Tree Advisory Committee

Tree Advisory Committee — April 17, 2024

This was a regular meeting of the Tree Advisory Committee, held at City Hall. Six of seven members were present; Howard Formby was absent. The meeting adjourned at 4:16 p.m.

Approval of Minutes — March 20, 2024

The minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Racusen moved and Bertuccelli seconded.

Vote: Approved (specific tally not recorded in minutes).

Arbor Day Ad Hoc Committee Progress Update

Racusen reported encouraging momentum for the upcoming Arbor Day event. Several community groups have signed on to participate, and mulching activity is planned at Prince Park. Outreach materials — including flyers and a City Update announcement — were set to go out the following week, and an article is expected to be published in the Argus-Courier. Racusen encouraged all committee members to spread the word and recruit volunteers. Member Obaid expressed strong enthusiasm for the quality of the event flyer and the overall planning effort. The committee expressed hope that this becomes an annual tradition.

Recommendation for Arbor Day Celebration Adoption

This item was included on the agenda in error and was not considered. No discussion or action was taken.

Street Tree Ad Hoc Committee Progress Update

No updates were available. Committee Chair Formby, who leads this subcommittee, was absent from the meeting.

Communication and Outreach Ad Hoc Committee Progress Update

Obaid reported that the subcommittee met with staff contact Heather to work through details of the city's tree ordinance. Among the topics discussed was how to ensure that contractors performing work within the city are required to comply with ordinance rules — a model drawn from practices in another city that the subcommittee provided as a reference. Racusen also noted involvement from city staff and individuals Kent Carothers and Ben Anderson in this effort. (The minutes note that additional detail from this discussion may need to be captured — some specifics were not fully documented.)

Committee and Staff Comments

Staff Liaison Chong provided several updates of note: a bark beetle infestation is spreading in Sonoma County and poses a threat to local trees; a Tree Protection Ordinance (TPO) update will be returning to the full committee; a discretionary fund is available for committee use; and some committee member terms are approaching expiration. Chong also expressed excitement about the upcoming Tree Fest event and recapped a recent Recreation Committee meeting for member Bertuccelli, who had been absent. Looking ahead, Chong indicated she will send information about both a regular meeting and a planned joint meeting next month. Member Racusen provided a brief update from the Pedestrian and Bike Committee.

Key Takeaways