“REPLANTING MONSON” TREE COMMITTEE
Minutes of November 29, 2011
Members In attendance: Richard Anable, Nicholas Beaudoin, Valarie Beaudoin, Leona Brahen, Evan Brassard, Bill Dominick, Kathy Dreyer, Leslie Duthie, Martha Prybylo, Michael Roescher, Audra Staples and Don Vacon
Absent: Hope Bodwell and Dave Johnson
The minutes of the November 16, 2011 meeting were reviewed and, after motion duly made by Ms. Duthie and seconded by Mr. Brassard, were approved. Ms. Staples then informed the Committee that, effective December 1, 2011, Mr. Johnson would be resigning from the Committee, however, would still be available on a volunteer basis.
Review and Approve Standard Fundraising Response Package
After motion by Ms. Staples and second by Mr. Brassard, it was unanimously decided that the discussion and approval of this item be postponed so that the mission, vision and objectives of the Committee could be included in the package once finalized by the Committee.
Discussion of Mission, Vision and Objectives of Committee
Ms. Staples began with a review of the discussion that was held at the last meeting regarding Committee structure and breaking into focus groups. She then polled the remainder of the Committee as to their focus preference. It was then suggested that the Committee first focus on finalizing a document that outlines our mission, vision and objectives. Mr. Brassard then read a document that had been written by Ms. Prybolo and suggested that this document be used as the basis for further work.
Discussion then moved to creating the mission statement for the Committee. Mr. Brassard and several Committee members presented a mission statement for discussion. Upon motion duly made by Ms. Brahen and seconded by Ms. Beaudoin, the mission statement was unanimously approved by the Committee. Mr. Brassard then read the vision statement. Discussion ensued and several revisions were made. After a motion duly made by Mr. Brassard and seconded by Ms. Brahen, the vision statement was unanimously approved by the Committee.
Ms. Staples then reviewed several other towns’ guidelines/objectives with the Committee. Ms. Duthie reviewed the requirements for becoming a tree city. The Committee then provided feedback on the various objectives of the Committee. Mr. Brassard suggested that the Committee consider developing a strategic plan as well as objectives for the next 3-5 years. Upon motion made by Mr. Brassard and seconded by Ms. Brahen, it was decided that discussion of objectives and a strategic plan be continued at the next meeting. Ms. Staples stated that she would compile all the various comments and suggestions and circulate a document for the Committee to consider at the next meeting.
Review of Fundraiser
Ms. Duthie then provided a report on the fundraiser proceeds. Overall sales were excellent and all trees have been sold. After discussion by the Committee, a motion was made by Ms. Prybylo, seconded by Mr. Brassard and unanimously approved to allocate the fundraiser proceeds to private trees.
Arbor Day Event Discussion
Ms. Staples then opened up discussion on the Arbor Day Weekend event that the Committee had discussed at the last meeting. Several ideas for events were discussed with agreement that planting events would occur on Friday and Sunday. Mr. Vacon was asked about the Lion’s Club plans for Arbor Day and it was also decided that the Committee would partner with the local Lion’s Club for Friday’s planting event. It was also decided that a family type event would be held on Friday night. Saturday would feature tree pickup by private homeowners and a lottery for trees.
Discussion then turned to planning educational/information session for homeowners. The Committee is requiring that all homeowners who receive trees attend a tree care session before delivery of their tree. Several sessions were discussed with the following schedule proposed: February 2, 2012 – Tree Information Session; March 1, 2012 – Trees of Monson and session with private homeowners; and April 5, 2012 – Tree Care education session. It was decided that further discussion be tabled for the next meeting due to time constraints.
Press Release
It was decided that a press release would be drafted for distribution to local papers regarding the Committee’s work to date. Ms. Duthie offered to write the piece for review and submission.
Urban Strike Force Report
A map outlining the Urban Strike Force’s report was reviewed. A lengthy discussion ensued as to replanting challenges and goals. It was decided that interested Committee members would be given an opportunity to tour the site areas on December 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Ms. Duthie offered to provide transportation for those interested in the tour.
Ms. Prybolo asked about the progress of getting a list of trees to Amherst Nursery for winter storage. Ms. Duthie offered to reach out to Amherst Nursery to follow up on their request for a list of trees they will winter over for the Committee.
After motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
The “Replanting Monson” Tree Committee
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