Forestation Board Meeting
Prospect Forestation Board Virtual Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2022, 2:00 pm via Webex
Present: Lee Tucci, Linda Knox, Connie Kuhn, Sylvia Quaye, Herb Schulhafer, Andrea Hanlon, John Carter, Ron Cundiff, Linda Wardell
The minutes from the October 11th meeting were approved with an amendment to include a problem Spruce tree on Chestnut Hill Drive in addition to the Spruce at the Hunting Creek Estates entrance at Covered Bridge Road.
The Mayor was not available for an update.
Lee reviewed the status of the tree maintenance budget, $20,000 for FY22-23, which currently has a balance of $1295. Two major removals ($13,100) have had major impact on the budget. Three watering services for newer trees ($2,025) were also a necessity due to the drought. The drought may also lead to further tree losses. Other expenses include: mulching - $1655 and Greenscapes tree work - $1925. It was agreed that a request for additional funds will be made to the new council
Andrea said that two trees have been ordered – the Wardell memorial Maple for Putney Pond and the Chinese Elm for Cowley Park. Planting will most likely be in late November or early December.
She advised the group that LG&E has completed the removals at Little Hunting Creek Park. She also pointed out that the Foster Holly at the Hunting Creek exit appears to be doing poorly, most likely from the drought. The Redbud in the area is doing better.
The vines and trees at the corner of Fox Harbor and Gun Powder have been reviewed. There does not seem to be a Forestation ordinance that applies, but it may be covered by a different part of the City Code. We need to get the property address and the name of the owner.
Arborfest was discussed. The group felt it was successful overall, but felt we should address signage, have a flyer at City Hall and perhaps ask local businesses to post information. The 45 quantity will be retained with a plan to provide tree guards. Sylvia asked for a list of Bridgepointe residents who received Sweet Bay Magnolia trees as there was not an information sheet available (were not advised of changes in species by the nursery. Linda said she would get the information to Sylvia, and Connie will send her the reference sheet.
The Landings have been contacted twice concerning the Bradford Pears, but there has been no response.
A letter approving removal at 5604 Timber Ridge has been sent.
A letter concerning the unauthorized tree removal at 7402 Wycliffe will be sent, including an invitation for the owners to discuss the matter at the December Forestation Meeting.
The group is committed to moving forward with a spring canopy program. Andrea will review the original tree list for availability and whether there might be other species better suited for spring planting. The agreement will be updated with the new tree list and the option to plant in a wider range of a yard (same restrictions concerning utilities, etc.). The planting fee may be increased for backyard planting sites.
Forestation will work with Parks and Recreation on an LG&E Tree Planting grant. Possible projects other than the Orange Trail were discussed. Ron was asked for suggestions for other public lands that might be candidates for a planting project.
The Tree City application is due at the end of December. All board members are asked to get their volunteer hours to Lee asap. The group will work on the application at the December meeting.
The next meeting will be on December 13 at 2 p.m. via Webex.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Linda Knox