12-29-2008 TBMHUTCHINSON TREE BOARD
Monday, December 29, 2008
5:00 p.m.
City Center Main Conference Room
Agenda
Members present:
_X_Corey Stearns, _X_Dale Redetzke, _X_Laura Poser, _X_Newton Potter,
_X_ Steve Cook, Mayor;
Others Present:
_X_Mark Schnobrich, City Forester; __
Others present: ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Meeting called to order at __5:05_ p.m.
There was a quorum of members present: _X_Y ___N
1.Hutchinson Mall Hwy 15 S Sign Visual Problems Update
The Tree Board amended the MnDOT permit to remove trees on Hwy 15 South,
which was submitted by the city on behalf of the Hutchinson Mall, by recommending
that a 3:1 replacement of trees removed be required of the mall instead of the 2:1
replacement as specified in the permit. The permit allowed for 5 trees to be removed
to help with sign visibility, however the board discussed the visibility of the mall sign
and felt that the mall sign was already blocked by existing signs such as the Kentucky
Fried Chicken and the Holiday Gas Station signs. It was decided that to continue with
continuity and balance with the existing trees that only one tree would be
recommended to be removed north of the entrance off of the highway. This would
bring to a total, 4 trees to be removed in an effort to increase the mall sign visibility.
This would then correspond to 12 trees being replaced somewhere on MnDOT
property in 2009.
2. Soil Enhancement Policy Discussion
The Planning Commission at there Nov. 18, 2008 meeting agreed with the Tree
Board and recommended the tree board pursue developing a soil enhancement policy.
The commission did question if now was the time to incorporate new requirements on
both builders and developers as the economy is not pro building at this time. However
the need for such reform was felt to be of great concern and thus the go ahead was
given to continue with the policy planning. The Tree Board was directed to put
together a promotional brochure advocating the benefits of good soil and to present
the results to the Planning Commission.
3.Discussion of 2009 Energy Tree Planting Program
Schnobrich proposed a revamping of the program by increasing the number of bare
root trees planted in 2009 by utilizing the Missouri gravel bed system. He emphasized
the savings in purchase price from containers to bare root would allow the hiring of
one more tree inspector/planter and still allow for more trees to be planted throughout
the City of Hutchinson in 2009.
4.Other Issues/ New Business
Mayor Cook expressed interest in reviewing the elm tree injection idea. He also
brought to the board’s attention the city comprehensive plan review, scheduled for
2009. This would be good timing as the Tree Board is currently looking at
incorporating the soil enhancement policy if and when it is adopted.
Next scheduled meeting will be January 26, 2009 at 5:00 PM.