Horticulture and Forestry Advisory Board Minutes 2009 02 05

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Horticultural & Forestry Advisory Board Minutes February 5, 2009 Page 2 of 3 Open Government and Ethics Pamphlet was distributed to all members. Election of 2009 HFAB officers - Mike Frontczak was re-elected as Chair, and Ellen Toon as Secretary. Motion made by Theresa, seconded by Vickie, and passed by unanimous vote. Discussion followed regarding recruiting new members; suggestion made to post vacancies on the City's website. Arbor Day- April 18, 2009 - Plans include tree planting at the Arboretum, as well as a celebration in conjunction with Earth Day activities. Chris will work with Ember Brignull to publicize events in the Louisville Times. Other suggested activities include a silent auction of trees from Cherry Creek Tree Farm (Mike offered to pick up trees at the farm); a picnic at the Arboretum; and a youth group tree planting at the Rec Center directed by Chris. A tree planting was also suggested for Louisville Middle School, at a later date when construction is finished. City Council Study Session - Feb. 24, 2009 - Study session with OSAB (time tba) will be approximately 20 minutes. HFAB will recap 2008 accomplishments, including establishment of 501 c(3) and completion of IPM resolution; and plans for 2009, including tree protection policy and Arboretum improvements. Tree Protection Ordinance - Vickie will work on gathering information and wording from other cities' ordinances and pass along to Chris. Discussion of contents: Emphasis should be placed on protecting valuable trees in construction areas, including those in common areas, on property lines, and on adjacent properties. Joe suggested that the focus should initially be on providing guidelines to promote public awareness and voluntary compliance, then establish an ordinance later, if necessary. Recommendation to adopt the City Integrated Weed Management Plan - HFAB approved endorsement as written by Mike. Arboretum - Arboretum budget for 2009 is $15,000. Chris stated that irrigation improvement is the most critical need, and he would like install drip irrigation instead of broadcast sprinklers. In order to operate timers for a new drip system, electricity to the site must be installed first. Chris will check on cost to install electrical line. Tree identification signs will be paid for out of 2009 Arboretum budget. HFAB members will help with installation. Replanting portions of the Xeric Garden will depend on amount allocated from the budget. A maintenance person has been hired. Website development - Redesign of City website is in progress.