Tree Advisory Committee

Tree Advisory Committee — June 19, 2024

This was a regular meeting of Petaluma's Tree Advisory Committee, notable for a presentation on the new Urban Forestry Management Plan. Six of seven members were present; Eberle Ewing was absent.

General Public Comment

Four community members addressed the committee during general public comment: Eric Leland representing ReLeaf Petaluma, Kathryn and Tom Newburn, and Susan Kirks. The minutes do not record the substance of their remarks, so the specific concerns or topics they raised are not captured here.

Petaluma Urban Forestry Management Plan — First Public Meeting

Ben Anderson delivered a presentation on the Urban Forestry Management Plan, marking what appears to be the first public meeting dedicated to this planning effort. All six committee members engaged with questions and comments directed at Anderson and Staff Liaison Chong. This plan, once developed, would guide the city's long-term management of its urban tree canopy. The minutes do not detail the specific content of the presentation or the questions raised, but the broad committee participation suggests active interest in the plan's direction. No action was taken; this was an informational and discussion item.

Approval of Minutes — April 17, 2024

The committee approved the minutes from its April 17, 2024 meeting without discussion.

Vote: Moved by Racusen, seconded by Cover. Approved 6–0 (the minutes note Bertuccelli as absent for this vote, though she appears on the roll call as present — this discrepancy is noted but not explained in the source document).

Street Tree Ad Hoc Committee Progress Update

No update was provided for this month. This item was deferred without discussion.

Communication and Outreach Ad Hoc Committee Progress Update

Committee Members Racusen and Obaid reported on recent Ad Hoc Committee meetings, sharing information and updates on the group's work. Committee Members Cover and Racusen offered additional comments. The minutes do not detail the specific outreach activities or decisions discussed.

Committee and Staff Comment

Chair Formby and Committee Members Cover, Racusen, and Obaid offered closing remarks during the committee comment period. Staff Liaison Chong also provided a staff comment. The substance of these remarks is not captured in the minutes. The meeting adjourned at 5:01 p.m.

Key Takeaways