Ashland Tree Commission
Minutes, December 6, 2001
Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. by Chairperson Rich Whitall. Additional commissioners in attendance were Bryan Holley, January Jennings, Greg Covey, Dan Moore and Tom Peil. Staff in attendance was Robbin Pearce.
Approval of Minutes - Minutes for the November 8, 2001 meeting were approved with corrections.
Welcome Guests - Bob Kendrick, Library Project Manager was present to give an update. Elizabeth Schaefer, Willow Dean and Tina Jones - all Brooks Lane residents as well as Anita Nevison of Birchwod Lane were present to discuss the East Village project. And, Russ Dale, developer of the East Village project attended. John Freedom was also in attendance.
Bob Kendrick, the City's project manager for the library project gave a brief history of his experience and outlined the existing conditions for tree protection at the library project site.
Topics discussed included: excessive or not excessive limb pruning on the deodar cedar; impact of the condition of the existing retaining wall; impact of the change of the site conditions on the trees and the need for serious monitoring of specifically the cedar but also all the trees on this site; who is making recommendations for work to be done to the trees and who is actually doing the work; inconsistencies of tree protection fencing during periods of work within the dripline.
Specifications or 'means & methods' for trenching was also discussed. Staff will research what specification public works uses on city projects.
The Commission stated the primary concern now is the root systems of the existing trees, and the impact of the change in drainage. Rich Whitall asked for a consultation with the/an arborist.
Bob stated his appreciation for the 'extra eyes' on the project and he let the commissioners know he is available to them at any time to address their concerns.
Old Business
Rich Whitall Homeowner Issues
Bryan Holley Development Issues
Tom Peil Professional Issues
Greg Covey Public Lands Issues
Questions will returned to staff as soon as possible. The talking points will be presented as a coversheet to the ordinance and will be mailed out to the established list as well as being available and/or by request.
New Business
Adjournment - Meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm