DE SMET CITY TREE BOARD MINUTES
September 15, 2008
PRESENT: Jodi Mackey, Don Bohn, Larry Somsen, Larry Jensen, Gordon Skyberg, Eileen Wolkow, FO
ABSENT: Delver Williams,
1. TREE STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
The changes to the Tree Standards & Specifications recommended by Rick Mayko, Community Forester, when he met with the Board in March, were reviewed. The list of Desirable Tree Species in the Standards was also reviewed and changes made. The updated version of the “Tree Standards & Specifications for the City of De Smet” will be presented to the City Council at their meeting in October, with the recommendation that they be approved and adopted by ordinance.
2. RESIDENTIAL TREE TRIMMING ISSUES
Several locations were identified where trees need to be trimmed for visibility reasons or removed because they are dead. A notice will be put in the paper next week reminding property owners to take care of their tree trimming and removal issues. Parks Supt. Skyberg will also complete a survey of the town to identify all locations where tree issues exist. Pictures will be taken and letters will be sent to the property owners.
3. 2008 TREE PROJECTS REVIEW
Parks Supt. Skyberg reviewed the status of the 2008 Tree Projects as follows:
q 2008 Arbor Day celebrated on April 30 ( postponed from April 25 due to a snowstorm) with the 3rd grade class at LIW Elementary as follows: planted burr oak tree in front of school; Arbor Day contest winners read winning essays; Annemarie Gustafson received plaque and cash award for having 1st place essay in state competition; and Tree Board members demonstrated correct way to plant a tree.
q Printed and mailed 9th annual Tree Board Newsletter that included articles on the following: 1st place Kingsbury County & 1st place State Arbor Day Essay by Annemarie Gustafson; 2008 Arbor Day celebration in De Smet; SD Tree City USA statistics; History of Arbor Day; Pruning Young trees; and emerald ash borer update.
q City staff completed routine tree trimming and tree removal in city parks and city streets & alleys.
q Work remains to be done on tree trimming and removal on the south side of RVMemorial Park
q Parks Supt. Skyberg will attend SD Arborists Conference in Aberdeen on October 23-24.
q Looking for markers to use for identifying tree varieties in Washington Park.
q Property owners will plant trees as they see fit along the north side of the golf course, just west of KCCC clubhouse, where trees were removed during 2006 sewer installation project.
4. 2009 TREE PROJECTS
q 2009 Arbor Day celebration for students in Grade 3. Students to receive a potted tree.
q Print and mail the 10th annual Tree Board Newsletter
q Replant trees as needed in Wells #7 & #8 tree groves – Jodi to determine varieties and quantities
q Plant new trees in Washington Park as needed
q Routine tree trimming and tree removal as needed in all city parks and city streets & alleys.
q Continue to clean and trim trees on south side of RVMemorial Park.
q Parks Supt. Skyberg attend SD Arborists Conference
q Rent a chipper from REA to make mulch when doing larger tree trimming or removal projects
q Clean out volunteer trees & replace dogwoods that have died in tree grove around Athletic Field.
q Notify property owners regarding tree trimming and tree removal issues.
q Provide a copy of the city’s tree ordinance to all residential property owners when they apply for a building permit to construct a new home.
5. 2009 TREE BUDGET BUDGET
Tree Replacement 550.00
Tree Maintenance 350.00
Public Education Newsletter 400.00
Arbor Day Activities 200.00
Workshop attendance/dues 400.00
Equipment purchase/rental 500.00
TOTAL 2009 BUDGET $2,400.00
Eileen Wolkow, Finance Officer