Poulsbo Tree Board votes to recommend replacing 2012 resolution, expand membership to nine

The Poulsbo Tree Board voted on a motion to recommend an updated version of Resolution 2012-11 to Poulsbo City Council that would increase the board’s voting membership from seven to nine and set a regular meeting time of 5:30 p.m. Committee member (S4) moved the recommendation and Committee member (S6) seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote of members present.

Board members said the change aims to widen the pool of expertise and community representation. Chair (S1) summarized the substantive edits as requiring “at least five” voting members to be residents of Poulsbo and adding expertise categories such as landscape architecture and design. Committee members discussed quorum implications: the ordinance would change the quorum threshold proportionally so that a majority of sitting members constitutes a quorum once seats are filled.

Supporters said expanding membership will help the board sustain event staffing, outreach and policy work as several legacy members recently resigned. Committee member (S3) said the increase would allow a broader mix of skills for education, planting and grant work. Staff clarified timing: the board will forward the recommendation to council this fall, with staff handling needed ordinance or resolution routing as part of the city’s budget and legislative calendar.

The board’s action is advisory; final adoption would be the City Council’s decision. Staff indicated they expect to present the recommendation to council during the fall cycle; no specific council date was set at the meeting.