The meeting commenced with an urgent discussion on the drought conditions affecting the area. Despite recent snowfall, the drought persisted, prompting suggestions to inform the community through alerts on the commission’s homepage. One participant emphasized the necessity of this communication, stating, “I think it’s really important that people know… especially you know people are planning for spring,” highlighting the urgency as residents prepare for the season. The commission agreed on the importance of this alert to prepare the community adequately.

Another topic was the township’s canopy assessment, a focal point due to its implications on urban planning and environmental health. The commission reviewed a draft concerning a consultant for the canopy assessment, previously forwarded to Denise. The township had allocated $10,000 for consulting services; however, these funds remained unused the previous year due to free services. The canopy goal was previously set at 30%, but the last assessment noted it at 23%, raising concerns about insufficient tree canopy coverage. There was also a mention of recent tree plantings at the Hagerty tract, with speculation on whether they were included in the assessment. The commission underscored the need for further research into the canopy coverage status and highlighted the potential utility of a climate change forest risk snapshot to inform future assessments.

Budgetary concerns were a recurring theme throughout the meeting. The commission discussed the previous year’s unspent funds, attributed to drought conditions that hindered tree planting. The mayor had inquired about the budget increase despite this lack of expenditure. The liaison, Barbara, explained these financial nuances, indicating that while there was no contractual obligation with any consultant, the commission could seek advice on specific projects like the tiny forest initiative. This flexibility in utilizing various arborists was seen as a strategic approach, allowing decisions to be made on a case-by-case basis without the need for long-term commitments. The commission planned a work session to discuss budget allocations further, particularly in preparation for the upcoming Arbor Day and related activities.

Tree removal and replacement applications also garnered attention, with reports of 31 applications over 19 months. The commission noted a trend: 11 applications in 2024, 19 in 2025, and only one so far in the current year. This highlighted the need for a clear communication strategy to inform the public about the application process and encourage submissions. Plans for the mayor’s update included a note on the increase in applications, with a collaborative effort proposed to draft an appropriate communication before the following Tuesday.

Arbor Day 2026, scheduled for April 24, was another key agenda item. The commission proposed having Jackie serve as the MC and coordinate the event, intending to engage local schools. Village Park was chosen as the event location due to a recently lost crab apple tree, with plans to replace a dogwood tree and purchase an additional ornamental tree for the arboretum. The commission expressed support for Jackie, who would coordinate efforts leading up to the day despite undergoing surgery shortly before the event.

Lastly, the commission addressed storm damage from the winter, acknowledging that some trees might need removal due to severe conditions. A member remarked on the importance of tree hazard awareness, noting that while structurally unsound trees statistically do not often fall, the potential for hazards remained. The conversation included the assessment of young trees on Main Street, which were found in poor condition. The commission expressed intent to prioritize these issues in upcoming work sessions.