5-22-07

Members present:  June Hutson, Roger Vonder Bruegge, Susan Renard, Jenny O’Toole,

 Paul Loida, and Bill Ruppert was excused.

Meeting was called to order at 7:17 pm.

Citizen Comments:  Al Hopfl and Jerry Biedenstein were present.  Jerry Biedenstein had 2 questions.  He asked about the status of the tree ordinance and how to get a copy of the draft. Then he asked; how is the Landscape Manual being derived and how can it be viewed? Ken Yost had put a lot of it together, so it has been passed on to Ken for review.  We don’t want to change what is already on the books.  Our Tree Manual is no longer called the Tree Landscape Manual.  It just relates to trees alone and we cut out the landscape part.  The original was from St. Peters.  Roger Vonder Bruegge said we are now calling it the Tree Manual.  The tree manual was sent to Ken had to do with public trees and no private trees are included. 

June Hutson said we need to get back with Ken Yost. We are waiting for his response. 

I.                    Minutes:  The minutes of 4-24-07 were approved with changes as noted.

    II.        Communications

A.     June Hutson asked if we want to participate in the Greentree festival this year.  We need to improve or upgrade our booth. We need a new stock of flyers.  Susan Renard asked if the Mo. Department of Conservation gives out the same information. June Hutson said yes, but we need to participate.  Paul Loida said let’s do it   June thanked Roger Vonder Bruegge for finding our banner. 

B.     June Hutson then asked about the commission participating in the Greentree Parade.  The theme is Celebration of Heroes.  June asked if anyone had any ideas for the float.  Paul explained that we populate the float with 3^rd graders and it is called the Tree Keeper float.  June said she would send it in to sign up the commission.  Greentree is September 14, 15, 16.  The parade is Saturday, September 15. 

    III.       Council Liaison Report: 

                      Joe Godi asked when we sent the tree ordinance draft to Ken.  June Hutson said it was e-mailed to him.  Joe Godi asked if the county had a tree ordinance.  Jerry Biedenstein responded no.  The county has tried it 2 times but it hasn’t passed.  He mentioned a wide use of Webster’s code.  Roger Vonder Bruegge said Bill (Ruppert) and I have read Webster’s and it has flaws.  Our draft is better.  We haven’t gotten this through to Planning and Zoning. 

                      Joe Godi said the Lion’s Club donated  $100.00 to  Junior Treekeepers.

IV.                  Junior Treekeepers:

Paul Loida said a total of 3 different schools had 10 classes.  He said some classroom teachers feel a push back from Administration in allowing the program.  Last year at Tillman there was hesitation to continue the program.  If teachers want it bad enough, the principals will allow it.   1300 students have participated in the program.  It costs about $700 to set up every Fall.

                  We usually get our trees from Forest Releaf for planting.  (1 tree per school)  Forest Releaf didn’t have anything, so the students at St. Peters raised $60.00 to help pay for a Linden 2” caliper to be planted at Friday’s treekeeper graduation.  The treekeeper fund helped to pay the balance.

                  Next fall, St. Peters, Tillman and North Glendale elementary schools have committed to participate in the program. 

                  We were able to train a couple of new teachers this year including Master gardeners which turned out great. 

V.                     Commission Items:

A.     June Hutson said the draft of the Tree Ordinance will be reviewed by Ken Yost. 

B.     Election of Officers.

June Hutson contacted Mayor Swoboda to let him know she would be resigning from her post at the Urban Forestry Commission. 

Judy Wickersham’s term is up as Secretary and her term as a commission member is up in June 2008.  Election of new officers will be at the next meeting. 

VI.                   Other Business

A.      America in Bloom Judges are due to arrive in a couple of weeks.  UFC

needs a representative to speak to the judges.  June Hutson asked if anyone would like to volunteer.  Roger VonderBruegge recommended that June should be the spokesperson.  She said she would do it.

B.     Festival of Food and Flowers

June Hutson said this years festival went well, however we need more participation from Commission members if we feel we should particapte.

                     June Hutson said Bill Ruppert is interested in finding areas that have gotten dressed up for America in Bloom.

                     June Hutson invited Joe Godi to our next meeting. 

                     Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. 

The City is interested in effective communication for all people. Upon request, these minutes can be made available in an alternate format, such as audio tape, by calling 314-822-5894.