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8. Report from Vice President Kepple regarding Tree Advisory & Education Board <br /> meetings (to be provided) <br /> Acting President Kepple provided the following oral report: <br /> The Tree Advisory & Education Board January did not meet outside of their <br /> presentation to Council that same month, so the first regular meeting of 2023 was held <br /> on February 8' at 6pm. The citizen volunteers were joined by Tree Crew member <br /> Patrick Costello and <br /> Streets & Forestry Project Manager Samuel Bonvissuto, who has been the City Liaison <br /> to the group since the retirement of Thom Evans. <br /> The group continued work on objectives identified during their annual report to <br /> Council, including Tree Protection Standards, the Tree City USA Growth Award, <br /> Private tree planting promotion and tree give away ideas, Tree maintenance <br /> assistance/grants, Root Block trial, and working with ODOT to plant trees along I-90 <br /> green spaces. <br /> Mr. Costello reported that the tree crew has been working with the city engineering <br /> team on tree preservation strategies during the current watermain replacement, and <br /> the group plans hopes to welcome Engineer Papke at an upcoming meeting to <br /> collaborate on tree preservation best practices and guidelines. <br /> Board member Rita Stevens shared more details about the levels of funding for which <br /> Lakewood would be eligible through Tree City USA's Growth Award and other <br /> programs. Mr. Bonvissuto indicated that Lakewood would already meet several of the <br /> qualifications which are required to apply for the award. Ms. Stevens shared her <br /> experiences successfully applying for these awards for her previous municipality and <br /> expressed her desire to help Lakewood do the same. It was noted by the group that this <br /> award could provide the funds to hire an Urban Forester, and the hiring of that <br /> position would help Lakewood both qualms for additional funds and steer many of the <br /> initiatives being discussed among the group. <br /> Finally, the group began discussing possible plans for Arbor Day on April 22, 2023. <br /> The next meeting of the Tree Advisory&Education Board is scheduled for March 8'at <br /> 6pm. All are welcome to attend. <br /> Motion by Acting President Kepple, seconded by Councilmember Bullock to receive and file <br /> communication. <br /> Discussion: Councilmember Baker expressed appreciation that the Board was discussing tree <br /> plantings along Interstate 90. <br /> All in favor. Motion passed. <br /> 9. Communication from Finance Director Rancatore regarding first quarter transfers and <br /> advances. (pg. 20) <br /> 4 <br />