WINDY HILLS TREE BOARD MINUTES December 8, 2016

A meeting of the Windy Hills Tree Board was held on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 7:00 P.M at the home of Cheri Silvey-Slusher, 1307 Killiney Place, 40207.

Members present were: Cheri Silvey-Slusher, Jodi Smiley, Ward Wilson, Amy Carter, and Marcia Myers. Council Representative Kate Greer and Arborist Caroline Westfall were also present.

The minutes of the October 20, 2016 meeting were approved.

Financial Report:

Chair Cheri Silvey-Slusher reported that expenses have been well within budget for the year.

Total Expenses for 2016 through December 7, 2016:

Tree Board arborist account        $575

Resident Tree Program – $670.01

Tree Board General Fund – $1151.05

Total Expenses – $2396.06

City Council Report – Kate Greer reported that she and Adam Vogelsong have pruned some trees on Ambridge that were brought to the Board’s attention because of reduced visibility for motorists. The City will begin their maintenance project within the next month or so.

A question was raised about the process for dealing with ongoing tree hazards. The WHTB practice has been to send a letter to the resident calling the hazard to their attention and asking them to take action. By unanimous vote, the WHTB adopted as standard policy that our response to such issues will be to send the letter and, if there is no action within 90 days, the matter will be referred to the City of Windy Hills for enforcement.

Arborist Caroline Westfall submitted her inventory and assessment of Windy Hills trees in the right-of-way and prioritized the necessary work. The Board is eager to proceed and approved maintenance work on the trees (mostly Lacebark Elm) on the east side of the Rudy Lane curve at Sojourn. The project will be put out for bid. (A partnership of Metro Louisville and the City of Windy Hills will be working on the west side in that area where tree hazards have been identified.)

Chair’s Report – Cheri Silvey-Slusher reported that the Work Plan adopted at the October meeting was approved. She was not able to make an application for LGE Plants for the Planet grant funds this year because of the tight deadline window. Inquiry will be made about progress on the Tree City USA update.

The trees won by residents at the spring Arbor Day event have arrived and been distributed to the residents for planting.

Ward Wilson’s report of the project of Tree Board Clarification was postponed to the January meeting.

Membership for 2017 – The WHTB recognized the conclusion of Marcia Myers’ term. Ward Wilson, and Cheri Silvey-Slusher’s terms were extended through 2019 and 2017 respectively. Through an e-mail announcement, residents were invited to apply for the vacancy and a new member will be recommended for city approval. Kate Greer volunteered to serve as secretary in 2017.

The next meeting will be Thursday, January 12, 2017  at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Cheri Silvey-Slusher 1307 Killiney Place  40207.

If any member sees a discrepancy between the minutes and what occurred or sees a need for corrections or additions, e-mail Secretary Marcia Myers at marciaclarkmyers@gmail.com.  Your approval of these minutes is granted unless the secretary hears otherwise from you.

Windy Hills Tree Board

FY 2016-17 Work Plan

$ 600.00 Arbor Day, date to be determined, possibly Sunday, April 23,2017

(Easter April 16, 2017)

(JCPS Spring Break Sat. April 1 – Sun. April 9, 2017)

$ 400.00 Contract with LawnCo to water WHTB trees planted within last two years, if needed.

$ 5,500.00 Finish Bentwood Place entrance, Phase III.

Continue to evaluate and perhaps remove & replace right of way trees within Windy Hills.

Tree lottery to increase tree canopy on private property, if funds become available.

Continue Windy Hills Horticultural Advisory Group (WHHAG) Resident Tree Program and Maintenance as funds allow.

$ 1,500.00 Arborist Fee

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TOTAL BUDGET $ 8,000.00

Education:

Continue informative articles in the Windy Hills quarterly newsletter.

Develop other means as needed.

Educational component to Arbor Day.