Sidewalk repairs and the preservation of the city’s tree canopy stood at the forefront of the commission’s concerns. Members debated the responsibility for repairing sidewalks affected by tree roots. George Ator cautioned against hastily expanding sidewalk assessments given the financial and logistical implications. The commission considered a 50/50 program, where costs would be shared between the city and property owners, for addressing sidewalk repairs caused by tree roots.

The potential increase in applications to remove street trees due to sidewalk damage was highlighted by George Werner, emphasizing the need to maintain the city’s aesthetic while ensuring public safety. The conversation included the enforcement of repairs and ways to alleviate sidewalk issues caused by tree roots without resorting to tree removal.

The commission discussed the possibility of conducting an inventory of tree-related sidewalk issues within each member’s district. However, concerns regarding the expertise and liability of commission members in assessing trees were raised. The debate also ventured into the cost responsibility for repairs caused by city-owned trees, with members agreeing on the need for expert opinion in assessing tree health.

A notable proposal from the meeting was to create a list of the most problematic sidewalks in each district, with a 60-day window for members to conduct assessments and report back.

Additionally, the commission dealt with the request from the Spicers Creek Homeowners Association to replace trees without the $75 fee per tree, deliberating on whether the trees were on private property or city-owned. The commission decided to postpone the decision until a proper diagram of the trees’ locations was reviewed.

The commission also responded to concerns raised by Linda and Joe Cunningham regarding a Siberian elm with defects and anomalies. After reviewing a report from a consulting arborist and deliberating on the tree’s condition, the commission agreed with the arborist’s recommendation for the tree’s removal due to safety hazards. A replacement tree, such as a Dawn Redwood or a little leaf linden, was proposed to be planted at the city’s expense.

Another pressing topic was the proposed plan for a new sidewalk on Franklin Street, which involved tree removal and the installation of lanterns. The commission discussed the design’s impact on the streetscape and debated on how to preserve existing trees while allowing for new plantings. The placement of seating areas near trees and the potential disruption to their root systems were also of concern. A motion was passed to advocate for preserving the trees, repositioning the seating area, and finding opportunities to plant more street trees.

Outside of these immediate concerns, the commission also prepared for the Arbor Day celebration, with plans to involve local schools and plant trees early in the spring to preclude drought conditions. Additionally, members were informed about the city council vote on the new shade tree ordinance and were encouraged to attend to show support and provide answers to potential questions. The new secretary, Connie Anderson, was introduced, and her contact details were disseminated to facilitate communication.