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Commission discusses private-tree ordinances and outreach with neighboring community groups; holds off on immediate city-council push
Summary
Euclid Shade Tree Commission members discussed private-tree concerns raised by residents, outreach to municipal tree boards, and a forthcoming Old Brooklyn meeting; commissioners recommended developing ordinance language and waiting until fall before bringing proposals to city council.
The Euclid Shade Tree Commission discussed private-tree preservation and a broader outreach effort with neighboring community groups but agreed not to ask residents to speak at the next Euclid City Council meeting in July.
Commissioner Jody (Euclid Shade Tree Commission) summarized recent citizen contacts and proposals to highlight tree preservation at council. She said one resident, Jillian Maule, had previously provided a letter and that others had raised concerns about trees being removed from private property. The commission discussed inviting residents to speak at City Council, but several commissioners urged caution.
Commissioner Tara (Euclid Shade Tree Commission) recommended developing draft ordinance language before presenting to council. She and others said bringing incomplete proposals to a council meeting could prompt fragmented debate; Commissioner Tara noted seasonal attendance tends to be lower in July and recommended waiting until September when public engagement typically increases. Commissioner Jody said she has been working on ordinance revisions and suggested more commission cohesion before approaching council.
The commission also reviewed municipal tree-board outreach. Commissioner Roy (Euclid Shade Tree Commission) said he emailed roughly 17–18 neighboring municipal tree boards and received five responses so far; respondents generally expressed willingness to join quarterly or semiannual Zoom meetings and an annual in-person gathering. Roy said Old Brooklyn Tree Stewards are hosting a meeting on June 25 at Lowe’s Park for Old Brooklyn, Slavic Village, West Park and other Cleveland green teams; he encouraged commissioners who can attend to register and offered to coordinate carpooling.
Commissioners raised a liability question about hands-on activities: Commissioner Tara asked whether volunteers or commissioners helping with planting or pruning under another community’s program would need liability insurance or waivers. Roy said the groups typically hire contractors for plantings and that he would ask Old Brooklyn and Slavic Village about their insurance practices and any waiver forms. The commission agreed to discuss ordinance language and liability questions further at the July 3 committee meeting and to target a fuller presentation to City Council in the fall rather than the July council agenda.
No formal motions or votes on ordinance language or outreach strategy were taken at the meeting.
