HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-05-18 YTB MinutesCity of Yakima Tree City USA Board of Advisors
Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2018
YTCUSA Members Present: Lance Forsee, Daniel Layton, Chip Rognlie
Absent and Excused: James Hertel, Jheri Ketcham
City Planning Staff: Eric Crowell (Associate Planner)
Introduction and Welcome
In Jheri Ketcham s absence, Lance Forsee convened the monthly meeting of the Yakima Tree City
USA (YTCUSA) Board at 5:07 p.m. at City Hall in the City Council Chambers, 129 N. 2nd Street,
Yakima, Washington.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes from February 5, 2018
Chip made the motion to approve the previous meeting's minutes, and Daniel seconded the
motion.
Update on Review of Current City Ordinances
It was questioned as to whether $250 was a large enough penalty for a tree violation. Eric noted
that tree code violations are penalized on a per -day basis until the violation is resolved.
In studying the Public Tree Ordinance, Lance felt that the language covers what it's
intended to do and is actually written more broadly than what the Board's current goals
are.
Board Member Terms/ Re -Nominating Process
Associate Planner Eric Crowell noted that a number of board member terms are coming up for
renewal as two of the inaugural tree board members were appointed with one-year terms to
ensure that the Board has a staggered membership. Eric will look more into the process for
renewal.
Association with NCBC Committee/ Public Notice of Meetings, Agendas, and Minutes
Eric also noted that the NCBC Committee, which the Tree City board falls under, wants all of its
committees to be regularly posting its meeting agendas and minutes online.
Street Tree Inventory
Chip has counted 500 additional trees since the previous meeting was held. A tree off of
Summitview Ave. was found to have a 50 -inch diameter and was estimated to be at least 90 feet
high. Approximately 4,000 trees have been counted thus far, and Chip is anticipating the total to
be around 6,000 to 7,000 trees.
Eight trees were recently taken down on Walnut Street.
There are 2,300 trees located in parks. Canopies are currently being raised for safety.
Chip has more downtown trees to collect information on, but is currently focusing on the trees
outside downtown.
Staff Report—Chip Rognlie
Chip taught a pruning class two weeks before this meeting. He mentioned the idea of hosting a
pruning class for the Downtown Association of Yakima, and a possible class in the fall for the
Streets Division. He'd like to include the issue of topping trees in these classes.
For the Good of the Order
Daniel will look at the potential of having a list of trees that are particularly not recommended
for planting in Yakima.
Adjournment
Lance made the motion to adjourn the meeting and Daniel seconded. The meeting adjourned at
5:40 p.m. The next YTCUSA Board of Advisors meeting will be held on April 2, 2018 at 5:00 pm
in the City Council Chambers.