MEMBERS ABSENT: Wayne Pope

STAFF PRESENT: Bob Graeser

MEETING MINUTES

Don Ruffner made a motion to approve the December 7, 2007 meeting minutes as submitted and Jack Hepler seconded the motion.

NEW BUSINESS

The meeting began with a short discussion on the Hazard Trees that were removed at the end of the year in 2007. Bob Graeser talked about the trees that were removed and the current budget. The committee also talked about the tree in Hollow Park, Melissa Randles was going to look at it and report to the committee at the next meeting.

There was a discussion on proper care of trees within the city, such as staking and mulching. The committee would like to have a unified procedure in the future that the city would adopt and maintain. Bob Graeser said that he would talk to the Parks Department and try to come up with common and universal regulations.

ITEM NO.1 Arbor Day

The committee discussed the different options for the Arbor Day ceremony. The committee would like to have a tree planting at one of the elementary schools within the district. The committee will do some research and assign the appropriate school based on their space available. The committee would like to plant more than one tree, to give a greater effect. The committee would also have an essay contest for students to create interest and awards would be given at each level.

ITEM NO.2 PLANTINGS FOR THIS YEAR

Bob Graeser told the committee that the County Road 25A project is to be completed by September of 2008, which would be in time for the fall planting. This would be a nice place to have a mass planting down the entire street after the project is complete. The spring planting will be in the Shawnee area and we will see how many people request trees before we take more locations for the spring planting.

There will be other projects within the city that the tree committee will be involved in 2008.

Don Ruffner motioned to adjourn the meeting and Rosemary Howell seconded the motion.

____________________________________
Wayne Pope, Vice Chairman

Passed:_____________________________

Attest:_____________________________
Bob Graeser
Staff Secretary