Board hears tree-planting progress, Wentz Street update and Memorial Day operations

Staff gave a multi-part operations update: they reviewed recent tree plantings connected to a neighborhood project around South Wentz Street (four trees planted Sept. 23 in the pocket park and five later in October), and said two additional trees remain to be planted at specified intersections once construction and heat windows allow. A staff member noted the city is coordinating volunteers and internal crews and prefers fall plantings for larger trees to improve survivability.

On operations, Jeremy (identified in the meeting) summarized preparations for Memorial Day: crews devoted extra hours to mowing, weed-eating and cemetery preparation, splash pads had been checked and will be turned on for the holiday, and staff are coordinating cross-department support to cover broad grounds work. Jeremy said staff are also monitoring lake algae; the water superintendent reports occasional algae growth in Guthrie Lake and larger blooms historically in Liberty Lake, and staff use a treatment product (EarthTech) as needed. At the time of the meeting, staff reported no conditions that required closing the lakes.

The board thanked donors and community partners (Mitchell Shade, Neighborhood Solutions) for tree donations and discussed a goal of planting 30 trees next year; members also discussed a citizen offer to donate a specimen tree (discussed as a ‘‘catawba’’-type) and asked staff to accept it and hold it until a suitable planting location is identified.

Board members asked staff to maintain a steady stream of updates on planting schedules and to return with a list of near-term planting sites and budget implications for fall plantings.