HomeMy WebLinkAboutTree Board Minutes 08.19.2021Minutes
City of Laurel
Tree Board
8/19/21 9:30 AM
Council Conference Room
Attending: LuAnne Engh, Dale Ahrens, Matt Wheeler, Aaron Christensen, Paul Kober, Walt
Widdis
1. Public Input
a. Welcome to Paul Kober, our new committee member
2. General Items
a. June minutes approved
b. Don't have our balance with the city
• The city has a $300 credit with River Ridge due the confusion over the
second tree. They will plant a potted Maple type tree in Thomson Park
this Fall.
c. Arbor Day 2022 —Will be Tuesday, May 3'1 at South Pond unless construction isn't
done. Fourth grade students will be bussed over.
d. We can start the art contest in September. LuAnne will contact Lynn Peterson and
New Life School to hole the contest and collect the artwork.
e. A collection of letters from students, artwork, photos of Arbor Day and programs
was put in a binder and will be circulated through the schools but for now it will be
in the Graff Library.
f. We'll reassess the needs of the existing trees at South Pond — make a new list and
determine the costs involved.
g. Paul said the Lions have maintained the watering system and they would like to help
with the tree replacements (at least 8 or more) and possibly coordinate with
churches for projects to improve the park.
h. Matt said a boat ramp has always been an item once the dock is done and that make
affect where trees are located.
i. Aaron can't be involved with the planting for 2022. His job is to demanding so we'll
need to get more help plus the city workers. Maybe FFA with school supervision.
3. New Business - none
4. Old Business
a. Tree Trimming - relook at the needs in the Fall
b. Downtown trees — We discussed educating the owners about the care of their trees
and the possibility of LURA grants to replace them. Several owners have indicated
the trees block their signs, they weren't the best quality or they were diseased or
died and they don't want to replace them. This has left Laurel with virtually no
boulevard trees on East Main downtown. Visiting with owners/renters or sending a
letter might be a way to get the information to the owners.
c. Dale suggested the use of planters instead of trees to beautify the downtown. Of
course, watering and maintaining the plants would be a concern.
5. Other Items
a. Volunteer hours - Please keep your hours concerning Arbor Day— any meetings,
research or activies should be included. Walt will make up a new form and send out.
b. South Park is on track for Fall completio of the dock/walkways.
6. Announcements
a. Next meeting—September 16th -9:30
b. Meeting adjourned at 10:40am
LuAnne Engh, Chairman