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Shade Tree Advisory Committee seeks clarity on master tree plan and schedules Bain Park arboretum pitch to council
Summary
The Fairview Park Shade Tree Advisory Committee on March 13 urged clearer roles between the 2020 Knowles Report and a separate Master Tree Plan, agreed to compile questions for the city arborist, and scheduled an April 21 presentation to City Council about a Bain Park arboretum, with Parks and Recreation expressing support.
The Fairview Park Shade Tree Advisory Committee on March 13 discussed how Ordinance 150 defines the committee’s powers and requested clarity about how the 2020 Knowles Report relates to a separate Master Tree Plan prepared by Mike V. The committee agreed to increase community education and collaboration with the city service department and compiled specific questions for the city arborist.
Committee members developed a list of questions they will share with the arborist, including whether STAC can have read‑only access to Tree Tracker, how the two tree reports align, what STAC can do to assist the city arborist, whether STAC can help update the Knowles Report, STAC’s role for Arbor Day, opportunities to identify additional neighborhoods like Haber Drive, and Mike V.’s vision for the Bain Park Arboretum. Amy H. said she will share the questions with Mike V. before the next meeting.
The committee is also developing a formal proposal to establish an arboretum at Bain Park and has scheduled a presentation to City Council for April 21. Liz Westbrooks coordinated with Doug MacMillan on the presentation schedule. Kerry Kemp, Recreation Director, attended the meeting, expressed interest in supporting an arboretum for Bain Park and suggested the Parks and Recreation Commission would likely be receptive to a presentation following council consideration.
The committee noted an updated STAC Education and Communication Plan for 2025 is attached to the minutes and that Melissa S. has paid the annual Plant Soon subscription used for outreach. During the meeting members also recorded that they will seek further clarification from the city on the division of reporting responsibilities under Ordinance 150.
Votes at a glance: At the start of the meeting, John S. moved and Dawn W. seconded approval of the February 2024 meeting minutes as amended; the motion was recorded as approved.
The committee assigned follow‑ups including sharing the compiled questions with the arborist and preparing materials for the April 21 City Council presentation. The committee adjourned at 8:02 PM.
