May 11, 2011

Maumelle Tree Board
Minutes
May 11, 2011

The Maumelle Tree Board met Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. at the Maumelle Community Center.  Present were Dave Wahlfeld, Donna Meeks, and Karen Holliday.

Dave called the meeting to order.  A motion was made by Dave and seconded by Karen to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2011 board meeting.  The motion carried. 

Donna gave the Treasurer’s report.  The current balance is $246.81, which includes a $2 service charge.  A motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report was made by Dave and seconded by Karen.  The motion carried.

Wayne McPhearson called Dave on April 22 about dead trees at Arbor Apartments and Millwood Landing.  Dave went to both sites and found at least twenty (20) dead trees, some of which were quite large and leaning over the apartments.  At the Millwood Landing apartments, they told Dave it is the city’s responsibility to remove the trees.  Dave checked with the City.  Jim Morley responded to the e-mail Dave sent to the Mayor’s office.  Mr. Morley quoted a section of the City Code that seems to idicate that the Tree Board is to write a letter to the property owner notifying them it is the property owner’s responsibility to remove any hazardous trees.  The Tree Board members decided the format of the letter should be established by the City and reviewed by the City Attorney.  It should be a form letter that can be used in similar situations because Dave is seeing a lot of dead trees around town on private property.

Dave and Karen go off the board at the end of June.  Dave will remind the Mayor that replacements need to be found as soon as possible.  If it is not possible to fill the positions, it was suggested the responsibilities of the Tree Board might be put under Phillip Rayborn’s division.  That also might allow the city to hire Pete Rausch as paid consultant for any tree issues.

Dave said the oak tree the Tree Board planted at the November 2011 Arbor Day is looking healthy.  This is the tree that was planted at the tennis courts next to the library.

Karen said she would contact Phillip Rayborn to see if he has space at his office to store Tree Board materials.  The Board feels the boulevard banners, equipment, educational brochures and display holders, etc. should be stored in central location rather than at a board member’s home.

The next board meeting will be the second Wednesday of June, on June 22nd at 6:00 p.m. at the Maumelle Community Center.

There being no further business, Dave adjourned the meeting at 7:15p.m.