III. Miscellaneous Items from the Public-none

IV. Business.

A. Update on the Stillwater Neighborwoods Program

Discussion

Carrie Tomlinson gave an update on the current situation with the Neighborwoods Program. She said that they had a total of 43 tree orders, and she was in the process of sending letters to the non-respondents to see if she could convince a few more people to receive free trees. The Board also discussed the letter that was received by the City Manager in response to placing flags throughout the neighborhood.

Outcome

The Board thought that the response letter sent by Carrie in response to the complaint received by the City Manager was appropriate and no further action should be taken in the matter. The Board also thought that the idea about sending one more letter to the non-respondent in the neighborhood was also a good idea.

B. Discuss the Airport Planting Plan (Mike Shores)

Discussion

Mike Shores presented the planting plan design for the Stillwater Airport. The Board discussed the plan and the watering situation at the Airport. They wanted to make sure water was available at each individual parking island. They also wanted to try to gain some financial support from the area businesses who use the airport and who would gain from its beautification. The Board recommended finding out about the water situation before proceeding with the planting plan for the airport.

Outcome

The Board decided to have Mike Shores create a presentation design of the Airport planting plan. A motion was made by Steve Hess to increase the total amount paid to Mr. Shores for the completion of the planting plan and presentation design to $300.00. Seconded by Bob Gaiko. Motion carried with all votes yes.

Discussion

The Tree Board has long had a web page as a goal in improving the exposure and effectiveness of our programs. Carrie has asked a friend of hers to consider making a web page for the Tree Board. The Board was asked to consider having Wendy Robinson do the web page for a discounted price. Wendy showed the Board a preliminary page that she created from Tree Board information that Carrie gave her, and discussed the options that the Board had available to them concerning web page construction. The Board expressed an interest in making the page interactive so the number of hits that the page received could be counted as well as being able to receive and respond to e-mail.

Outcome

Bob Bollinger motioned to have Wendy Robinson make a web page according to the specifications listed in the proposal presented by her for the amount of $350 with an initial payment of $175 being made now and $175 being paid after the completion of the page. Motion carried with all votes yes.

D. Discuss next year’s budget

Discussion

Carrie reviewed the material that was sent with the Tree Board’s meeting packet. The information included a list of accomplishments for the year, a list of future goals, and areas of initiative which focused on our Community Forestry Plan. Bob Gaiko mentioned an additional area of focus which should be added to the Tree Board’s initiative. Bob stressed that more stringent and regulated ordinances pertaining to subdivision and commercial construction should be added to the current ordinances to provide "teeth" to the matter of planting and maintaining suitable trees and landscaping. He said that the current ordinances do not address the lack of care and initiative that have plagued landscapes in new construction throughout Stillwater.

Outcome

The Board is asked to review the information in the packet and provide further suggestions to improve upon our workplan or budget. Our budget must be ready to approve by the February meeting so we must have a preliminary budget plan made before the next meeting. Suggestions and ideas should be directed toward Carrie so they can be put into the preliminary budget plan.

V. Miscellaneous Items from the Staff- none

VII. Adjournment-

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:50pm