SHADE TREE COMMISSION

MINUTES OF MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2005

MEMBERS PRESENT:  David Burke, Barb Bushong, Barry Adler, Chad Morse, John Hoffman,  Dennis DeWeese.  Kevin Behrens was absent.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Dana Clay, Michael Klingl (Greenberg Farrow) Dave Walker (Chestnut Park), Karen Page, and Secretary Barb McCoy.

 

John Hoffman called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

The minutes from the meeting of November 17, 2004, were approved as presented.

 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

 

Chairman – Mrs. Bushong made the motion to nominate John Hoffman, seconded by Mr. Adler.  Voice vote was unanimous for John Hoffman to be Chairman.

Vice-Chairman – Mrs. Bushong made the motion to nominate Barry Adler, seconded by Mr. DeWeese.  Voice vote was unanimous for Barry Adler to be Vice-Chairman.

Secretary – Voice vote unanimous for Barb McCoy to remain Secretary.

 

COMMENTS BY CITIZENS:

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

·        Street Tree Plan -         Chestnut Park Subdivision

 

David Oakes, site designer, reviewed the landscape plan design concept.  This subdivision is across the street from Keystone Crossing.  It was noted flight path for the airport is still a concern so they kept tree heights lower.    Commission members noted that Redbud trees might be hard to find in the quantity needed according to the landscape plan.  Also, transplant survival is questionable.  Shade Tree Commission would suggest something else out of the Small Group A tree list.

 

Mr. Morse made a motion to approve the street tree plan as submitted, Seconded by Mrs. Bushong.  Voice vote was unanimous.  Street tree plan for Chestnut Park approved.

 

·        Landscape Plan – Home Depot – Coleman’s Crossing Blvd.

 

Michael Klingl reviewed the landscape plan noting his company is not the architect that submitted the plans and is disappointed utilities are not shown and also the mounding that is required is not shown.  Will have the plans revised to add those two items.  Will take care of any deficiencies not shown. 

 

It was decided that according to the ordinance mounding is required along SR 33 also.  Mr. Adler stated there are two rows of parking spaces with more than 25 spaces that require island bed.  Mr. Klingl stated they would need to reduce parking spaces by four in order to achieve the placement of the islands.  Mulch will be used for the end islands.

 

Mr. Hoffman stated a couple of the trees at the main entrance might hinder the line of sight for visibility.  Mr. Klingl stated they would move trees closer together to get those trees away from the entrance.  He also stated they may cluster trees along the property lines.

 

Mr. Adler stated it would be nice to have islands have shrubs even though not required by ordinance.

 

It was noted the detention areas would be dry. Mrs. McCoy stated Design Review Board has approved the exterior design of the building.

 

Commission members stated they are pleased to see elms being used – they try to encourage diversity in the tree varieties used by commercial properties.

 

Mr. Adler made a motion to approve the landscape plan with the following changes to be made:

 

Ø     Add two islands in the two rows of parking spaces that exceed 25 spaces

Ø     Add mounding along Coleman’s Crossing Blvd. and SR 33

Ø     Assure line of sight at entrances

Ø     Make sure trees will not block any proposed freestanding signs

 

Seconded by Mr. Morse. Voice vote was unanimous.

 

Revisions to be resubmitted to Shade Tree Commission for approval.

 

·        Landscape Plan – G-Zero Properties – S. Main Street/W. 8th Street

 

Karen Page stated the owner wants to be able to look into building from E. 8th St.  This site will be a movie gallery.  There is a partial retaining wall that limits where trees can be placed.

 

Discussion held concerning the placement of the honeylocust trees on the west side of property.  It was agreed to move them closer together towards the open end of the property on the west side.

 

It was agreed that the row of taxus should be mounded like the taxus along the street because of the residential homes on the west side.  This should help deflect lights from vehicles in parking lot.

 

Japanese lilacs will match the ones further south on London Avenue.

 


Mrs. Bushong made a motion to approve the landscape plan with the following changes to be made:

 

Ø     Add one foot mounding along the west property line

Ø     Add the property owner’s name and address on the drawing

Ø     Space 3 trees evenly on the west property line.

 

Seconded by Mr. Hoffman.  Voice vote was unanimous.

 

Revisions to be resubmitted to Shade Tree Commission for approval.

 

MISCELLENEOUS:

 

Arbor Day planning should begin in February.  Mrs. McCoy will add to agenda.

 

Discussion held concerning need for the tree survey inventory to be updated.  There is a big possibility of City liability for dangerous trees in the City right of way.  The Commission wanted it on record they encourage the tree survey be updated for the protection of the citizens of Marysville.

 

Discussion held concerning responsibility of maintaining trees in the City right of way.  Mrs. McCoy and Dana Clay (street department employee) stated this is a gray area for the City.  One section of the code states resident shall trim trees; one area states City has the right to maintain.  However, who is RESPONSIBLE and who is LIABLE?  Commission agrees this gray area should be cleaned up and a policy or ordinance be in place to make it perfectly clear the responsible party.

 

Mr. Adler requested a copy of the Tree City USA application for 2004.

 

Mr. DeWeese stated it is important to follow Roberts Rules of Procedure because this is a City Commission and things could go to court for appeals.  Members stated that at times a formal roll call is not done; however, a voice vote is sufficient in most cases as long as it is noted in the minutes.  This Commission has always been a little more lax; however, members agree in the future they should follow the rules of procedure to prevent any liability for the City.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.