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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-18 YTB MinutesCity of Yakima Tree City USA Board of Advisors Minutes of July 2, 2018 YTCUSA Members Present: Justin Bigby, Lance Forsee, Jheri Ketcham, Chip Rognlie Absent and Excused: Daniel Layton City Staff: Eric Crowell (Associate Planner) Introduction and Welcome Jheri Ketcham convened the monthly meeting of the Yakima Tree City USA (YTCUSA) Board at 5:02 p.m. at City Hall in the City Council Chambers, 129 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, Washington. Approval of the Meeting Minutes from June 4, 2018 Lance made the motion to approve the previous meeting's minutes, and Chip seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Introduction of New Board Member Justin Bigby Justin Bigby was introduced, who has filled the position vacated by James Hertel. He grew up in Yakima, left, and has come back. He has done volunteer work for various downtown events and also for the Humane Society. Continued Discussion of Formatting Tree List for Public Viewing Associate Planner Eric Crowell mentioned that the biggest issue he sees with the current tree list is the fact that the public tree ordinance requires the tree board to create a list of recommended small, medium, and large trees, while the current tree list only lists small and large trees. He recommended reviewing the list and seeing which trees might be able to be considered medium trees. It was mentioned that it should be a priority to aim for basic standards, including construction standards. Jheri will talk to Ben Thompson about the most up-to-date standards. Eric said he would aim for September to present an updated proposed list, and will email Justin a copy of the current tree list. Street Tree Inventory Chip has counted an additional 100 trees in the last month, with perhaps 6,000 total trees being counted so far. There was discussion the category of "maintained by property owner'—the assumption that adjacent property owners are required to maintain public street trees that are located parallel to their property. Jheri felt that maintenance requirements were a little unclear. Chip will try to delve deeper into the nuances of maintenance/ ownership. Staff Report—Chip Rognlie There was a branch failure at Cherry Park. Chip spoke of developing a tree management pian and educating street workers and other employees of the proper way to prune trees. i -Tree Canopy was mentioned as a possible way to help determine a goal for tree planting in the city. It will also be a good idea to see if there is any possibility for the Public Works budget to include funding for tree planting. Justin mentioned YakBack as a possible tool for residents to inform staff of street tree issues, especially if a category could be added specific to that sort of concern. It's important that YakBack also function as a way to follow up on the request. 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 made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:52 p.m. and Lance seconded. The next YTCUSA Board of Advisors meeting will be held on September 3, 2018 at 5:00 pm in the City Council Chambers.