HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-04-18 YTB MinutesCity of Yakima Tree City USA Board of Advisors
Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2018
YTCUSA Members Present: Lance Forsee, Jheri Ketcham, Jim Hertel
Absent and Excused: Daniel Layton, Chip Rognlie
City Staff: Eric Crowell (Associate Planner)
Introduction and Welcome
Jheri Ketcham convened the monthly meeting of the Yakima Tree City USA (YTCUSA) Board at
6:02 p.m. at City Hall in the City Council Chambers, 129 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, Washington.
It was suggested that Arbor Fest not be held on Earth Day next year, as there is too much
competition. This year's Arbor Fest had an estimated attendance of more than 1,000 people and
300 trees were given away. It was suggested to hold the event earlier next year. It was also
mentioned that thanks to a Pacific Power grant, the Yakima Area Arboretum planted trees on
numerous residential properties developed by Habitat for Humanity.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes from April 2, 2018
Lance made the motion to approve the previous meeting's minutes, and Jheri seconded the
motion.
Upcoming Expiration and Vacancy of James Hertel's Position
Jim indicated an openness to staying on the Tree Board if no one else volunteers.
Arranging Tree List into Publishable Format
Associate Planner Eric Crowell mentioned the need to organize the adopted tree list into a format
that can better serve the residents of Yakima in terms of it being understandable. It's about
revisiting the list, not reinventing the wheel.
Street Tree Inventory
Eric noted that Chip has counted an additional 500 trees, bringing the official count up to 4,780
trees. There are estimated to be about 6,000 total public trees. The idea of a walking tour for the
Board led by Chip was suggested.
For the Good of the Order
It was noted that the City doesn't currently have any requirements when it comes to protecting
trees during private or public construction projects, such as protecting bark and limiting the
number of roots that may be cut. Jheri will research what other cities have done.
The City also doesn't have any planting standards, which could be part of a future tree
management plan.
Urban Forestry Specialist Ben Thompson from the Washington State Department of Natural
Resources will be in town on June 27 to lead a tour at the Yakima Area Arboretum.
Adjournment
Jheri will be gone for the August meeting. The Board collectively decided to skip August.
Jheri made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:39 p.m. and Lance seconded. The next
YTCUSA Board of Advisors meeting will be held on July 2, 2018 at 5:00 pm in the City Council
Chambers.