April 11, 2012

Maumelle Tree Board
Minutes
April 11, 2012

The Maumelle Tree Board met Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at 6:00 p.m., second floor conference room of the Maumelle Community Center. Present were Bilenda Harris-Ritter, Chairman; Maxine (Maggie) Elvey, Secretary; Genoveva Gilbert; Jerri Shertzer; and Donna Meeks, Vice Chairman/ Treasurer. Also present was ex officio member Phillip Raborn, Maumelle Department of Parks and Recreation.

Ms. Harris-Ritter called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Members reviewed the minutes of the March 14, 2012 meeting. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Ms. Meeks and seconded by Ms. Shertzer, and approved as submitted. The motion carried.

Ms. Meeks gave the Treasurer’s report, it was reported that the balance remains at $646.81.

Old Business

Update on Boulevard Trees/Bemis Replacement: Ms. Meeks spoke with Donna Bemis regarding replacement of dead trees on the Boulevard. Ms. Meeks voiced concern about planting trees this time of year with the possibility of a hot summer ahead. Ms. Bemis agreed to wait until fall 2012 to plant. There are three shumard oak and two maple trees that need to be replaced. Ms. Harris-Ritter noted that a member of the Tree Board must call Ms. Bemis in late summer to schedule planting in the fall. This duty will fall to members of the next Tree Board since terms will end for Ms. Harris-Ritter, Ms. Meeks, and Ms. Elvey at the end of June 2012.

Relay for Life Saplings: Members of the Tree Board voted at the March 14, 2012 meeting to provide saplings to the Relay for Life (members indicated they would personally donate the saplings to survivors who participate in Relay for Life). Ms. Harris-Ritter said the state forestry has bare-roots saplings available for purchase; she looked at her yard with all of the red oaks left from previous plantings that can be used – there are at least 60. They are small but perfect for planting in yards. Ms. Harris-Ritter visited White Wagon Farm and they sold her one gallon containers for twenty-five cent each and she has 40. She will check with JaNan Davis, city attorney and Chair of Relay for Life, to ascertain amount of saplings that will be needed. Volunteer saplings from her red oak can be dug up and transplanted into the containers and distributed to survivors at the May 18-19, 2012 Relay for Life. Tree Board members were encouraged to attend Relay for Life and hand the saplings out to survivors. Ms. Meeks will help with planting. Will update Tree Board members at next meeting when more details are available.

Potential Educational Events/Projects: Ms. Shertzer did not talk with anyone yet; however, she will contact the science teacher. Ms. Gilbert said the school will schedule a welcome speaker; perhaps Steve Burgess and Smokey Bear. All members agreed these representatives would be good. Ms. Gilbert will contact Mr. Burgess and arrange a meeting with school.

Arbor Day 2012 – Theme/Date/Chair: Arbor Day is scheduled for October 20, 2012. Nothing more has been done yet; no chair has been named.

Turn In Volunteer Hours Sheets: All volunteer hours sheets have been turned into

Ms. Harris-Ritter

Maumelle Tree Board Minutes April 11, 2012

New Business

Expiring Terms/Appointment Process Discussion: Ms. Harris-Ritter will contact the Mayor regarding the terms of three Tree Board members expiring.

Public Works Tree Board Report: The Tree Board now has a quarterly report prepared by Public Works that details trees removed and where and which trees were pruned (some dead and some diseased). Unsure if tree on Odom that the car hit will be replaced. This report is a result of Ms. Shertzer’s hard work and communication with Public Works for information needed for recertification of Tree City USA.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 6:00 p.m., second floor conference room at the Community Center.

Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

SUBMITTED BY:

_________/s/______________
MAXINE K. (MAGGIE) ELVEY,
Secretary