Forestation Board Meeting
Prospect Forestation Board Virtual Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2022, 2:00 pm via Webex
Present: Mayor Evans, John Carter, Lee Tucci, Linda Knox, Connie Kuhn Sylvia Quaye, Herb Shulhafer, Don Gibson, Sarah O’Dell, Andrea Hanlon, Martin Williams
The November (revised) and December minutes were approved.
Andrea said that arrangements for the tree received from the League of Cities are in process. A Serviceberry will be planted on Sutherland Farm Road. She said that the City will need to call 811 before the planting can occur. John will handle the request.
She also mentioned an inquiry from Bridgepointe resident Jack Eluskey. He was suggesting the removal of trees on the entrance side to better show the rock formation. While the issue appears to be more aesthetic than functional, there is still a question of are the trees on City or HOA land. In either case, removal does not seem justified. On the exit side, he mentioned a dead tree as an issue. Andrea felt its location did not create a hazard, and action was really not needed. The same question applies to 4 white pine trees with dead branches that need pruning. Ron will be asked about ownership, and Sylvia will discuss it with the HOA.
Mayor Evans said Rescue Act Money was discussed at the prior evening's City Council meeting. The money can be used as needed. It will provide funding for the KIPDA advisory fees on the 42 Beautification Project.
He told the group that there were no updates on any of the LDG activities. He also talked about the Mayor’s discretionary fund, which is rarely used much. It may be of help to Forestation if needed, as Ron had previously reported that the Removal/Pruning budget for this year was exhausted.
Lee said the Tree City application was filed in December and has been approved by the Kentucky Urban Forester. It will be sent to the Foundation, with final approval and confirmation expected in March.
Connie represented Forestation at the City Council meeting. She said there were no issues or concerns with the report.
The discussion continued on how to best manage tree enforcement issues and the roles of those involved. Andrea noted that there have been 15 cases since July, and two have not been resolved. Many options and concerns were discussed, including a part-time person and the ability to find a qualified person for such limited work.
The group finally agreed to try the following enforcement process:
- Forestation submits removal request to Director of Public Works
- Public Works assigns a case number and passes on to Code Enforcement Officer
- Code Enforcement sends a violation notice letter to the owner
- Forestation to verify that removal or remediation has taken place by the 45 days allowed by ordinance
- If no action has been taken, Forestation will vote on the fine and notify Code Enforcement
- Code Enforcement to issue 2nd violation notice with a fine and ongoing requirement for removal or remediation.
- If the fine is paid without necessary action, the City may elect to take the tree down and send the bill to the owner. If the fine remains unpaid, the City earns the right to place a lien on the property.
Martin Williams of 7303 Fox Bluff Place joined the meeting to state that a large tree from Putney Pond had fallen onto his property, including his pool, and expects the City to remove the tree. The Mayor said he would look into the issue and get Public Works involved.
Herb reported that plans for Little Hunting Creek Park are moving forward. One of the memorial trees will need to be moved. There will also be one removal needed, but the tree is not in great condition. The addition of new trees is planned but has not been defined yet and considerations for location conditions, sound control, and aesthetics are needed. He will send a new drawing to the group to discuss at the next meeting.
The Tree Canopy for spring relaunch is being addressed. Connie will do a small “teaser” article to be used on the next newsletter or an email blast. Andrea will review the fall planting list to verify suitability for spring planting and availability. Lee asked about the request to review broader planting options vs. ROW only planting. The Mayor said he did not have the letter so the matter had not been reviewed by the City Attorney. The letter will be resent.
Problem trees were next addressed. Andrea pointed out that there was a 3rd dead maple at the corner of Hunting Creek Drive and Riding Ridge that should be removed. There is also a large oak tree on Sutherland Farm Road belonging to Wallace Farm that is a hazard. It will be needed to be determined if the land is within the City limits. There was also a report of a problem Elm in the new Breakers development impacting Innisbrook that should be addressed.
The board voted a fine of $500 per tree for the owner on Windham Parkway who has failed to take action for 3 trees. Lee will draft the letter and Rick will send the notice.
Don Gibson shared that the Ash tree removal at Smithfield Green had been completed.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:15
The next meeting will be on February 8th.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Knox