SHADE TREE COMMISSION

MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEMBER 17, 2004

MEMBERS PRESENT:  David Burke, Barb Bushong, Barry Adler, Chad Morse and Kevin Behrens.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Adam Weaver (CESO), David Oakes (CESO), Roger Beal (Yellow Springs Design Landscape Architect), Anita Griggs (CESO), Mike Epp, Dana Clay and Secretary Barb McCoy.

 

Barry Adler called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

The minutes from the meeting of October 20, 2004, were approved with the following changes:

 

REPORT OF SECRETARY:  Change to read: Super Wal-Mart will be on next month’s agenda.  The City Law Director, Director of Administration and Barb McCoy will be meeting with Karen Paver to discuss her landscaping issues on October 21^st.  The property is still not in compliance.

 

Last line in first paragraph of Millcreek Self Storage agenda item:

 

Change “for” to “from”

 

First sentence for Union County 7^th Street Parking agenda item, amend to read:

 

The landscape checklist was reviewed with it being noted that as a government entity, the county is working with the Shade Tree Commission and is agreeing to comply with the ordinance.

 

COMMENTS BY CITIZENS:

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

·        Landscape Plan –         Walmart Supercenter – located at Coleman’s Crossing – filed by CESO

 

David Oakes, site designer, and Roger Beal, landscape architect, reviewed the landscape plan design concept.  Explained trees around outlots will be planted when lots are developed.  Ornamental trees accent entrances.  Evergreen trees at end of drive aisles.  The overall feel of the landscape plan gives the appearance trees were already there and building placed inside wooded area.  Parking lot trees will be honey locust – upright trees because of vehicles. 

 

Mr. Oaks explained the storm water retention area is designed with wet basin.  A fountain will be installed. 

 

It was noted the street trees are required to match the remainder of Coleman’s Crossing – red sunset maple trees.

 

Commission members stated ash trees are questionable.

 

The checklist was reviewed with all issues in compliance.  Mr. Adler stated he was glad to see parking lot broken up.  Pleased they have accomplished the goals of Shade Tree Commission.

 

Mr. Adler made a motion to approve the landscape plan as submitted with the condition the street trees match remaining lots. Seconded by Mrs. Bushong.  Voice vote was unanimous.  Landscape plan approved.

 

MISCELLENEOUS:

 

Discussion held concerning status of old Walmart building.  Two different stories were heard – one that Walmart will sublease existing building to another tenant as is.  The other being the owner of the shopping center is going to split into 3 units.  Ordinance will not require landscaping be installed in existing parking lot because site will not be altered or expanded more than 25%.  Altered does not mean alterations to interior of building.

 

Mike Epp stated trees are finally being planted at the Union County Office building on London Avenue.

 

Barb McCoy reported Karen’s Katering’s landscaping was inspected with the following deficiencies:

 

NO SEEDING OR MULCHING OF ANY OF THE LANDSCAPE BED AREAS DONE

NO SEEDING OR MULCHING AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE PROPERTY DONE

NO SEEDING OR MULCHING ON ANY PART OF THE PROPERTY DONE with the exception of the main entrance into the building

 

Observance of the property shows unkempt areas of the entire property.  Weeds have overtaken the areas where grass or mulch is required.  After a verbal agreement by all parties, the property will have seeding done or mulch in place by November 21, 2004.  All areas of the property are required to be mowed and weeds removed. 

 

Will follow-up and request law director schedule a court date for early spring if not completed.

 

It was noted Tree City USA application is due.  Mrs. McCoy stated public service director completes the application.  Mr. Burke stated trees not in budget for next year.  Members of commission expressed their concern of not continuing with commitment of new tree plantings for the City.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

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