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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTAB_October_MeetingAgenda_102325-MINUTES PADUCAH TREE ADVISORY BOARD (Minutes) Thursday, October 23, 2025 Time: 8:30 PM (local time) Location: Conference Room, Paducah Parks & Recreation Office Alternate location: N/A Board Meeting AGENDA (CALLED Meeting) Establishment of a Quorum of Board – Quorum Established Introductions/Log Attendance (Chairman) o Honorable George Bray, Mayor o Recent Appointees (Bonnie Koblitz, Tyler Sanderson) Accept Minutes – no meeting/no quorum in August Old Business/Follow-up: Ordinance Updates: Updates made to Section 118-Vegetation Tree Voucher Program (approved September 15, 2025) a. Starts November 1 – Advertised to public November 15 b. Vouchers issued in January (advertised program cut-off is Jan 9, 2026) Tree Week 2025 a. Took place October 10-19 b. Recommended additional off-line conversation/discussion for future events - TBD New/On-going Business: Trees for review and/or permit approval: a. Oak on Washington St. (alley) shared with Les Evans – Lightning Strike General updates from Board. New events or opportunities? a. WKCTC Earth Week 2026 (Farmer’s Market) b. Arbor Day 2026 – Will be advertised in January 2026 c. MOTION was made by Tyler Sanderson to move the TAB meeting location to the Parks and Recreation office conference permanently. The motion was seconded by Jinny McCormick and unanimously approved by the Board. Department Updates a. Brian Thomasson updated the Board on PPS upcoming utility pruning dates in Paducah 2025-2026 b. Amy Clark announced that there would be a 100th anniversary celebration for Noble Park in 2026 where 100 new trees would be planted. Tree Voucher Program and Responsibilities of TAB and Parks Director: a. TAB members to inspect plantings completed (See “Additional Notes”) Guest comments/additions: Mr. Mark Caldwell with the Sons of the American Revolution announced that SAR would be donating a 30 gallon (container) tree to the city of Paducah. A. Clark suggested planting the tree in Dolly McNutt park/plaza. Meeting Adjourned at approx. 9:45am. Next Meeting Dates (as posted on paducahky.gov calendar): December 18, 2025, 8:30 AM (Parks & Recreation Conference Room) Minutes compiled/prepared by Jonathan Perkins on November 17, 2025 OUR PURPOSE: (1 )To hear all appeals from denials of applications for permits required by this article. (2) To adopt rules for the conduct of such hearings, which rules shall uniformly apply to all such appeals. (3) To follow the hearing of such appeal to cause its decision to be reduced to writing. (4) To advise appropriate municipal agencies on matters of care, preservation, planting, removal, replacement or disposition of trees in parks, along streets and in public areas as needed. (5) To promote urban forestry. (6) To provide an annual report to the Board of Commissioners related to the Tree Advisory Board's activities and goals. (7) To assist the Appointee in the development and implementation of a tree voucher program. (8) Develop and maintain a list of recommended tree species acceptable for use in public rights-of-way, parks, and public areas. ADDITIONAL NOTES: Tree Voucher Program Discussion (September 15, 2025) Director of Parks and Recreation Amie Clark presented to the Board a program to provide financial incentives to property owners to plant shade trees. The proposed Tree Voucher Program would help replenish Paducah’s tree canopy, educate the public about the benefits of planting trees, and remove barriers that may exist for residents interested in planting trees on their private property. Applications for the proposed Tree Voucher Program will open to the public November 15 with only one voucher per applicant/household. Applications will be accepted through January 9. After an application review period, vouchers would be issued to approved applicants beginning February 1, 2026. Below are a few of the program elements: Vouchers will be in the amount of $250 and valid for one calendar year. Vouchers will be available until the designated funds are depleted. The City is setting aside $150,000 for this program. Applicant information will be stored for a future tree-mapping project. Vouchers can be redeemed at the participating nurseries. Vouchers only can be used for the purchase of an approved tree species and size as listed in the guidelines. The delivery, planting, and long-term maintenance of the tree will be the responsibility of the property owner. Once planted, a member of the Tree Advisory Board will inspect to ensure proper planting. (City Commission Meeting Highlights - September 15, 2025 | City of Paducah)