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Stow City Urban Forestry Commission readies summer pop-ups, tools and giveaways; budget and custody of sharp tools discussed
Summary
Commissioners finalized dates and locations for summer 'pop up in the park' outreach events, reviewed donated and purchased tools and giveaways, and discussed modest equipment purchases and who will manage the tools during events.
The Stow City Urban Forestry Commission confirmed its schedule and equipment plans for this summer’s community outreach at the June 9 meeting, setting dates and locations for three pop-up events and reviewing donated tools and printed materials.
Commissioners confirmed the pop-up schedule: Tuesday, June 17 at Sherwood Acres Park; July 15 at Wetmore Park; and Aug. 12 at Oregon Trail Park. Each event is planned for roughly 6 to 7:30 p.m. Commission members assigned staffing for the June and July events and asked for volunteers for display preparation.
Members discussed donated and purchased tools intended for demonstrations. A local donor identified as Lepo donated pruning tools, which commissioners said retail at about $50 each, and the commission considered purchasing a hole saw. “We do have, a need, I believe, for a hole saw there that they would not donate. But we can buy one for $185… Lowe’s has the telescopic ones for $70,” one commissioner said. Commissioners discussed budget constraints from recent giveaway and tent purchases and said they would decide whether to buy higher-end tools for commission use or recommend lower-cost homeowner options.
Commissioners agreed to retain sharp demonstration tools in the commission’s possession during public events rather than letting the public handle them directly. “Since they’re sharp, is hold them in our possession, not let people just grab them,” a commissioner said, adding that staff or volunteers would demonstrate usage at a specific tree when needed.
Members reviewed new display items: a tent with the commission logo and a QR code on all four sides, magnetic clips, pens, decals and a backdrop designed to clip directly onto the tent. A commissioner said maintenance staff had produced a backdrop mount to simplify assembly. Commissioners also asked for volunteers to inventory display and brochure materials stored in the urban forestry office ahead of upcoming outreach events.
Other items noted at the meeting: a recent Tree City recognition delivery and a donated tree placed in front of the service department; a staff posting for an arborist candidate pool was underway with interviews ongoing; and the commission approved the minutes from its May 12 meeting by voice vote.
Ending: Commissioners asked members to reply to staffing requests for the pop-ups and to review the outreach materials ahead of the next meeting on July 14 at 3:30 p.m.
