeah, the forestry staff has [26:24] been very busy uh probably the last five weeks or so with doing landscape bed [26:30] maintenance, cleanup, um mulching at all the parks um especially here at Walton [26:36] the last few weeks. Um and during time frames where I get a chance to go out, I [26:43] have a a lot of work orders that come onto my desk um regarding tree [26:48] inspections, both public and private. Um, and a lot of EAB code enforcement. [26:56] Um, yeah, and and then we, like Corey was saying, we kind of get pulled in [27:01] different directions. We'll, you know, get a work order on my desk regarding a path and with all the [27:08] new growth that already has come in now throughout the spring, the path needs a lot of clearance, pruning, and that'll [27:14] take us a few days. And, um, but yeah, we've been doing a lot of that. um [27:21] haven't focused in the last year as much as I'd like to on all of our landscape heads. So now we're kind of playing a [27:27] little bit of catch up with them, but we are getting them back into the a nice looking [27:33] um shape, I would say, I guess. And um yeah, we're trying to pay more attention [27:39] to those and get through that here in the next month or so and then move on. [27:46] One one additional thing aside of their work stuff, we're waiting for some feedback, but we did apply for a a grant [27:52] to help with some EAB removal and stuff. There was specific criteria um that we had to meet with that grant on on [27:59] different areas. It it couldn't just be anywhere in the city. Um but we're we're optimistic. Um Mr. Mr. Melhorn and our [28:07] team did a lot of work to to put a lot of stuff together on Fort, but that'll um significantly help uh addressing, you [28:13] know, our remaining EAB canopy that is in the community that whether it's, you [28:19] know, still surviving at this point or as we're deteriorating to to go with that. So, we're we're optimistically [28:25] awaiting some feedback on that. Hopefully, by the next uh um the next commission meeting, we'll be able to [28:30] bring some good news to that. That's all I have then. [28:37] Thank you, Corey. Would you have any questions about any of that? [28:42] I have compliments to the um the pruning that happened along Helmo down by [28:47] Tempth. Good job. They look good. Thank you. And the center median there was it. Yep. [28:53] Yeah. Thank you. I had heard that was had been mentioned in the past and I did notice them and yes, we were I [28:59] drove by them. I'm like, we just got to stop and do this quick here. Yeah. Yeah. They look they look very nice. So [29:05] good. Thank you. And as always to add into all of that, we get weather events that cause large [29:10] trees to come down in roadways which always so you guys always respond fast to that and we appreciate it. [29:16] Yes. Thank you. Of course. [29:23] Good. Uh time to move on to board member updates then. Okay. Well, I would open [29:29] it up to any of the board members. Anything you guys want to bring before the tree board? I've got something. [29:35] Yeah, go ahead, Mike. I took the um well, I I came up with um a list of [29:43] trees that we might be able to give away next year. And as a little background, [29:49] um I've been through Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, and now um emerald ashbor. and [29:59] these big trees in people's yards, it costs these people a lot of money to remove them. And a lot of these people [30:05] get hit hard. So, I'm I'm making a a suggestion that the trees we give away, [30:11] and this would be for quote unquote the next generation, that we don't uh uh give away trees that [30:19] get so big. So, if the something comes in, it won't cost so much to, you know, [30:25] to take them down. And kind of on that note, with the exception of the white pine, um, [30:34] all the trees that we gave away this year were all, you know, smaller trees, too. So, [30:40] um, I made up a little packet. If you want to take one and pass it down. [30:46] Mike came prepared with packets. Well, if I would have been better prepared, I would have had it on the [30:51] screen. Um, there's eight [30:57] trees that I've uh picked out, but I know we can only have four. I mean, I've [31:02] got my four ideal ones, but there there was maybe a suggestion from [31:08] the mayor that we do more in 2026 or a request that we do more [31:14] quantity. Quantity. Yeah, I mean we'll um we're working through the budget cycle now and that council's aware of [31:20] that and um you know if uh opportunity presents itself presents itself and [31:26] certainly that will be um receive some consideration. Cool. So maybe a chance to do more than [31:32] just four depending on what council approves. Well um the ones that I I uh that I did [31:39] have have got the uh the yellow or orange X on them. That's the ones I'm recommending. I can't [31:45] and if it works, I'll just read the uh descriptions for you and and the [31:50] audience and the the people online. Yeah, sure. Uh happy to do that and appreciate the the feedback that you're [31:56] providing. Just want to just remind the the commission and and those that are listening, you know, as an advisory body [32:04] looking for feedback like this. We weren't going to make any decisions tonight on ensuring that one spe tree [32:09] species or anything would be picked, but this is what you're here for and what we appreciate is that feedback that you're [32:14] you're providing. So, right. Because when it comes time to order, they might not even be available. So, Yep. Yeah. So, but happy for happy to [32:22] receive the feedback. So, please uh go ahead. Okay. Um the first one I I'm suggesting [32:27] is um Apollo Sugar Maple gets 25 feet tall, 10 ft wide. uh likes full sun. [32:36] It's narrow and and columnar dark green foliage in the summer. In the fall, it's [32:41] supposed to get a yellowish orange to red. It's a compact columnar se [32:47] selection of the sugar maple with symmetrical growth and dense branching. Ideal for limited spaces. Dark green [32:55] foliage in the summer turns intense arrays, let me correct it, should turn intense [33:01] arrays of brilliant orange, red, and golden yellow hues. Um, I'll never [33:07] guarantee fall color. I've learned from my mistakes. U, the next one is inferno sugar maple. [33:14] Height is 30 to 40 feet. Um, 20 to 25 feet wide. Likes full sun. um upright in [33:23] oval, dark green in the summer. Um supposed to be orange, red, and yellow [33:28] in the fall. It's um a cold hearty selection with a fiery orange fall [33:34] color. This maple prefers rich, rich, well- drained soil and a sheltered [33:39] location with an overall ascending habit. This tree is relatively low [33:44] maintenance. Emphasis on relatively. What's that? emphasis on relatively. [33:52] Um the next one is um Fire King Musa wood which is a beach [33:58] a family of beach um gets 25 to 30 feet high 20 ft wide [34:05] um likes full sun and some shade green foliage in the summer. Supposed to be [34:12] reddish orange in the fall. An excellent choice for areas with restricted space and sunlight. a fast grower. Um consist [34:20] consistent orange red uh fall color in full sun adapted to a range of soils [34:27] best grown with a ring of mulch around the tree roots. Um [34:34] then um it's the Minnesota strain of red bud uh 20 to 30 feet tall uh 20 to 25 ft [34:42] wide vshaped dark green in the in the summer uh foliage is um bright yellow [34:49] but in the springtime uh around April is when it blooms it's nice pink blossoms. [34:56] uh a V-shaped tree with eye-catching purplish pink flowers blooming in spring [35:01] before the light green heart-shaped foliage appears. It is a spectacular fall color, a hearty a cold [35:10] hearty selection grown from seed collected in Minnesota. [35:16] And then it's amir choke cherry um 20 to 30 feet tall, 25 to 30 feet [35:23] wide. uh likes full sun. It's rounded in shape. Got white flowers and small black [35:30] fruit. Um I've never seen it fruit very much. So I [35:36] would take that with a grain of salt. Beautiful golden brown to reddish bark [35:42] that has glistening metallic look that peels with age. This small tree with an [35:48] upright rounded form produces white flowers and small black flute fruit. [35:53] It's a good wildlife plant. Th this bark or the the trunk um exfoliates like the [36:01] river birch does and it looks really pretty. Beautiful tree. [36:07] Um then it's chinkapin oak. It's 40 to 60 feet tall. Uh 50 to 70 feet wide. Uh [36:16] likes full sun. open and rounded dark green with a whitish undercast. Uh fall [36:24] foliage is yellow to orange. It's a medium-sized oak that has open [36:30] rounded crown, an interesting sharp tooth tooth foliage is a is a dark green [36:37] above and a whitish cast on the underside. Striking yellow orange fall foliage adaptable to many soils. [36:48] And then it's um Prairie's Stature Oak, which is 30 to 40 feet tall, 25 to 30 [36:56] feet wide, likes full sun. It's a pyramidal shape. Emerald green uh [37:02] foliage in the summer, reddish purple in the fall. An outstanding tree in a [37:07] landscape featuring emerald green semi- glossy leathery foliage with reddish [37:14] coloration in autumn. dense pyramidal full form that is ideal for boulevards [37:20] and parks. And the last one is um contender peach. [37:29] Uh 12 to 15t high uh 15 to 18 feet wide. [37:35] Likes full sun. Um the nice thing about this it is [37:41] self-pollinating. You do not need two plants. that's got fruit on it. It's a [37:46] freestone. Um, it's a freestone peach that has bright yellow flesh, cold hardly and [37:53] tolerant to spring frost. Sweet, extra juicy fruit. Is an absolute delight for [37:58] fresh eating, canning, baking, and freezing. Self fruitful contender ripens [38:04] mid to late August. [38:13] Thank you, Mike. I appreciate that input. Some very cool selections. [38:19] Can I make a suggestion? And I'd like to know what you think. Um but pagoda dogwood. Um how would you rate that? I [38:27] think believe it's a native and um it's a small tree. Yeah, it's it's I would call it more of [38:34] a dwarf tree than a small tree. Okay. Uh I think the biggest one I've ever [38:39] seen is only 12 feet tall. So Oh, I had one probably 20 feet and like Elmo. Okay. [38:45] Um yeah, I just like the structure of it and it's, you know, beautiful spring flowering tree. Um and native [38:52] to Minnesota, I had a prairie there and I burned and I had like 25 those beautiful dogwoods come in to into [38:59] the burn area. Was a beautiful tree, but then of course the deer got most of them. But [39:06] whatever. I just was wondering what you think of that that tree. Too small. [39:12] Well, to me um in a designed fashion, [39:19] they've got a certain place for them. Um to me, a a pagota dogs was woods just [39:27] don't fit everywhere. Okay. You know, they they're not so universal, right? Yeah. I like the structure, the habitat, [39:33] you know, the little lateral structure of that tree. Um, but okay, I just wanted to throw [39:39] that out there. I've always wanted to have that on our list of giveaways, but I like all these choices. And the [39:44] contender peach, isn't that not the peach that people go to out there at Eberly Park to pick up and fight over? [39:52] Can't be giving that away. Oh, sorry. I'm just like, is that the tree that we should have more of? But if [39:58] we had emails, okay, if we had more of those trees, then people wouldn't have to fight over it, right? Getting the the peaches off [40:05] of there. So, I I think intended peach would be an awesome choice. Yeah. If if we can get it, I think it [40:11] and Yeah. Okay. I won't say anything more about it. That was one of my rationale was was to get this on the table early enough so we [40:19] can get the order in soon enough. So, maybe we can get some of these. Exc I [40:25] think they're excellent choices. I've I've heard many of them out at the U as recommend recommendations. Jinkaping [40:31] pin Oak. Um yeah, a bunch of these. So, thanks. [40:39] Exciting. Can't wait till next year. Get a cool tree. Thank you. [40:46] Thank you, Mike. Any other um board members have any updates for [40:51] the three board? I have an update, but I did have a [40:57] question. Uh, I played Oak Marsh Golf Course this morning and of course it's a city-owned [41:04] course but I think it's managed privately and a lot of dead trees and I [41:10] was wondering is is uh there a uh and there looks like there has been some removal and replacement and is there a [41:17] plan in place that is it by the city or is it by the management there that is is [41:23] uh taking care of that? Yeah, good good question commissioner Jacalto. Um so the administrator and I [41:29] are actively working um with them trying to connect uh set up a time that we can [41:35] uh communicate with actually meet in person with the the people that are operating that course. The there's some [41:42] contractual agreements that outline who's responsible for what those different aspects of of maintenance and [41:48] repair are at that entire uh facility. And so we're uh the intent is to just [41:53] clarify that so that we make sure. But you you are correct. they um they had a tremendous effort this last winter. Um [42:00] obviously a little bit more attractive for them to be on a golf course with heavy equipment doing stream removal during that time. So um you know in [42:07] their defense it's recognizable that they're making an effort but it's pretty sizable um this the amount to come on [42:13] there. So, uh, not not ready to comment on any, you know, final action or agreements or anything like that, but I [42:19] can stay, uh, you know, let the commission know that the city administrator and I are actively working [42:25] to, um, connect with them, uh, while we haven't yet. um we had one and scheduling just caused it to be changed [42:32] and um we haven't met the second second appointment yet but we are aware and uh actively trying to work with them as [42:39] community partners to how can we you know resolve the issue. Yeah. The only reason I'm bringing up [42:46] too is it is a amenity as far as with trees and such on golf courses and [42:51] people come to you know courses that are good-looking and they are an income [42:58] generator. Sure. And so, uh, it's a it's a very it's very, uh, noticeable there of [43:05] what's going it's going on. And, uh, anything I think that would, I don't [43:11] know, I guess move things along to to, um, you know, get it the course improved [43:17] with replacement of some of these and some of those are are fairly large that have died back. U, so I'm glad to hear [43:25] that, you know, things are are progressing with that. Yeah, we're working we're working alongside them to [43:30] try to help uh come up with a solution that's good for both both them and you [43:36] know us as far as our city code and those responsibilities that are outlined in the contract for that facility. [43:42] Thank you. [43:49] Last chance for board member updates before we move on. [43:55] Okay, we're ready to move on to council leazison update. [44:04] Hello, commissioners. Uh Carrie Moore, your city council leaison. I want to apologize for being late. I tried so [44:10] hard to get here by 5:00. Um but I wanted to let you know um thank you for [44:15] the comments, Commissioner Bender, about big trees and giving them away. Um, some of you may know I'm working with a [44:21] resident right now to try to find a solution for tree removal at his house and they are three very large trees. So, [44:28] um, I have dove, I think, head first into treeboard um, business which, uh, was unexpected but exciting to work with [44:35] a resident to try to find solutions. Um, the council is, as Corey said, working [44:41] on budget issues right now. Yes, there is interest if we can in increasing the [44:46] number of trees given away. We recognized the incredible popularity of the tree giveaway. Um, thank you to all [44:53] of you for your work on that event. It was absolutely incredible. It was so much fun to be out there and to work with you guys. Um, I did get a tree from [45:01] the master gardeners that day and it is a white pine. Its name is basil and I [45:07] have not had time to put it in the ground. So, it is in a little pot until it gets planted and it looks like it's [45:14] thriving, but since I'm not an expert on the issue, I um don't know that I can say that it is necessarily. But basil [45:21] looks great. You guys, thank you so much for all of your work. Um we really appreciate it. As the budget moves on, [45:26] we will certainly keep you um informed of what we have going on um with with [45:32] the things that we do for you. So, thank you so much. Do you have any questions for me? [45:39] Oh, wonderful. Thank you. Don't worry about being late. You weren't the only one. What's that? Don't worry about being late. You [45:44] weren't the only one. I wasn't the only one. Okay, wonderful relief. And if Basil's green, it's probably [45:50] still okay. Basil is green. It has little like looking like he's growing on the top. Charismatic. You would know if he wasn't [45:56] happy. Yeah, I would know. Oh, no. Then he's happy. He's doing great. Thank you guys so much. [46:06] Everything move to ajourn. Second. [46:12] All in favor? I. All opposed. And we will adjourn the [46:17] June 17, 2025 treaty board meeting. Thank you everybody. Thanks every