Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-18 YTB MinutesYakima Tree City USA Board of Advisors Meeting Minutes for Monday, February 5, 2018 Board Members Present: Lance Forsee, James Hertel, Jheri Ketcham, Daniel Layton, Charles "Chip" Rognlie Absent and Excused: Staff Present: Eric Crowell, Associate Planner Also Present: Jason White, City Council Liaison Introduction and Welcome Jheri Ketcham convened the monthly meeting of the Yakima Tree City USA (YTCUSA) Board at 5:03 p.m. at City Hall in the City Council Chambers, 129 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, Washington. Approval of the Meetin_g Minutes from December 4th, 2017 Jheri made the motion to approve the previous meeting's minutes, and Chip seconded the motion. It was noted that the Board will still meet on a monthly basis; January was skipped but meetings should occur once a month during the rest of 2018. Review and Discussion of the Followin_g The role of the Tree Board was discussed, along with the question of whether or not the various tree board members need job descriptions. A bigger question was that of liability, and whether or not tree board members are covered by the City, especially when it comes to making a decision to require the removal of a dead or diseased tree on private property, as the Ch. 8.76 authorizes the tree board to do so in certain circumstances. It is important to determine if policy boards are covered by City liability. Daniel noted that certified arborists have been sued in the past for gross negligence. Plannin_g for a Review of Current City Ordinances: Does it Provide for and Facilitate Adequate Management of Our Urban Forest? Lance and Jim will study the tree ordinance to determine if it clearly provides authority to conduct a forestry program. Jheri will study it to determine if it defines responsibility and clarifies responsibility for certain parts of the urban forest, including parks, street -side areas, easements, and schools. Daniel will study it to determine if it sets forth minimum standards for management, along with what it is lacking. Jheri mentioned something called "Tree Board University" which she recently started doing, and Chip has looked at it. Its purpose is to help educate people on municipal tree boards so they can be more effective advocates of urban forestry issues. Staff Report—Chip Rognlie Since mid-December, Chip has counted a total of 3,500 trees. He is also providing data to the Streets Department, along with noting which trees have been topped. Chip mentioned that Walla Walla used their tree plan to understand how much work needed to be done. For the Good of the Order Council Liaison Jason White asked about the possibility of fruit trees being allowed as street trees to showcase our region's agricultural industry, but it was noted that fruit trees add additional responsibility for the City and can spread "disease and pestilence;" for example, apples have to be sprayed frequently. It was mentioned that it might be a good idea to specify which trees in our recommended tree list are low - maintenance so property owners could reduce their cost and time when it comes to taking care of street trees in the public right-of-way. Developing an Agenda for 2018 For 2018, the tree board will be looking at the different ordinance items that have been brought up to see if any changes or additions are necessary. Also, Arbor Day is April 21 st, and it might be important for the Tree Board to have some sort of presence at any events taking place. Adiournment Jheri made the motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m. The next YTCUSA Board of Advisors meeting will be held on March 5, 2018 at 5:00 pm in the City Council Chambers.