HomeMy WebLinkAboutTree Board Minutes 09.21.2017 Laurel Tree Board
September 21, 2017
City Hall
Attending: LuAnne Engh,Aaron Christianson, Matt Wheeler, Pastor Widdis, Heidi Jensen
Tree Maintenance:
• Riverside has many trees that are looking unsafe. One started to fall and was taken out
by Billing Tree Service ($1,000)
• Matt has two bids for three trees. One for$3300 and the other for$10,000. Also what
trees are going to need to come out for safety as money is available? Currently$11,000
is available for the entire city for tree maintenance. These will be done as soon as
possible.
• Heidi mentioned we should use the Exxon damage funds to make the park safe and also
help the master plan committee know what trees will eventually remain.
• Heidi and Matt will meet at the park after the meeting to view the trees
• Replacement trees will probably be cottonwoods (best for the high water table) and
ornamentals and evergreens
Next year's Arbor Day: Tuesday, May 1st 2018
Place: South Pond
1. Grant Applications/sponsors
• DNRC-$750— Kurt applies for this in December
• Walmart—Dale has started this application for$500
• Northwestern Energy Charitable Giving grant—Dale has filed this for$1000
• DNRC—Mini—grant—Dale has started this application for$500
• ACE Hardware—LuAnne to talk to John or Wayne about donations of materials
• CHS—LuAnne to talk to Pat Kimmet to ask about donations
• Laurel Ford —Managers meet and award grants—no one to follow up with this at
this time
• All donors from last year will be contacted before year end—money to be
received in 2018
❖ First Interstate-$100
❖ Western Security $200
❖ Yellowstone Bank$200
❖ River Ridge Landscape $200
❖ J&M Auto$200
❖ Local 316 - $200
2. Branding/Advertising
• Theme for Arbor Day—Pastor Widdis brought posters his students created and
selected a very inspiring idea with the title READY, PLANT, GROW by Lydia
McKinney a 3rd grader at First Baptist Academy.
• Lydia will receive a thank you letter from the city/mayor right now and during
the ceremony will receive a gift from the city presented by Heidi (Heidi will see
these items happen)
• Aaron will work up a flyer we can use for donors and vendors
• Aaron will work with Dynamic Designs and Lydia's design to make up the shirts
and banner—This can happen in January
3. Trees—hopefully 12 or more trees to plant (Aaron will contact)
• Trees can be donated or purchased
• Trees (large shade and bird forage type)
❖ European Mountain ash, Buffalo berry, Douglas Hawthorne, Native
American Plum, black Cottonwood,American Elm, Common Buckthorn,
Norway Maple, Hackberry
• We need commitments this Fall from:
❖ Professional Organizations—Cash for trees
❖ Nurseries—tree donations
❖ Local Green Houses—trees at cost
❖ Landscape Companies—cash or tree donation
4. Vendors
• Laurel Fire Department—Brad Shoemaker wants to be involved
• Northwest Energy—Invite them
• Last year's vendors will all be asked back
❖ Bees with Sherri Kisch
❖ DNRC
❖ NOAA
❖ Bright n Beautiful
••• Audubon
❖ Riverstone Health
❖ MNLA
5. Tee Service Work donations—
• Aaron explained how the Billings Arbor Day has used lots of volunteers to work
on landscaping and tree trimming. It still unclear how much donated volunteer
time we will need.
Next Meeting—Thursday, Oct. 19, 9:30 (note change in time from now on, unless noted)
LuAnne Engh