Euclid Shade Tree Commission hears planning updates, budget submission and Arbor Day plans

Linda provided a Planning & Zoning and urban-forest update early in the meeting, saying projects are slowing for winter but that "all plantings will occur in the spring" at Hero Park, Upland Sims, Russell Avenue Park and Lakeshore Boulevard. She said Davie Resource Group projects will continue into the new year, that young-tree training is slated to finish this week and that high-risk pruning and removals at 22 sites are scheduled after the new year.

Linda also reported that "the Euclid Shade Tree budget did get submitted to Director Patrick Grogan Myers" and urged commissioners to be ready to support budget presentations at City Council meetings in January or February when schedules are set. She said Director Grogan Myers will keep the commission informed about the timing of council budget hearings.

Committee updates focused on outreach and Arbor Day planning: commissioners and committee members said they plan to return Arbor Day to a spring community planting with schools and clubs involved, and that they will work on a protection plan for disc-golf pathways and the forest surrounding them in Sims Park as part of the Sims Park reimagined process. A committee meeting was scheduled for Jan. 9 and the next commission meeting was set for Jan. 16 at 6 p.m.

Treasurer Linda reported the commission account balance as of Dec. 19, 2024 was $2,976.60; the only change since the last report was a $56.65 reimbursement to Charlene Joyce for Arbor Day-related expenses.

Next steps: Committees will continue planning for Arbor Day and outreach; the commission plans to participate in urban-forest comprehensive-plan outreach early next year and to support budget presentations at council when requested.