MEMBERS ABSENT: Frank Patrizio

STAFF PRESENT: Bob Graeser

NEW BUSINESS

The Committee voted to move the day in which the Tree Committee will meet for future meetings. The vote was passed that the Committee will meet on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 P.M.

Bob Graeser discussed the achievements that the Tree Committee had for the year of 2007 according to the report that was submitted for the recertification for Tree City USA. At that time he also discussed the planting of additional trees at Rowan Park. The Committee was responsible for planting 91 trees within the City.

Don Ruffner read a letter from Greene Street United Methodist Church thanking the committee for their trees at the church as well as the trees at the parish.

The committee discussed Rosemary Howell and Jack Hepler term expiration. Rosemary said that she would like to remain on the committee. Jack said he was unsure because of different health issues. Wayne Pope suggested making Jack Hepler an honorary member and filling his position, so the Committee can use Jack as a consultant, and he will not me obligated to attend all the meetings if he should have other health issues. Jack was pleased with this position, and the vote was passed unanimously.

The committee made the decision that we want to invite all areas for the next and future plantings, but the focus area will be the Shawnee area.

Bob Graeser mentioned that the City would be having eleven Hazardous Trees removed before the end of the year. He also said that he would do a complete Hazard Tree Inventory for the remainder of the City in the month of January.  This promoted more discussion of proper tree trimming standards in which Bob mentioned he would like to have a meeting to reach a minimum tree cutting standards.

Don Ruffner asked about the tree in Hollow Park that is falling into the creek that runs through the park, he thought is was unsightly and asked to have it reviewed for hazard removal. Bob Graeser said he would look at it and check its condition.

Arbor Day for the City is scheduled for April 28th 2008 we talked about the different activities that the City has had in the past. Melissa Randles suggested to have children plant trees throughout the City and monitored by the Tree Committee.

The Committee assigned Melissa to further develop this so the City wouldn't be finding trees planted in unwanted areas.

Wayne Pope made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Rosemary Howell seconded the motion.

____________________________________
Wayne Pope, Vice Chairman

Passed:_____________________________

Attest:_____________________________
Bob Graeser
Staff Secretary