Horticulture and Forestry Advisory Board Minutes 2007 04 05

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Horticultural & Forestry Advisory Board Minutes DATE Page 2 of 3 when topics relevant to their job area are raised making our time and efforts more effective and, hopefully, facilitate more positive changes. Arbor Day/Seven-in-Seven Tree Planting - Chris estimates that we will have 25- 50 volunteers for the tree plantings, though it could be as many as 65. He is trying to assign people to plant trees near where they live. Specific dates during that week of April 21-2Sth have not yet been set. Chris asked the HFAB members to email him their availability for that week by next Tuesday, April 1 0, so that he can finalize the schedule. Chris is planning on planting about 100 trees, they are being purchased from Little Valley, Boxelder Creek and Lefthand Nurseries. Chris will locate underground lines in all the designated areas prior to that week. Chris is planning on pre-digging some of the planting holes with a backhoe as well. Landscape Contract Update - Contract was awarded to CoCa I (they were the low bidder). Tim brought up a concern regarding the spraying of herbicides by CoCa I recently. He received a phone call from a very concerned resident about spraying (she witnessed) that we being done in the medians near Monarch K-S during recess time when children were outside, and in her opinion, exposed to the drift. Tim expressed concern about the potential dangers associated with the particular chemical that was being applied as well as the cost to the City of widespread spraying versus spot spraying. A discussion ensued regarding the use of chemicals at all and how pre-emergents actually work and how important the timing of application is. The question came up regarding HFAB's review of the Landscape Maintenance Contract specifications last winter; specifically, the issues we raised with Scott Robson regarding the use of chemicals (herbicides and pesticides) by landscape contractors and the City staff. It was our desire that the issue be carefully reviewed by appropriate City staff members. We requested that where ever possible their use be cut back and/or eliminated. We asked that it be appropriately addressed in the contract. The question was asked as to who can actually change policies such as this within the City. HFAB has tried to facilitate changing this policy of chemical use through the landscape maintenance contract review process, but it seems that nothing has changed. The question was raised as to how to go about changing this policy, a discussion ensued. Some of the ideas were: writing a letter to the editor of our local paper as individual citizens regarding our concerns over use of herbicides and to bring public awareness up; Matt suggested that HFAB send a letter to the City staff reiterating our position on broadcast spraying of chemicals; Fred suggested that HFAB's discussion on this topic be ongoing so as to more thoroughly educate ourselves; Mike feels we should have some specific chemicals and/or products to recommend replacing what is presently being used. Mike will call Scott Robson and request a copy of the chemicals that the City and CoCa I are planning on using so we can review them (as a footnote; Theresa asked Scott for this same list when HFAB was in the review process of the maintenance contract this past winter and it was not received). Fred suggested inviting Rob Teetzel and Scott Robson to HFAB meetings so we can discuss these issues with them in person,