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DeLand appoints four to Tree Advisory Committee after record 13 applicants
Summary
On May 19 the City Commission appointed Howard Jeffries and Steve Edgar (reappointments), and new members Harry Delashmet and Kathy Hirsch to the Tree Advisory Committee. Commissioners discussed a 1990 resolution limiting members to two terms but opted to reappoint Edgar amid broad applicant interest.
The City of DeLand Commission on May 19 filled four seats on the Tree Advisory Committee from a field of 13 applicants, reappointing two experienced members and adding two new volunteers.
Commissioners reappointed Howard Jeffries to Seat 1 after staff noted he had served one term and remained eligible. The commission also reappointed Steve Edgar to Seat 2 despite a city resolution from 1990 that recommends a two-term limit; several commissioners said Edgar’s certified-arborist experience and long participation justified continued service. ‘‘I worked as the county forester… I’m a certified arborist and had many, many years of experience in putting the right tree in the right place,’’ Edgar told the commission.
Seat 3 was awarded to Harry Delashmet by ranked vote; Seat 4 went to Kathy Hirsch. Commissioners and staff emphasized the unusually large applicant pool; the clerk said the city received 13 applications for four seats. Several applicants who addressed the commission expressed general interest and local experience: Deborah Heater said she would “like to see DeLand spend some more time on the trees in our communities,” and Kathy Hirsch said she has “loved trees my entire life” and wanted to help preserve the canopy.
Commissioners discussed the 1990 resolution limiting membership to two terms; staff advised the resolution is a policy, not an ordinance, and the commission may choose to follow or change it. Vice Mayor Jessica Davis said the resolution is old and that staff had provided information about committee participation for commissioners to consider. Several commissioners noted the value of retained expertise while also welcoming new applicants.
The appointments were made by motion and ranking votes at the dais; the commission thanked all applicants and noted the record interest as a positive sign for community engagement.
