Forestation Board Meeting
Prospect Forestation Board Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2023, 2:00 pm
Present: Lee Tucci, Linda Knox, Connie Kuhn, Sylvia Quaye, Andrea Hanlon, John Carter, Ron Cundiff, Don Gibson, Chris Gorman
The minutes from the Feb.3rd meeting were approved. Minutes from January 10 will be reviewed at the next meeting.
The Mayor was unavailable. John Carter and Chris Gorman discussed requirements for utility companies doing work on public trees. Language could be added to the Ordinance but could be hard to enforce depending on franchise agreements. They were asked about pulling permits from builders who violated ordinances, and the response was no as there could be potential new liabilities. They did say that not issuing new permits to a contractor who is in violation could be done.
Andrea told the group that the oak tree at 5604 Timber Ridge has been removed. The failing Bradford Pears in the Landing remains a problem. Contacting the HOA has not been successful, but will continue to be pursued.
The last ash tree treatments were in 2020. She said that the trees may not merit treatment vs. other tree issues in the City. The continued decline in trees from the drought will not mostly likely recover from winter rain. Trees will need to be watched as they come out in the spring.
The canopy tree program has received 5 orders. An agreement was reached with the owners of 7402 Wycliffe to donate a tree for public land in place of a tree on their property due to a lack of a suitable location. There was a question about the canopy tree information being sent to HOA leaders. The notice was not sent, and it was requested that the notice be sent asap. Lee will send the addresses for the canopy trees to Andrea, and she will also look at locations for the donated tree.
An older case that appears to be unresolved is 6916 Wyndham, owners Albert & Jennifer Stobbe, where 3 maples were removed and no replanting has been done. The stumps are still visible. History will be reviewed on the situation.
Little Hunting Creek Park is nearing completion. Greenscapes has presented an updated plan to the Mayor. Shrubs were planted along 42 last fall. There were questions about the dogwoods in the plan as the area is not irrigated. Ron noted that water is available to the area using hoses. Andrea recommended planting 2-inch trees vs. 1 ½ inch trees. She also recommended the Venus cultivar for the Kousa Dogwoods and Emerald City for the Tulip Poplar. Linda Wardell said she would work with Greenscapes on Andrea’s suggestions and ask for maintenance to be included in the proposal.
Some potential tree issues to watch include: remove Japanese Maple in Fox Harbor entry median, and space for planting of the right entry wall at the Landings, There is also a fallen tree blocking one of the paths near the Fox Harbor entrance that should be checked.
Forestation will continue to work with Parks & Recreation to apply for an LG&E grant. Linda Wardell, Tina Bevin and Linda Knox have had a preliminary discussion. Andrea will look at public spaces and offer project ideas.
The next meeting will be on March 14 at 2 p.m. via Webex. However, a special meeting may be needed sooner to move Little Hunting Creek plantings forward.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:22 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Knox