HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-02-19 YTB MinutesYakima Tree Board
Minutes of December 2, 2019
Board Members Present: Justin Bigby, Lance Forsee, Jheri Ketcham, Chip
Rognlie
Absent and Excused:
City Staff: Eric Crowell (Associate Planner)
Introduction and Welcome
Jheri Ketcham convened the monthly meeting of the Yakima Tree City USA (YTCUSA) Board at
5:01 p.m. at City Hall in the 2nd Floor Conference Room,129 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, Washington.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes from October 14, 2019
Lance made the motion to approve the previous meeting's minutes, and Chip seconded the
motion.
2020 Tree City USA Certification
Documentation supporting the renewal of the City of Yakima's Tree City USA status was sent
prior to the due date. The Board was in agreement with the work plan submitted.
2020 Urban Forestry Grants —Applications Due December 12
Jheri proposed requesting a grant for public outreach that would itself support future grant
opportunities. Alternatively, a grant request could be made with the purpose of training
homeowners to properly plant trees in their respective planting strips.
Street Tree Inventory/Text Amendment Update
Jheri made the motion to send the proposed text amendment to YMC § 8.77.030 to City Council
for consideration, and Chip seconded the motion. The change would allow a non-resident to serve
on the Board if they are a tree specialist. Currently the only non-residents allowed on the Board
are the City Arborist and the member recommended by the Arboretum, which has reduced the
ability to have a full Board and to make quorum at each meeting.
Eric will get a set date for the public hearing for the text amendment, along with a set date for
presenting the street tree inventory to City Council.
Staff Report —Chip Rognlie
Chip reported that neighbors are excited about trees being planted on their streets. There has been
a lot of tree clean up lately due to the wind storms. Overall,120-130 streets were planted this year,
with 60 anticipated in 2020.
For the Good of the Order
Chip will be presenting a lecture on January 22, 2020 regarding the tree inventory at Master
Gardeners.
Adjournment
Lance made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:41 p.m., and Jheri seconded the motion. The
next Yakima Tree Board meeting will be held on Monday, January 6, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. in 2nd
Floor Conference Room at City Hall.