January 16, 2017 - Tree Board
Tree Board Committee
January 16, 2017
Members Present:
Mike Schwab, Mayor
Tom Hilliard, Council
Chuck Hawk, Council
Dale Fox, Council
Paul Mackey, Council
Village Officials Present:
Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer
Mike Miller, Village Administrator
Audience Members:
Ray Heitger
Meeting opened at 6:05 P.M.
Meeting opened by Council Member Mackey asking the Village Administrator to assess the status of the trees owned and maintained by the Village.
Mr. Miller responded with a thorough review of the status of the trees in the Village of Brewster along the streets, alleys, highways, and in the parks, and on other village properties. He stated that he has been responsible for the maintenance and care of city and village trees in the various locations he has worked for over 30 years. Mr. Miller explained that since he began his position with the Village he has had an opportunity to educate himself on the Village philosophy toward trees on Village property. He said he is comfortable with our current Ordinance (Chapter 91, Code of Ordinances) regarding trees but that the Village has been lax in its efforts regarding the Ordinance. He recommends that Brewster renew its efforts with Tree City USA and that we make a more concerted effort in our commitment to the tree situation in our Village.
He stated that he is comfortable with the current funding for trees in our budget and that the same amount be budgeted for fiscal 2017.
Mr. Miller made a point that we make every effort to diversify tree planting in the future so that we can avoid problems with diseases and blighted conditions such as Dutch Elm and the Emerald Ash borer that has decimated tree populations more recently.
He said that we will make every effort in the future to replant at least one tree for every tree that we remove as recommended in the Tree Ordinance.
Mr. Miller stated that planting the right tree in the right place is the key to having a successful tree policy.
The Committee thanked the Village Administrator for his feedback and his continuing efforts concerning Trees in the Village.
Meeting adjourned at 6:33 P.M.
Respectfully,