07-28-2008 TBMHUTCHINSON TREE BOARD
Monday, July 28, 2008
5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Center
Minutes
Members present:
Corey Stearns, Dale Redetzke, Newton Potter, Steve Cook
Others Present:
Mark Schnobrich, City Forester, John Olson, Public Works Superintendent
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
There was a quorum of members present.
1.Tree Removal Contractor Licensing
Mark discussed the concept of licensing tree contractors in the City of Hutchinson after receiving
complaints from two citizens and two local tree contractors. The complaints stemmed around
unscrupulous business practices along with damage complaints and incorrect tree practices. The
tree board agreed to recommend that some form of licensing take place and recommended that
Mark review levels of licensing compliance and submit to the board options with which to review.
Steve Cook also requested that Mark get input from some of the local tree contractors as to what
the draft requirements should include for licensing.
2.Forestry Master Plan
Mark and John Olson presented the latest draft copy of the Forestry Master Plan to the board.
After long discussion the board came up with a few recommendations.
The master plan should be considered as part of the city comprehensive plan and that the review of
a soil amendment stipulation is reconsidered again. As the board members remember, the idea of
soil amendment stipulations in new developments was presented at length to the Planning
Commission and the City Council a few years ago with heavy review by local building
contractors. The soil amendment requirement was itself amended to require developers to pay for
planting of boulevard trees in their developments. The problem of poor soil in developments has
not disappeared however, and at the present soil conditions are even worse in some areas affecting
not only tree growth but also storm water runoff and over all water usage. This prompted the
board to request a review of the old proposed soil amendment requirements.
3.Other Discussion / Business
A letter was received by Countryside Flagpole Company requesting the removal of a boulevard
tree located in front of a business located at 575 Jefferson St SE. Mike Eiden of Pro Auto
Transmission and Repair wants to display an American Flag.
The board reviewed the request and agreed to inspect the site themselves and determine if another
Location would work for the pole negating the need to remove a boulevard tree.
At 6:40 p.m., a motion to adjourn was made by Corey, second by Newton.
The next Tree Board meeting will be held on Monday, August 25, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. at the City Center.
G/FORESTRY/Tree Board/2008 Events/Minutes 6-23-08