02-24-2014 TBMCITY OF HUTCHINSON
TREE BOARD
Monday, February 24th, 2014
5:15 p.m.
City Center
Meeting Minutes
Members present: Newton Potter, Laura Poser, Dale Redetzke, Steve Cook (Council)
Others present: Mike Bahe (ex officio), Kirstin Taggart (GreenCorps Member)
Absent: Corey Stearns, John Olson (Public Works Manager)
Meeting began at 5:15 p.m. There was a quorum of members present.
1) Tree Board Members
Newton Potter (to 04/17, 1 st full-term) Dale Redetzke (to 04/16, 2nd full-term)
Corey Stearns (to 04/15, 1st full-term) Laura Poser (to 04/15, 1 st full-term)
Steve Cook (Council representative) Mike Bahe (PRCE representative)
John Olson (Public Works representative)
Quarterly Meeting schedules: 01127114, 04128114, 07128114, 10127114.
For meeting schedules & interestforms for serving on the Tree Board, see www_ci.hutchinson.mn.us
2) Review Tree Board Minutes
No comments
3) Standing Reports
a) Michael Bahe presented year-end report:
i) Arbor Day programs with Park Elementary and New Discoveries 3rd graders (about 300 students)
ii) Arbor Day with 3M partnering to plant trees on 3M property and adjacent city park property
iii) Planted Mary Burich memorial tree in Library Square
iv) Bur Oak Blight treatment study was conducted in Oakland Cemetery with IA State University
v) The City is hosting a GreenCorps member working on the Forestry Diversification Project
vi) Forestry planted 467 trees and removed 83
vii) 649 trees were pruned in the 2012-2013 dormant period about half was contracted work
v1102013 had the second lowest spending on Forestry in the last 10 years
(1) Michael Bahe noted that services provided had remained constant over that period
ix) Energy Trees Program — funded by Hutchinson Utilities Commission
(1) 207 trees planted
(2) A downloadable application was added to the City's website and has been a popular option
x) Natural Resources — there is an open grant from the SWCD for the installation of a native prairie
buffer strip at Roberts Park north of the sports fields. Expected completion date is July of 2014.
(1) Michael Bahe noted that it a goal to have as much of the City's public shoreline consist of at
least a minimal width of native prairie buffer.
xi) 2014 Potential Projects:
(1) Forestry Diversification Project
(2) Tree City USA 35th Year Celebration
(3) 3M Arbor Day (year 4)
4) Oucrational Issues and Oucn Proiccts
a) Tree City USA 35' Year Celebration in conjunction with Music in the Park was discussed. Michael
Babe mentioned that he approached Hutchinson Utilities Commission for sponsorship through the
Energy Tree Program. He also mentioned that a band has been selected to play at the event. The event
date will be June 16th. Mayor Cook mentioned that the City could possibly sponsor it internally if
needed.
b) Contracted Pruning: Michael Babe mentioned that due to the severe winter conditions it is probable
that we will contract pruning again this year. Mayor Cook mentioned that due to the uniqueness of
this winter, funding for addition pruning could be made available if needed.
5) Other Discussions/ New Business
a) Discussed Lavyne Rada, HHS Agriculture/Horticulture teacher, being brought on as anew tree board
member. It was discussed that she is not a resident. Mayor Cook noted that there can be a 5th member
that is not a resident of the City of Hutchinson. Michael Babe noted that her affiliation with the school
and her teaching discipline would be beneficial to the board.
b) Laura Poser suggested moving the board meeting time earlier than 5:15pm. Everyone agreed that an
earlier time would work with their schedules. New meeting time will be 5:00pm.
NEXT MEETING: Monday, April 28th @ 5:OOPM