MEETING MINUTES

Don Ruffner made a motion to accept the May 1st meeting minutes, Wayne Pope seconded the motion.

ITEM NO. 1 PUBLIC HEARING, REGARDING CANAL PLACE TREES

The committee heard from Ron Johnson first, he is the owner of The Second Story Gallery at 319 N. Main Street. Mr. Johnson would like to keep the tree that he has at the rear of his business, however he recognizes that it has out grown its area. Mr. Johnson asked if the tree would be removed he would like to have it replaced with a new tree, he appreciates the shade that it adds to the rear of his establishment.

The committee then heard from Dee Wills the owner operator of Susie's Big Dipper, of 323 N. Main Street. Ms. Wills was concerned with the trees effect on the sanitary conditions of her business, she uses the rear of her establishment as outside seating for her patrons and the birds cause a hindrance to clean conditions. Ms. Wills stated that 45% of her business uses her rear entry during the busiest time of the year. Ms. Wills is in favor of having the trees removed, and she isn't opposed to having new trees planted, with alternative plantings in the spaces provided.

Committee member Melissa Reed spoke for her mother who is the owner of the building at 323 N. Main Street and unable to attend the meeting because she resides in a nursing home. Mrs. Reed said that the tree that is behind the building has overgrown and is beyond its natural proportions and she was in favor to having it removed.

Mr. Graeser thanked those who attended the hearing and informed them that they would receive a letter of the outcome of the committee's decision regarding the trees.

The committee convened and then voted to remove the trees and replace them with new trees and also alternative plantings in the openings in the concrete spacing provided. The vote passed.

Wayne Pope suggested that the owners will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep for any and all plantings that are at rear of each establishment
This will be discussed further at the next meeting.

The committee assigned Melissa Randles to research possible trees and additional plantings for the rear of Canal Place and present her findings to the committee at he next meeting.

Alan Miller brought suggestion to the committee of possible grant money that may be available for the property owners that could help them improve the rear of their establishments and enhance appearance. Mr. Graeser said that he would check with Mr. Lutz in the Development office, to see if any grant money would be available.

ITEM NO. 2 SPRING PLANTING

Mr. Graeser thanked all the committee members for their help on the last successful tree planting. He said that he will refine some of the procedures to ensure a little better operation in the future.

ITEM NO. 3 FALL PLANTING

Mr. Graeser talked about having the fall planting along the 25A reconstruction area that will be completed by end July. The committee assigned Melissa Randles to research possible street trees in this area to present to the committee at the next meeting.

ITEM NO. 4 NICKLIN AVENUE

Members of the committee asked Mr. Graeser about the progress of the Request for Proposal for the boulevard at Nicklin Avenue. Mr. Graeser said that he expects to hear from only one of the three landscape architects to whom the proposal was sent, the other two graciously declined. He said he should have more to report by the next meeting.

Brad Boehringer motioned to adjourn the meeting, Judy Terry second the motion, meeting adjourned.

___________________________________
Melissa Randles, Chairman

Passed:_____________________________

Attest:_____________________________
Bob Graeser
Staff Secretary