01-25-2016 TBMCITY OF HUTCHINSON
TREE BOARD
Monday, January 25th, 2016
5:00 p.m.
City Center
Minutes
Members present: Newton Potter, Dale Redetzke, Gary Forcier (Council representative)
Members absent: Annie Kosel (had to work late)
Others present: John Olson, Public Works Manager; Donovan Schuette, Arborist
Meeting called to order at 5:00 p.m. There was a quorum of members present.
Tree Board Members
Newton Potter (to 01/17, 1St full-term)
Maggie Tierney (to 01/18, 1St full-term)
Gary Forcier (Council representative)
Donovan Schuette (Arborist)
Dale Redetzke (to 01/16, 1St full-term)
Available position (to 01/18, 1St full-term)
John Olson (Public Works representative)
Quarterly Meeting schedules: 04125116, 07125115, 10131116, 01130117
It was noted that one position is open. This position will be advertised. In addition, previous volunteers who provided
contact information will be notified of the opening on the board.
1) Tree Board Minutes
a) Tree Board minutes from meeting on October 26th, 2015 were provided. No corrections were noted.
2) Standing Reports
a) Forestry update — Introduction of Donovan Schuette, Arborist
• Donovan was introduced. Donovan started in his position on December 7, 2015. Donovan has a
BS degree in Urban Forestry from the University of Minnesota. He has certifications from ISA
and MN DNR.
• Donovan worked for Mark Schnobrich as a seasonal before going to Kahnke Brothers Nursery in
Plato, where he worked for 15 years. His primary responsibility was raising nursery stock,
planting and formative pruning.
• Donovan indicated that his interest has always been to serve in Urban Forestry and is excited
about this opportunity to work toward making the urban forest in Hutchinson a significant asset,
while keeping it from being a significant liability for the City.
3) Operational Issues and Open Proiects
a) Short-term goals
• Donovan and John indicated that short-term goals are to maintain current programs, focusing on
species selection, proper soil conditions for planting, and formative pruning to maintain urban
forest health
b) Long-term goals
• Donovan and John indicated the necessity of continuously monitoring tree diseases/infestations,
ensuring that soil preparations, spacing, structures and proper planting procedures are addressed.
The focus will be the "right plant for right site" and improved formative care to reduce costs down
the line.
c) Program document
• Donovan was able to go through the City's program documents for forestry. He noticed no need
to make any no substantive changes to the program
• However, due to Donovan's experience with planting and formative pruning, he is working to
update recommended species list for private properties within the City and will post the new list
to the website, which is highly used by the public.
• Donovan will also be working with Engineering staff to ensure proper species are planted within
boulevards.
4) Other Discussions/New Business
a) Recommendations will be included for evergreen trees on the species list. Also, Norway maples will
be removed from the recommended species list.
b) Donovan and Sara Witte, Parks Coordinator, are working on a volunteer grant in coordination with
DNR and University of Minnesota. The intent of this grant would be to improve the area around
South Park, North Park, the Harrington -Merrill House, and other identified parks throughout the City.
The grant application will be shepherded by the Parks/Rec/Community Ed department. Donovan has
provided supporting information. If the grant is successful, the intent would be to have this program
serve as the Species Diversification project for 2016, utilizing the funds set aside for that program. If
the grant application is unsuccessful, there will be discussion about a Species Diversification project
in one of the areas identified as having a high population of ash trees.
c) Input from Tree Board included the need to get Donovan introduced to the community. Once
Donovan gets his City phone and cell phone, business cards will be printed to share with the public.
An introduction with local media outlets will be considered to help introduce Donovan to residents.
Donovan will be attending tomorrow night's City Council meeting, along with other Public Works
staff that were hired in 2015, and will be introduced to the City Council and to the viewing public.
NEXT MEETING: Regularly scheduled meeting: 04/25/2016