City Forester Phil gave the Tree Board a detailed progress update on the federal grant-funded inventory, removals and the 500-tree planting program during the Oct. 1 meeting.

Phil said the removal contractor failed to begin work on the originally scheduled week and the city set a new start date for "Monday the sixth." He told the board the removals encompass about 350 trees identified as high risk in the previous inventory: "This is the removal of 350 trees, that were deemed to be, high risk trees in the CJ zone, as identified in the on the inventory last year." Phil said he had pressed the contractor on communications and emphasized the need to meet the project schedule, which has a contract deadline of Nov. 30.

On planting, Phil said site marking would begin immediately and that crews must paint parkway circles and curbs so the contractor can call 811 for utility locates. He described a plan to mark up to 500 planting spots and said locates are valid for a short period (the contractor expects 48 business hours to locate, creating a window for an early-October start), but that hot, dry weather and the need for adequate soil moisture could push the actual dig dates later. "It by law ... they have 48 hours to mark those ... which would then create opportunity for them to start no earlier than, October 13," he said, and cautioned that the contractor may not be able to dig until conditions improve.

Phil identified Dogwood Hills Tree Farm as the planting contractor and said planting completion is expected by Nov. 30 under contract; he noted the contractor gave itself a multi-week window to allow for complications. He said the planting list was revised to increase native species from roughly the mid-50s percent to about 74.4% native, and that additional community-tree plantings and school projects would push the native share over 75%.

Other logistics outlined by staff and board members:
- The contractor will request 811 locates after the sites are marked; some marked sites may be unplantable after locating.
- A separate RFP for watering 500 trees is out and bids are due at the end of the month; the watering contractor will be responsible for ongoing maintenance after planting.
- The federal grant requires reporting and invoicing; board members asked whether a partial federal government shutdown could affect reimbursements. Phil said he would check with city staff and grant administrator Drew.
- Outreach: a press release had been drafted and submitted to city staff; the board discussed distribution to local media and the Beacher and agreed to wait for the finalized forester's report. The mayor had requested a press release.
- Seedling/giveaway: Betsy reported DNR seedling orders for an April giveaway total about 440 trees (100 redbud, 100 black gum, 100 bald cypress as a substitute for northern white cedar, and a wildlife packet of 140 mixed species).
- Volunteers and school plantings: Board members have scheduled school planting dates (two so far) and asked for members to volunteer to help plant and water; schools agreed to water the trees they receive.

Phil said the city will perform post-planting inspections and lists of remediation items will be compiled before final contractor payments. He also reported ongoing efforts to replace Japanese tree lilacs with other species after the city decided not to plant them under this grant.

No formal votes were taken on the removal or planting items at the Oct. 1 meeting. Board members approved routine minutes and financial reports earlier in the session.