Meeting Called to discuss tree planting plans for the park.
Nomination Committee met subsequently to nominate slate to run for Board.
At Home of Susi Tom
Board Members Present: Susie Carney, David Bangs, Mark Southern, Shelly Birkwood, Susi Tom
Board Members Absent: Kendra Mills, Mike Quaranta, Doug McDaniel.
Meeting called to order by Susie Carney
Minutes: David Bangs read the minutes for October 16, 2002, and they were approved as read and corrected.
Tree Planting Committee
Susi Tom reported that the tree planting committee had obtained additional bids since the October 16 board meeting.
Big Trees, in Snohomish, can provide 4" Autumn Blaze trees, which are close to 25' tall, for $450 each. These trees would eventually grow to about 40' high, and have a canopy 30' in diameter. They are green in the summer, but become a brilliant red color in the fall. They have non-invasive roots that go down deep. Leaves are small and fall once a year. They are disease resistant and come with a 1 year warrantee if watered properly.
Susie Carney reported that such trees should be watered for the first year or two with an occasional thorough drenching that allows the water to penetrate deep into the soil and encourage deep roots. The Toms are willing to do the proper watering, but would like to be reimbursed for the water expense.
The committee is recommending we purchase two of these trees right away. The two trees would be placed at 30' spacing at the location where the two cottonwoods were recently removed.
Delivery is $150 and installation is half of the price of each tree. So the total cost to purchase and install these two trees is $1500 plus tax, or $1629.
There is also a new bid for smaller 2.5" red sunset maples that would initially be 12 feet high. The price for two of these would be approximately $650 plus tax.
Mark asked what design considerations the committee had considered. Susi Tom reported the committee wants deciduous trees with bright fall colors that would grow tall, but not so tall as to endanger nearby homes. For locations which are not near homes, they are considering trees which would eventually grow taller. The committee wants the trees to be initially large because, though younger trees would grow large eventually, we live here now. Surrounding homeowners (Toms and Shanamans) do not object to deciduous trees, and would prefer such trees for beauty and shade.
David asked about a master plan for the park. Susie Carney reported that the plan is to directly replace any removed cottonwoods with more appropriate trees, and to improve landscaping in various areas such as at the S.E. 44th entry to the park. There is no current plan to have a new master planting plan created for the park, because the park consists of mature trees, and there are only a few problem areas.
Mark Moved, and Shelly seconded that we authorize the Tree Committee to purchase and install two 4" Autumn Blaze trees, and that we agree to reimburse the Toms for reasonably calculated additional water expenses. Pass unanimously.
Before these trees are planted, we need to have the remaining debris from the cottonwoods clear, and the land leveled. Mark Southern has already removed a couple of truckloads of debris with his truck (Thanks Mark!).
We don't have a bid for the remaining work, though Kendra may have one. We want to move forward though, because the available large trees for this winter may soon be spoken for.
Shelly moved, and Susi seconded that the tree planting committee be authorized to spend up to $1000 to clean up the site from the removal of the cottonwoods prior to replanting.
Due to Mark's efforts, it shouldn't cost this much, and Mark is willing to help some more if the bid is high and volunteer effort can help reduce it. Susi will follow up with him.
As discussed in earlier minutes, Susie Carney has been researching other landscaping plans, including planting primadalis along the McDaniel fence line, moving a rhodie there across the path to where it would fill a void, and introducing some drought tolerant plants consistent with those which are going to be used at the S.E. 44th planting strip. Some changes also need to be made along the path to Sammamish Beach Club to allow the path there to be widened. David and Mark suggested that this work should be added to the budget proposal for 2003, and considered by the incoming Board.
Board Adjourned.
Nominating Committee
Following the Board meeting, the nominating committee met with Susie Carney, David Bangs, Mark Southern, Shelly Birkwood, and Susi Tom in attendance.
After reviewing submitted biographies and hearing from Mark regarding Craig Elkins, Shelly moved and Susi seconded that the committee nominate Shelly Birkwood, Jeff Coe, Jill Cyra, Nora Huey, Thomas Marquis, and Craig Elkins for the five open board positions.
Secretary David Bangs reported all 6 names will appear on the ballot to be included in the newsletter, with instruction to vote for 5 of them. There are 3 available three year terms, 1 available two year term and 1 available one year term. Those receiving the most votes will be offered the three year terms, followed by the lesser terms. Shelly Birkwood has stated in advance the she is only interested in accepting a one year term.
Nominating Committee adjourned.