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Tree Board agrees to buy Japanese/Bloodgood maples, schedules special on-site meeting to set planting sites
Summary
At its June 4 meeting, the DeFuniak Springs Tree Board agreed to use existing donations to buy two 15‑gallon Japanese/Bloodgood maples, directed public works to meet a landowner to finalize planting locations, and scheduled a special on-site meeting to decide sites and uplighting before summer heat.
The DeFuniak Springs Tree Board on June 4 agreed to move forward with buying two 15‑gallon Japanese/Bloodgood maple trees using donations the board has received and to hold a special, on-site meeting to finalize planting locations.
Summer Adams (a board member who identified herself at the meeting) said she had obtained vendor quotes for 15‑gallon Japanese and Bloodgood maples and noted prior quotes for smaller 3‑gallon trees. Board members discussed ordinance requirements that emphasize trunk caliper (diameter) more than container gallonage. Members cited donations totaling $700 (the minutes referenced a $300 Rotary donation), and said the likely purchase would exceed the earlier approval by only a small amount.
"Just going $30 over what we approved before wouldn't really be a huge deal," Summer Adams said during the discussion.
Board members compared vendor pricing. A vendor quote in the meeting was read as “$2.16 30” per 15‑gallon tree in the transcript; members also reported finding 15‑gallon Bloodgood maples at a local retailer for $145. Board members agreed they did not want to purchase trees until locations were finalized.
To resolve that, Summer Adams moved—and a colleague seconded—that the director of public works meet on site with Mr. Goodchild to select planting locations and relay the decision to staff for the council presentation. The motion carried by voice vote. Staff said final approval and any permanent lighting work would need council review before purchases or installation.
The board asked staff to arrange a special meeting the week of June 9 (options discussed included June 9 or 10 after mid‑afternoon) at Shepherd Park to set tree locations and to add the planting and lighting items to that agenda. The regular July meeting was tentatively moved to July 16 at 5:00 p.m. so the board can present mapped placements and cost details to the City Council if needed.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with the director of public works and Mr. Goodchild to pick planting sites, circulate photos and a site map to board members, and prepare an itemized cost presentation for council. The board emphasized doing the planting before the hottest weather if feasible.
