Tree Board Minutes December 2016
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
___________
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.
- Published in TreeBoard 2016
Tree Board Minutes October 2016
WINDY HILLS TREE BOARD MINUTES October 20, 2016
A meeting of the Windy Hills Tree Board was held on Thursday, October 20, 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, and Marcia Myers. Council Representative Kate Greer and Arborist Caroline Westfall were also present.
The minutes of the August 4, 2016 meeting were approved.
Financial Report:No new financial information was available.
City Council Report –Kate Greer reported that she has pruned some trees that were brought to the Board’s attention.
The City of Windy Hills and Metro Louisville and working together to clear out wooded area on Rudy Lane.
Arborist Caroline Westfall submitted her inventory and assessment of Windy Hills trees in the right-of-way. The Board will review and prioritize. The Board is eager to proceed with identified care and removal issues as budget permits.
Chair’s Report –Cheri Silvey-Slusher reported that she is working on making an application for LGE Plants for the Planet grant funds. The deadline this year is December 1st.
The trees won by residents at the spring Arbor Day event have been ordered and will be distributed to the residents for planting as soon as they arrive.
Possible dates for Arbor Day celebration were discussed. Best spring date near national Arbor Day is Sunday, April 23, 2016. Since tree planting is best delayed until fall, traditional Arbor Day tree lottery could be offered at a fall event instead. Decision tabled for future meeting.
Chair will send a letter to encourage resident to take action about tree issue brought to the attention of the Board.
A 2016-2017 Work Plan and budget for the Tree Board was developed and will be submitted to the City of Windy Hills Council for approval (see proposed Work Plan attached).
The Board has identified that it has focused its mission on planting new trees and for 2017 will focus on the two-fold mission of:
$1· replenishing our tree canopy through the Resident Tree Program and Arbor Day give away
$1· care and maintenance of existing trees through education and action.
Ward Wilson’s report of the project of Tree Board Clarification was postponed to the December meeting.
Membership for 2017 – Marcia Myers, Ward Wilson, and Cheri Silvey-Slusher are in the class of 2016. As Chair Silvey-Slusher is willing to stay on for a one year term, and Ward Wilson is open to serving in a three year term, there will be one vacancy for a three year term beginning in January 2016. Residents will be invited to apply. A new board secretary will be needed in January.
The next meeting will be Thursday, December 8, 2016 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 twoyears, if needed.
$ 5,500.00 Finish Bentwood Place entrance, Phase III.
Continue to evaluate and perhaps remove & replace right of waytrees within Windy Hills.
Tree lottery to increase tree canopy on private property, if fundsbecome available.
Continue Windy Hills Horticultural Advisory Group (WHHAG) Resident Tree Program and Maintenance as funds allow.
$ 1,500.00 Arborist Fee
___________
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.
- Published in TreeBoard 2016
Tree Board Minutes August 2016
WINDY HILLS TREE BOARD MINUTES AUGUST 4, 2016
A meeting of the Windy Hills Tree Board was held on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 7:00 P.M at the home of Cheri Silvey-Slusher, 1307 Killiney Place, 40207
Members present were: Cheri Silvey-Slusher, Shaun Danahy, Jodi Smiley, and Marcia Myers. Council Representative Kate Greer and Mayor Jim Ising were also present.
The minutes of the June 2, 2016 meeting were approved.
Financial Report: A financial transaction report was received from the City Office was distributed.
Account balances as of June 30, 2016 are:
Tree Board arborist account $1087.50
Resident Tree Program – $1489.94
Tree Board General Fund – $6929.64
Total Balance – $9507.08
Mayor’s Report –Mayor Jim Ising thanked the board for its work and discussed issues of tree maintenance throughout the city including areas maintained by the city. He reported that efforts are proceeding for the city to care for the trees on Ambridge, attending to the needs while being careful stewards of taxpayer funding. The Tree Board hopes that after arborist Caroline Westfall’s tree survey is complete, other related needs (such as landscaped islands) throughout the city could be added for a comprehensive snapshot of the tree and landscaping needs of our city for health, safety, and beautification. This will enable the Tree Board, the City Council, and residents to work together strategically and would be helpful in applications for grants that may be available.
A report was received from arborist Mike Hayman about his work on plantings at Foeburn and Westport.
City Council Report –Kate Greer reported that the community event which was rained out on July 4th will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2016. A document shredding opportunity will be included.
In the absence of Caroline Westfall, there was no Arborist Report.
In the absence of Ward Wilson, the project of Tree Board Clarification was postponed.
Chair’s Report –Cheri Silvey-Slusher reported that there are no additional funds available to the Tree Board at this time.
The next meeting will be Thursday, October 6, 2016 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.
- Published in TreeBoard 2016
Tree Board Minutes June 2016
WINDY HILLS TREE BOARD
A meeting of the Windy Hills Tree Board was held on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. at the home of Cheri Silvey-Slusher 1307 Killiney Place 40207.
Members present were: Chair, Cheri Silvey-Slusher, Marcia Myers, Cathy Thompson, and Amy Carter. Also present was City Council Representative Kate Greer.
Minutes: Minutes from March 3, 2016 were approved.
Financial Report: A financial report from the City Office was distributed.
Balance as of 6-2-2016
Tree Board Arborist $1087.50
Resident Tree Program $1389.94
Tree Board $6554.64
Total $9032.08
Chair Report: – Cheri Silvey-Slusher
Additional funds may be available from the City of Windy Hills that could go to the board’s unfunded goal of care and maintenance of existing trees along with continued planting of canopy trees in targeted areas needing trees. Chair will meet with Council working group to present the proposal.
If additional funding is made available by the city, the 2016 Work Plan will be amended to provide for tree care and maintenance identified by the arborist’s inventory and the planting of 30 more trees in areas of the city to be identified.
In light of tree issues being identified in our city inventory and the Tree Board’s mandate under city ordinance 12-04, a letter has been drafted to notify residents of tree concerns on their property which need attention.
Arborist Report was submitted in writing by Arborist Caroline Westfall. This included her inventory of trees on Ambridge Drive and recommendations for their care or replacement.
Arbor Day Report – Cathy Thompson served as chair for the event. Over 50 residents participated. Tree recipients were notified and trees will be distributed at planting time. Arborist Caroline Westfall’s pruning demonstration was well received. Remaining beverages will be donated to the city 4th of July celebration.
The next meeting will be Thursday, August 4 , 2016 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.
- Published in TreeBoard 2016
Tree Board Minutes March 2016
WINDY HILLS TREE BOARD
A meeting of the Windy Hills Tree Board was held on Thursday, March 3, 2016, at 7:00 P.M. at the home of Cheri Silvey-Slusher 1307 Killiney Place 40207.
Members present were: Chair, Cheri Silvey-Slusher, Marcia Myers, Cathy Thompson, and Ward Wilson. Also present were City Council Representative Kate Greer, and Certified Arborist Caroline Westfall. Shaun Danahy and Amy Carter were absent.
Minutes: Minutes from January 14, 2016 were approved.
Financial Report: Since Shaun Danahy was not present, there was no financial report.
Chair Report: – Cheri Silvey-Slusher
Our Tree City USA application was again approved. The organization would like to present materials in person at our Arbor Day celebration
The board decided to decline seedlings offered by the Kentucky Division of Forestry and instead continue our practice of raffling 10 more mature balled-root trees at our Arbor Day celebration.
Windy Hills was also notified that we did not receive the LG&E Plant for the Planet Grant.
City of Windy Hills Report: – Kate Greer
It has been noted that Ordinance12-04 requires that the Windy Hills Tree Board meet monthly. In order to be better stewards of time and resources, since such frequency is not necessary to accomplish the mission, the City Council will be asked to consider amended wording that the board “will meet at least once each year and as needed”.
The board considered a letter of concern from a resident concerning possibly hazardous trees on Rudy Lane. Arborist Caroline Westfall will evaluate the trees of concern and, if they are hazardous trees of public concern, a referral will be made to the city ordinance enforcer who will communicate with the resident citing sections 5a, d and 6a of ordinance 12-04, encouraging her in the appropriate maintenance or removal.
Arborist Report: – Caroline Westfall
Work on street review and condition report of Windy Hills trees
Arbor Day support
Providing comparative material from other cities related to tree ordinances and programs
Arbor Day will be celebrated on The Windy Hills Green on Sunday, April 17th beginning at 3 pm. The program will include the planting of a tree by our Arborist Caroline Westfall as an educational opportunity. Arborist Mike Hayman will also be involved in the activities. Caroline will get relevant materials from the extension service for distribution.
Cathy Thompson will chair the event. She will get refreshments and rent a speaker system and provide seed packets, signs, etc.
The board approved a revised Resident Tree Program: – TheFrank Otte Nursery on Bardstown Road and Wallitsch Garden Center on Hikes Lane have agreed to give Windy Hills residents a 20% discount as we currently receive from The Plant Kingdom for the Resident Tree Program. Residents now can select up to 2 canopy trees from any of the 3 approved vendors and receive the discount. They will be asked to sign an agreement to care for the tree and the nursery must plant the tree. Once the agreement and paid invoice are submitted to the city, the homeowner will receive a $100 rebate check per tree purchased. Copies of the invoices will be sent to the board and the trees added to the Master Tree List at that time.
Ward Wilson is gathering and reviewing city tree ordinances and will provide a comparative chart to assist the board in its effort to clarify the scope of our mission and delineate tree-related responsibilities of the City and those of the WHTB.
The next meeting will be Thursday, June 2nd , 2016 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.
- Published in TreeBoard 2016
Tree Board Minutes January 2016
WINDY HILLS TREE BOARD
A meeting of the Windy Hills Tree Board was held on Thursday, January 14, 2016, 7:00 P.M. at the home of Cheri Silvey-Slusher 1307 Killiney Place 40207.
Members present were: Cheri Silvey-Slusher, Chair, Shaun Danahy Marcia Myers, Jodi Smiley, and Ward Wilson. Also present were City Council Representative Kate Greer, Certified Arborist Caroline Westfall, and City of Windy Hills Mayor Jim Ising.
Mayor Jim Ising was introduced and shared words of appreciation for the work of the board.
Minutes: Minutes from December 3, 2015 were approved.
Financial Report: Balances as of December 31, 2015
Tree Board Account – $4876.07 Arborist Account – $912.50
Shaun Danahy will review the format of the financial report and change as needed for clarity.
City of Windy Hills Report: – Kate Greer
The Council will recognize the work of Arborist Mike Hayman with a plaque when the Wireless Zelkovas are planted on The Windy Hills Green. Arrangements are being made for the remaining tree lottery tree to be planted at CoachGate.
Arborist Report: – New Arborist Caroline Westfall proposed that she begin her work with a complete street review and condition report of Windy Hills trees that would be associated with the Master Tree List and serve as a baseline. The report would include location, size, species, condition, and recommendations. The board embraced this proposal and encouraged her to proceed.
After discussion, the board determined that there is a need to clarify the responsibilities of the Tree Board with the City Council. This may include revisions to City Ordinance 12.04. Ward Wilson agreed to head the effort to gather information and develop recommendations. Caroline Westfall will provide samples from other cities. The current Work Plan and Resident Tree Program forms will be reviewed for consistency.
New Business:
All members present completed required annual disclosure forms.
Kate Greer announced that the next Windy Hills Newsletter deadline is February 26, 2016.
Master Tree List – Marcia Myers has the Master Tree list as of the end of 2015 and will update it as new trees are planted. The paperwork process with the Resident Tree Program will be simplified.
Other Tree Vendors – In response to a resident’s concern that only one vendor is being used for the Resident Tree Program, the board decided to explore a change in the program which would allow residents to purchase trees from a list of approved vendors and be reimbursed the allowed amount upon submission of documentation. Kate Greer will talk with Frank Otte and Wallitsch Nurseries to see if they would be willing to give us the same discount we currently receive from The Plant Kingdom for the Resident Tree Program. Once information has been gathered, the board will consider approving the change and publicizing it.
Arbor Day will be celebrated on The Windy Hills Green on Sunday, April 17th. The program will include the planting of a tree by our Arborist Caroline Westfall as an educational opportunity.
The next meeting will be Thursday, March 3, 2016 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.
- Published in TreeBoard 2016