CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Chair Tina Gauthier called the meeting of the Urban Forestry Advisory Board to order at 12:10 PM, Tuesday, December 13, 2011. The following members answered roll call: John Damberger, Kim Stoltz and Tina Gauthier. Kelly Solberg and Secretary Tina Voise were absent. All present stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Damon Bunting arrived after the passing of the consent agenda.

VISITORS:

CONSENT AGENDA:

Vice-Chair Gauthier made a motion to approve the May 24, 2011 and October 12, 2011 UFAB minutes. Member Stoltz made the second motion. Motion passed 4-0.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Tree Booklet Committee Report

Vice-Chair Gauthier reported that the Tree Booklet is complete and currently at the Pioneer Press for print. 200 copies of the booklet will cost $2,337.00. A brief discussion was had regarding whether there was an alternate location to have the booklets printed.

Logo

No report on logo as Member Solberg is absent. Member Stoltz will contact Member Solberg. Other options were discussed to acquire a logo.

Signs

Chair Damberger will contact Mayor Embody to verify if the Montana Department of Transportation has gotten back with him regarding placement of the Tree City USA signs.

NEW BUSINESS:

Discuss Dave Jones Visit

On November 16, 2011 State Forester Dave Jones came and went on a ride around with Vice-chair Gauthier to help identify trees which had been chosen for the Tree Booklet and to advise what trees should not appear in the booklet.

Educational Material – Booth held at Parade of Lights

Vice-chair Gauthier reported that she took all the educational material, pamphlets and DVD’s that she had available and set up a booth at the Civic Center during the Parade of Lights. This completed the educational portion of the 2011 UF Program Development Grant.

2012 UF Program Development Grant

Vice-chair Gauthier informed the board that we received $500.00 for soaker hoses to be used at the Stanley Brown Memorial Dog Park and a palm pilot will be purchased to store the completed tree inventory. The City will also receive a software program to be used to track new trees as well as trees which have been removed. The DNRC will be performing the tree inventory in March or April 2012.

2012 Arbor Day Grant/Tree City USA

Vice-chair Gauthier applied for the Arbor Day/Tree City USA Grant. The City will receive $750.00 in January 2012. This money will be used for planting trees at the upcoming Community Garden. Any monies remaining will be used for trees at the Water Plant as well as to purchase the tree for the Arbor Day Celebration.

Volunteer Match Webinar

Vice-chair Gauthier attended a webinar regarding volunteer match. This pertains to people volunteering their talents to aid other organizations to complete their goals.

UCF Webinar

Vice-chair Gauthier informed the board that attendance of this webinar is required to receive the Tree City USA grant.

EPA Small Water Grant

Vice-chair Gauthier informed the board that this grant is worth up to $1.8 million dollars. She feels this grant may possibly be used for irrigation for the Dog Park. This grant could possibly help develop a water shed which could then be used to maintain the Dog Park. Attendance at an upcoming webinar is required in order to apply for this grant.

CORRESPONDENCE:

All emails pertaining to upcoming grants are forwarded to UFAB Secretary Voise via Vice-chair Gauthier.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business, Chair Damberger closed the meeting at 1:05 PM.