Trees and Parks Board - Regular Meeting

We ready? We'll start this meeting at 4:33 call

here. Vice Chair, member Judy Newton here and Secretary Shannon Steel.

Okay. Did everyone get a chance to look at the minutes from last meeting? Can I see those again? We already Okay. Uh, can I see a show of hands to approve the minutes from our last meeting? The eyes have it. We'll move on to item number one. discuss and take possible action on trees and parks participation at the jingle and mingle event in December.

Cheryl Hillary

Yeah, go ahead. As gregarious and fun loving as we all are, I think that we surely should help them out as a lot of people have helped us out, right? I do we know what they would like for us to do or have we we have Cheryl on the line I think. Do we have her? Yeah, we're struggling to get her unmuted and visible. Oh, she's There we go. Yeah, she's unmuting herself in the back. Hey, friend. Hello.

Hi. I see you. Can you see us? I can see you. Can you hear me? Oh, yeah. We can hear you. So, awesome. Do you want to just launch into it?

Sure. Are we there? Yes.

Okay. Uh, well, I just wanted to um I I met with Shannon and we just had a really great conversation and as we throw all of these community events, I just wanted to start the conversation of looping parks and trees in um and see what capacity what you guys would want to do as far as getting involved or would you just prefer if we need any like park prep prior to the event? Um, and Deb, if you want to chime in, I thought about asking you about this too, if that would be something we take to you guys or just take straight to city staff. Um, so like the triangle uh event on the 13th, we just want to make sure that the triangle is good to go. Um, everything looks good there, ants are sprayed or treated. Um, and then I do have some questions about the who in the past has been decorating and who if anybody would want to help us do that. We're planning to meet up at 2:00 p.m. on the 29th

um to do some decorating questions now or check. Is that all right? Yeah. Uh, so in your inbox, Cheryl, there is an email about the portion to get with Jim about what the city does for decorations and you probably them and remember them. They're the reindeer. So yeah, we pay our contracted company to set all of that up and they will and awesome.

That will be done. If you have additional decorations you're wanting to do, that would be on y'all. I confirm that that we can have them set up before the 13th, the city decorations, that's something that can be done. And then as far as prepping the park, if you can just give an item itemized list of specifics, uh Sean takes care of that, but um he needs to be given very clear direction. Uh I believe that staff already plans for that to happen before any event. So it's a given from now on. You can expect that.

Okay. We just clear direction given. And even if it's a the same checklist you use every time, we'll we get that to Sean and he goes through it. Oh, that's perfect. Okay.

Okay. Sorry, I'm changing. That sounds great. So, we will so the community relations board will meet up at 2 p.m. on the 29th and then we have some stuff that we wanted to add to the gazebo kind of like a foundation of decor decorations that we'll build on on the 13th. Um, do you know is Becket do they hang the lights and everything on the tree on the gazebo as well or is that just the deer? The they did not do the lights previously. that was volunteers. But um I can confirm whether or not that's something they intended to do this year. My understanding that it's primarily the deer

last year. Um so yeah, she muted. Sorry, I was yelling at my child. Uh, I did talk to Jane Little as well and so she is offered um to come up and help. I was under the impression she did the deer and stuff like that. Um, so Deb, would the best pur should I just get with city staff and Sean about any lights or anything else that we would want at the the triangle or at this point in time the the vendor Becket is only contracted to do the city's decorations.

Previously, that did not include the things that were at the triangle like the lights or the things that were hanging in the trees. that with volunteers if we would like to give additional direction that could be possible and I would just make that request of Jim and then of course they would need the city would need to have those supplies which if they were previously done by volunteers we might not have them.

Okay. We we did take an inventory of the bins. So, I know there are some decor item or like some like hanging um like the star lights and uh I didn't see like actual string lights that I will check with Carol who did the shed inventory and see um and then get with Jim. So, at a part no need to stress you guys about it unless you want to come help.

Yeah. you. So, do you just need hands um to help or do you need like actually I mean you have budget and decorations and you know a budget for the decorations and all that good stuff. Do you have everything that you need?

Well, we have a budget we have a budget decoration for our event. Um but overall decorations like at the gazebo I don't know. Um, again, there was a there's a couple of bins that had some like white stars that they hung, I think. And I can connect with Jane, too, if she was kind of the lead volunteer on actual decorating the triangle last year. Um, but if it's if it's something that we just go straight to stack with, I won't I won't bother you guys with that. Um, but I think just I would love to just have open line of communication with you guys as we're hosting these events at our city parks just to make sure that there's anything that you guys want to do prior or just be involved in any part of the process. Um, just throwing it out.

Yes, girlfriend. If you She's watching our kids. Oh, sorry. They're doing a Christmas craft. I'm like, go wash your hands. Um, okay. Well, then that was it on the jingle and mingle. So, if if anybody does want to come, you we will be there uh on the 29th decorating if you want to be a part of that. Otherwise, you don't have to worry about it. And then um I'll connect with staff about a checklist of like ideal things that get done before our events. What time?

2 o' 2 o'clock. Well, thank you. All right. Can I ask a question? Did you need volunteers from the day of the event as well? That's something I Shannon was bringing up, right? Yeah. Oh yeah. Yeah.

Um on the jingle and mingle event, I we would absolutely always take any volunteers. I was actually just kind of writing out our needs this morning of uh how many hands we will need. And I do have um on my to-do list a mass email to everybody as far as council and advisory boards of who would want to be a part of it. So if any of you would like to join us as a volunteer, we could definitely um would love to have you. And the event is from 3 to 6. Um, so we have like a cookie decorating station um that we could use hands at. Um, a craft table. Um, a hot cocoa and cider bar and then our letters to Santa station, which is going to be really fun. Um, where the kids can sit and write their letters to Santa, drop them in the mailbox. And then, um, another opportunity to volunteer. uh all the letters that are received from this event. We actually have a list of volunteers that have offered to write the

just realized what I was saying and where I was at. Uh we have a list of volunteers that have offered to write the responses as Santa. Um, so we're going to basically assign dates um, depending on the volume of letters we receive. So if Bill you wanted to sign up as a Santa, you could pick a day and then go pick up the letters that are dropped off that day and then write the a short little sweet something from Santa that will actually get delivered back to their home. Um, and the the cuto off day is the 19th. That way we can get the letters back um delivered back by Christmas.

Yeah, that's going to be so exciting. Yeah. And I can I can send an email out to you. So if that is helpful and I I know I just threw that at you guys. Um that's something to to simmer on and think about if you want to do that. Okay. Awesome. Well, the announcement said letters can be received from children of all ages. Yes. Yes. It's a Anyone can write a letter and receive a letter back from Santa himself. All right. Well, thank you so much for your time. Thank you. Absolutely.

Want to say about the event? Is there anything else? Um, that's all I had for the jingle and mingle um event and then uh I'll probably jump off and then if Shannon if you wanted to chat about what we kind of talked about at our meeting like the um the trees around the t around the city. Um stuff like that. Um I don't know if it'll maybe number three or any but yeah we'll we'll talk about the we'll talk about that that I have number three. So cool. Awesome. Well, thanks guys. Let me know if you have any questions or need anything from me. Do you need anything else based on what you guys are talking about today?

What was that? Does anybody have any questions? Uh none for me. Phil, no. Hear me? I think we're good. Okay. Awesome. Well, thanks, guys. Good luck. Thank you. Bye. Okay, Shannon. Uh, anything you want to add?

Um, no. I guess we can just respond to Cheryl. you know, if you want to volunteer for any of those things for the 29th, right? Um the decorating on the 29th or the event we're not really needed or actual decorations. Sean is guess the city decorations. He put those up. It's not Sean, it's our land management company. Yeah. Buckets. Okay. They will install the city decorations which are typically just the reindeer. Um I don't think there's really any lights included in that typically because of the dark sky community.

If there are lights that the city has, they will be installed if that makes sense. Previously, volunteers put up lights at the gazebo. Um, and then there were hanging stars that are in the city's possession. So, I am not clear. There's not like an itemized list of the decorations the Bruner Land Management Company will be installing if that makes sense. But, um, we did ask that Cheryl get with Jim on that so that they are coordinated and not overlap. Is it just in the triangle or there's some Augusta? They the only two places they decorate for Christmas are the entrance and the triangle

with the deer. It's just Yeah, it's just the deer that focus the first year of the big chickle. Yes. Previously we did the luminaras. Um however the engagement of that declined over time and um so the current board was thinking let's try something else. Okay. Yeah. Now this I'm sure it's going to be a hit. Okay. Okay. Yeah.

No more discussion. We'll move on to item number two. take uh discuss and take possible action on updating the tree survey and Tree City USA application. Where do we stand with the application? I was told by IRS that we need a new survey before we can reapply. So that's not correct.

No, municipal surveys at the earliest are updated every five years. Uh that's the standard. We're you're we're welcome to update the survey. Um it is set up that when tree work is done, if a tree is removed, the survey should be updated at that time. I don't know if that's been done uh recently, but it's set up to do so. Um, so 2026 is going to be our year to update that survey. Uh, if that okay

helps out, we can use our we can use our our survey out now to apply again for Tree City USA. Okay. And Chan, if if if you've raised your hand to, you know, sort of control the survey, take care of the survey, you know, since I've been involved from the get-go, I'm happy to help you out. Oh, okay. Good. Yes. It's not it's not hard, but you know, some of the stuff that they ask, you know, you just have to know where to get it. Okay. So, we're good to go for the application. Yes.

Okay. And it needs to be in by Can't remember when the deadline is, but the sooner we can get started on it, the better. February is the cut off. Yeah, it goes in and then it just it just lingers there for months. Yeah. And then they say, "Congratulations." Okay. We have any any other discussion for item number two? So, y'all would need um a formal motion to say we're going to apply for the year.

Okay. And designate an individual or two for the application process. Okay. Do you want to make a motion? I'd like to make a motion that we will pursue applying for Tree City USA for this year. Do you have to apply for that each year? Uh yeah, every year. It's a year. So I start coming and then you need to um designate somebody. Shannon, would you like to? Yes.

Okay. Designated. Can I see a show of hands? The eyes have it. We'll move on to item number three. Discuss and take possible actions on what to do with our extra giveaway trees. Where are the trees in the community garden last I saw? Yeah. I think there's what six, eight, six or eight. There were 12. There was 12. Yeah. We have another pair of suckers. I I'm not sure. So,

was one There was one the last time I looked and that was uh last week. So, I don't know. I have not been in there to water because I was planting and making sure everything was watered and um counting trees. Well, thank you. Thanks. Um and there was one Arizona Cyprus left. Well, I'm going to take it. Are you interested? Okay. Okay. That would be fine. Put inventory down for 11.

Well, I probably need to check again because I know Well, no. I think Taffy Carrie Taffy and Carrie were um giving some out to people until I said, "Well, let's um as a board, you know, figure out what we're going to be doing with those extra trees." And so they I think they stopped. So, okay. Uh, so we will that we may need we need we may need another account take another inventory and it sounds like potentially you and Cheryl have some plans for them.

Um, so Cheryl has the idea of um or a volunteer appreciation um planting a tree possibly at what is that called? What's the front code again? Memorial Park. Memorial Park possibly. What? It's Memorial Plaza. Plaza.

Sorry. Okay. No, it's okay. Okay. Let me write that down. um as a you know something that's really that's lasting you know that's not um you know it's a um it's something that she's going to be there for you know hopefully generations you know and I don't know if she want I think she wanted to buy it of course to that's the roots roots of wood creek rooted rooted in wood creek rooted in wood creek but yeah um using one of those using one of the giveaway trees or the source. Okay.

Yeah. Yeah. So possibly using those or that I mean we can decide you know that's something that that you would like to do this um uh that's enduring you know um we don't have to do that. It's really, you know, we can designate those trees for something else or we can um she had the idea, I think, when she was on the parks board of starting a tree um starting a nursery,

you know, just maybe looking at a parcel of our city land to um start, you know, just so we're not constantly buying. And that's just an idea that she had. Um I kind of like that. You know, we're taking care of our own trees. We have trees available for when we need to plant when we need to place. Um and also for our treatment giveaway. It's an idea.

That's a great idea. I mean, we have the rainwater collection. We've talked about expanding the community garden back behind the shed. Um, also we've talked about that area for a dog park potentially. Um, as far as planting a rooted in Wood Creek tree, um, depending on the location will depend on the species of tree. Um,

or vice versa. We'll find a good location for what species of tree we we designate. So knowing what we got, I'm not sure what's out there. I know what I originally did. So I I don't think very many people picked the um the one that's you know a cousin to go out and Yeah, we can we do that. Okay. Oh, we can take a we can take the whole meeting with us. We can do anything. No, the recordings in here. We could we could recess, but if uh Mayor Res. Yeah.

Okay. And they're labeled. So, uh we'll know shortly. Oh, yeah. Yeah. So, um things to consider about planting a tree. Uh I found with our first planting a willow that the deer are very aggressive. So having uh deer protection uh we we have designated Shawn to water other planted trees. We we could add that to this list. Um but I think it's a great idea. Who dug their holes? Do do you remember did we have someone to dig the holes?

Uh Philip with We Love Trees, their crew dug Wilbur's hole over at Augusta. I think that was volunteer. Um, and then I dug Willa's hole here at the triangle. Or did you have to have special equipment just left and right? Yeah. It wasn't It wasn't very And I mean, these are in in half gallon pots. You could do it with a a jackhammer in a tri. Yeah. Yeah. or a sledge depending on the the soil type. Oh, I like that idea.

I think it's a great idea. I love planting trees. Which one? Um, which what? The memorial. Which idea? The memorial. No, I don't. You don't really said memorial dedication. And honor. Yeah. Honoring a volunteer. Okay. And the rest of them. How are you going to select the person? Like that will be a process of having to that's something that Cheryl's working on with um city staff. Okay.

Yeah. I don't exactly but um city staff she's working on it. Yeah. So I think she's um asked the community you know like hey is there somebody that really stands out to you that's been such a great volunteer? Can you send them another name? And then how they, you know, decide and and actually how, you know, like is it are we going to are they going to pick one, you know, one every couple months or one a year and do, you know, planting because it seems like, you know, another there's, you know, we need to see what kind of space we have over there. Mhm.

Um so that's something that the community relations committee is working out. Um you know who who gets it and you know how often um there is a that draw or picking somebody's name. Yeah. Well um the plaza is a a good planting space. There's I don't know good locations all over town. Um yeah and then the excess to be fair. Oh could be you know we could space it out could be one.

Oh okay. I mean it makes sense to memorial pl that was kind of what it's I like the idea. I've walked the that plaza one time and that was during the the drink survey. I never have. It's like screw up for me. So, I really don't know what kind of space we have. Yeah. Okay.

Kind of interesting. Um and then the leftover 10 potentially 10 trees do a giveaway at the jingle and dingle. Is that what y'all are thinking? They actually have some trees still coming from the Arbor Day Foundation. They're kind of slow. They are. You won't get them until February. Yeah. Which, you know, I wanted to to um donate that donate those to the city.

Oh, there's about 10 of them. Yeah. um you know so if we're thinking along the lines you know or whatever we're thinking that can be added to added to the inventory those can be added to perfect um would any of these trees serve to fill in those that we already were going to replace on the the next item the shady gro did you have something um Yes sir. Yes, please.

Um, three whis, three red mulberry, one box elder, one kidney wood, one bald cypress.

Okay. I don't know what the how different as far as um you know where you can plant those is. Are they all like drastically different? Are they relatively the same? So share a baby if you Yeah. Well, the biggest difference is going to be the mature size. So out of that list, um the box elder and the bald cypress are going to get the biggest. The bald cypress requires the most uh amount of water. Yeah. Or prefers the most amount of water. Is it a bald cypress or an Arizona?

Oh, okay. Sorry. Okay. So, we can weed out. Yeah. Kidney wood and weed sash. They they they can withstand drier climates and longer periods after establishment without water. Um are there more mediumsized? Medium. Yeah, that's pretty cool. It is. I I love them. Um I don't like to climb. Yeah. Rub up against it. Yeah. So maybe deer cages won't be needed for those. Do those have do they have the white flower? Like what? What

gold little bulbs? Is their flower uh or fruit? Technically, it'd be nice to have something up in the plaza that's really, you know, like stuffy in the spring. Oh, in the spring. In the spring or the fall, you know. So, they turn blossoms, whatever. Yeah. So, they they they fruit in the spring. They turn a nice golden color uh in late fall. So, that would be some Okay. Uh fall showy colors. Okay, that's and we have three. Three. Yeah,

that would be nice. Well, we was um I don't disagree with that. Well, find a volunteer to find a planting location. within the plaza. Within the plaza,

location, location, location. That's what I say. Were there I think Cheryl mentioned that there was weren't there some trees that were taken out over the years some. Yeah. along the back fence row uh the the north side northeast side of the plaza there's some tree removal um done two years ago you give or take couple months but it's a heavily it's a oak w so it was this understory trees um and we're such we are not understory oh no no they they will grow up to you know a 25 ft tall

eventually, right? Yeah. One thing about the the plasma and all with the distance that's running through it, you know, a little better chance for some water to live there and see. That area is right at the end of the ditch, so it would get watered regularly. I believe you want to plant something bald cypress stable and sturdy and there will be heavy water flow if it ever rains out. Yeah, the the day before the the emergency.

Hopefully it was just nice and steady. Yeah, for all the way through Sunday. Monday. Um, okay. So, I think we have a couple things to do uh on that note. Um, find a planting location and just uh make a decision for a species. And then also what to do with the 10 remaining trees potentially 11 if Bill doesn't want what he thought was a Arizona sector. Sorry. Yeah, I thought it was Arizona. You do have a potentially a ball sector. Yeah, I've got a ball.

One, Mr. Chairman, is that a thing that we asked for the newsletter that'll be coming out first part of December is, you know, if you signed up for a tree and you couldn't make it, um, and you still want one, you come by. Some of those may go to PL. Okay. I I doubt it, but maybe. So, January meeting, we can redis what to do with anything left over by the after the end of the year. Does that sound good?

Sound good. Is there any actions that need to be taken aside from do I need a motion to move the item to January to postpone it? No, we don't. Well, it's not a good scope surveying.

It depends on what you're trying to do right now. If you're wanting to wait till January to know how many trees you have, then your chairperson has you. He can say post, you're in no objection, right? Or if you're wanting to take action between now and then by designating a volunteer to select a planting spot, designating a volunteer to go ahead and select at least one tree dedicated to the original Wood Creek right now. You know, if you're wanting to say whatever trees are left over in January, this is our plan for them. Those would all be formal motions you would need to make tonight or you can bump the item to January. Well, I'd like to make a motion to locate a planting place and designate one of the tree giveaway trees to that place. Sorry, I had a question. I made a email while y'all were talking or a recommendation for the first Ruden and Wood Creek individual. Um, I sent it to Shannon and and Cheryl for consideration. I don't know if the formal process I don't know where it's at yet. I need to refresh myself, but um, Randy Renter uh, he passed away like a year or two years ago now, but he was on the ordinance review committee and he served as the

park well weers in Wood Creek for a very long time. So he was like a volunteer taking care of parks long before we had um kind of more formal parks board doing that kind of work. Okay. Uh Jane Little would know more about his personally. His wife still lives here on Westwood. So good choice. Yeah, pretty good choice. Then just designate the gold down there. Mhm. Spell like

R E N T E R. So you need to designate a volunteer for your motion and then take a vote. Okay. Can I designate myself? Yeah. Is that okay with y'all? Yeah. Okay. I'll take that upon myself and um add that to the motion. Do I see uh what would he say? That should second by speaking Shannon. Sorry. That is

so we'll take a vote. Can I say a show of hands? The eyes have it. And now we'll end our discussion for item number three. We'll move on to four. Discuss and take possible action on tree planting at Brook Meadow and Shady Grove. real quick. Uh, I originally suggested a sycamore because it would be a change in diversity for that area, but after giving it more thought, a sycamore may not be the best tree selection for there. Um, and I'd like to change that to a good old cedar animal. Is that the one on the street?

Uh, yes sir. Right there on Brook Meadow as you're approaching the downhill if you're going east. Yeah. Do you already have it? Is that a fast growing tree? I have a couple in my possession. I would like to see a larger one put in place. Um, that way there's less obstruction of view. Um the trees already larger if you can you you could potentially see under the canopy. Okay. Um so we need to purchase one.

Sorry. I'm divided. Okay. Yeah. Um and I have wholesale discounts to several nurseries. I wouldn't mind doing that for the Do we need to present that to council then? um ear well the budget was approved your action to do it was approved considering especially because you're might be switching the species I would suggest sending it back to council just for like a you know that's good to go okay sense agenda

first can we agree that changing the species is okay everyone agrees or disagrees I form a motion to uh can I see a show of hands to change the species to a cedar owner?

Okay, majority's got it. And then I want to make a motion to present the species change to council making it a cedar elm. Sure. I need a second. Technically everything need a second when you speak. That's a second. Technically it's fine when you're just asking a clarification question. Yeah. Okay. Um and then for actually getting you are you've got everything that you need in order to paint it. I don't remember what the process was to get it.

The process was going to be to use our contracted uh tree company, We Love Trees. Oh, okay. To um prepare the planting and install the tree if they can't. Okay. And if they can't, well, I don't know. So, I guess I could step in. And so, how would we make a a formal request of we love treaty?

So, would it need to be the case? Because that's an administrative task. They're our contract tree company. They would automatically be tasked to do it. All you have black right now is the final motion to send to council for approval of the CC change essentially. Okay. And all we need is a show of hands on that. The eyes added and then just to get objects to

what would keep we trees from being able to plant the tree? Uh access to equipment. um potential underground utility if discovered or water I mean I guess that utility any kind of holdups like that and that would be through um exploratory excavation. So, as they're digging out the the the roots of the old tree, do so carefully to you don't know what you may find.

And 811 should be your your first step would be to go to Jim Burton and say, well, need to get them on this to do 811 and do everything that he knows you need to do in order to do that, right? Um, I guess my only consideration is it be done by March. I don't know. Does that make its own motion? So, I'd like to make a motion that this project is completed by the end of March.

Second. All right. Can I see a show of hands? Um, you have a question.

Um, uh, the eyes. Do we have any other discussion for this item? All right, we're going to move on to item number five. We're going to go into a workshop to discuss council consideration at Triangle Park for the rainwater collection. It is 5:17 and we're going to enter a workshop. Okay. Anyone want to get the ball rolling? You want me to introduce it? Yes.

So, there is an arts committee. There is an ad hoc council committee. They brought forth some IDS council council deliberated. They were not able to come to a conclusion together and instead said let's ask trees and parks what they think because this is in the park. One of the components that was discussed was involving the group that did the recent plings and the water wise event as a concept being what if we just did plants around the tank and landscaping. Um so that is kind of where it's landed. We have not looped water wise back in and we have some loose ends to tie up with the work they have in done right now. So I would recommend on that front that if that's the route you'd like to go is to work with them on their phase two or phase three of planting that you proceed with the understanding that that would be kind of a tenuous arrangement. It could be prolonged. Um it's not like a we could give a stamp of approval this evening and it would happen soon. Um

mayor if I may one Yeah. One one other component is that the Wood Creek Park logo you'll notice in your packet if you want to proceed with that final raft. We do not currently have the permission of the artist to use it. So that would be subject to that permission. Um, I went to the water wise program at the library on Saturday and was talking to Sawa and said that I told her that council had sent back to trees and parks um with the instruction that contact water was you know for for concept ideas. So they are expecting this. So,

and how many phases does water rise up for? Can you repeat? I'm sorry. What? How many phases are there for? That is undetermined. So, this is what I was kind of we have a lot of loose ends with them right now. So, they're interested in hearing this idea from what I understand. But there are things that the city needs to kind of other dominoes we need to set up before we could proceed with expecting this to be their phase two. They have implied that they would like to do a phase two. What was in phase one?

The phase one was the installation of the native plants that are there. the removal of um excess pimmens. Was it some sort of like low underbrush thing in the in the beds that had kind of overgrown and

put something to that effect? Yes. And so the phase one was um only the amount of plants the current rain barrel could manage to establish their roots, right? So phase two would only proceed once those current plans are established. So that's part of the lead time. Um, and I I don't want to get into the weeks too much on this item because I don't feel that it's really on the agenda properly to do that. I just wanted to caution you that like if you're wanting to see action sooner, that is likely not the route to go. M

it's a good route. They were great partners. They're awesome to work with. They're great to consult on any plantings at this point in time. Um but just some things to balance out there. So the wrapping I when I was listening to the uh near the council meeting um they're wrapping the tank in vinyl. I am not familiar with that. That's just the Wood Creek logo, correct? It's not quite the Wood Creek logo. You have your shirt on. I don't have my shirt. The Wood Creek Parks logo. Okay.

Yes. It's privately owned cities, but is it So, would it be like clear vinyl and then with the or is that to be determined with the local? It's like a die cut essentially that they would it would it just be the logo. The logo is essentially just an outline. Yeah. It's a it's a silhouette of a tree. Yeah. Yeah. With would be part of So the tank would stay silver with the logo. Okay. Yeah. And then if if you proceed with the plantings around it, we set you up sort of tall grasses or shrub like things that would would not obscure it but right

would just create a little diversity. Mhm. But then that might be so it's Yeah, it would be based on how the plants that are doing there now, how long they take to establish because what they don't want to do is overextend the water commitment that's there. with that.

Uh I mean I like the idea of working with water wise and just like anything else in government, nothing's done fast. Um it's not instant gratification, but eventually it'll get there. Um it doesn't sound like it's going to be their phase two. Maybe potentially a phase three or four, maybe five. Um and that's my two cents on that. Um so waterwise, so working with water wise would mean not doing anything to the water system, just doing planting. Is that what that means?

Okay. And I remember you don't you you're like you exate the thought of doing it which I think Chris Chris Gummer did not like the idea of doing anything to the sister um as well like just leaving it because he said that that was the point. I mean it's it's you know it's it's making a that statement it's you know um it's it's water collection so it's not really meant to be hid hidden. Is that am I that is that correct? I think I think the mood of council when when they when we took it off Wednesday was you know no I mean it's expensive to paint it has to be maintained

right um it sort of defeats the purpose in a way it's an educational project here and learn how to do this stuff so it just makes sense to keep it visible

the votes that weren't taken but if you listen verbally Russell Scott wants something. Lana Bailey supports something. Christa Richardson was interested in the plants so long as they don't end up looking like weeds or uncut grass. So, it would need to be thoughtful. Council member Grummer does not support doing anything and I do not support as a former council member uh painting of any kind and express interest in the two options that are on your agenda but did not I declined to offer a commitment as mayor. I don't have an opinion.

Yeah. And as former mayor a lot of the islands. No, I I lean I lean toward you know what we're talking about just you know maybe some attractive planting and I like the idea logo on it but but that's also why we mentioned the vinyl rather than painting which would take more upkeep.

It's a clarify you asked a question what it was. Um, if you've ever seen cars wrapped like electricity companies do it, AZ vans often have, but so it's that same concept. It's a very sturdy, weather tolerant material that they essentially kind of not iron on, but like heat press on and it becomes one with the tank. It would be incredibly difficult to remove and then it's not very expensive, but it would be in the thousands of dollars. And um the maintenance, there's no way to maintenance it. It's a full removal and replace

also true. you could use your funds and your uh that are allocated for the trees and parks portion.

Should anything be said in a newsletter or something about that decision? Because there were a lot of people who lived in community that so will that be addressed or how how will you tell just never do anything or are you going to how do you Now it sits with your board to address it. So we're waiting on recommendation from you all on what you feel is the best route. Painting is not currently on your agenda. So if that's something you would like to press, then I would recommend bringing that up in your later December agenda again in a different wording to be able to do that. Well, I thought that's what we did. Actually, didn't didn't we?

It went to council. Okay. It went to council and it was sent back to us that and council said, "No, we all did it." Yeah. Said, "No, you have to look at it." you take back.

And there are also residents because I heard that one resident um speak up and I guess it was a female who um thought it was a waste of money to to paint obvious. So what we talked about too doing the either the wooden planks or the stone partial stone will like the medical. So yeah, it was really nice.

Partial stone did not make it to us. The cedar saved were declined. Um, one of the challenges, I know you're not asking for my opinion, so I apologize for interjecting your board, but one of the challenges I've heard repetitively about the painting concept is what would we paint and how do we fall on an acceptable thing? Because art is so subjective and while you have people saying yes, paint it, we don't really have a clear vision of painted with what and and how. And um that that so that's been the main challenge with that aside from the lack of council support. Well, I'm not real passionate about the painting, but I really I would like to see it painted. Just an army camouflage green simple with no artwork and that would just keep it from glaring when you glance over and pass by. Uh I've got new family that have come to the area. one son lives on Brook Hollow now and some other family that has relocated from Dallas to Austin. And when they have driven by, they say the first thing that catches their eye is the silver tank.

And that may be bad or not, but something else. And it sort of shocks your senses because there was this peaceful shaded area and then now you said the separate tank to me

and I don't know how constant it would be just for you know I'm not talking about artwork or anything just paint you know to calm down the the glare of the of the metal. I know that you know it doesn't bother you, right? Doesn't bother you and it doesn't particularly bother me. In fact, it may even grow on us. It may be a status symbol as we move forward and people start to put in water collection systems.

Chairman, I think that's the sorry I realize they also need to be recognized that dawn on me throughout this. So it's up to your chair who's recognized. Pretty free speaking, but if you want to say something, please go ahead.

Well, in listening to Mr. Drum, right, I wanted to kind of draw back to the origin a little bit, the historical point of this tank. Um, whenever council decided what type of tank to put in, the option was plastic tanks that are green or black. And at the time council was almost unanimous in supporting the metal tank um specifically because it is an educational very visible area and it was determined at that time that those tanks are considered more attractive and more desirable than what we put in behind the shed over here. So there's just that historical component with the the purpose and intention. um that I thought was relevant.

I can see that because the green tanks tend to be a lot more unsightly the utilities there super useful but not very attractive, right? Yeah. Um and Bill, the first thing you said is that's what caught your attention, right? Yeah. And that's what that's what we're going for. So, yeah. Oh, I mean like you said it could be good or bad. It's a it is an opinion piece. Uh let us my family members as we have driven by I said well there here's our one of our parks the triangle park and I said what's the first thing you notice when you look over at it?

Yeah. and at different times with different ones. I always said that silver tank. Um well, I mean I I I feel like it's been a a good discussion. Uh I would like more information on working with water wise and uh kind of what their potential timeline is. um we don't have to make a decision to work with them, but I I would just like more information and I'd like to make a motion for that. There is no action item listed in this in a

We're still We're still in workshop right now. Oh, wow. You sure are. Wow. There's also no action item listed after your workshop. So, no action can be taken on this. I know it's such a silly formality, but it is legal. No, I just forgot. So, I would recommend you take it back up that you're just under meeting. Okay. Um, well, we can still workshop this then. We're still in a workshop. We still So, well, I see no need in us making any recommendations if it's going to go straight back to council and they have decided that there's no room for any other options. I mean, how how many times do you mount sit for?

As long as it takes. As long as it takes until one side. At least till the end of the year is what it sounds like. I think I think if I can speak for council, they've asked you all to consider the two options on on the paper.

I personally I'd like if we can get Chris's um uh you know, his blessing on that. I I like the idea of putting that logo on. Is it is the only way to put that logo on? I guess not. Just I mean wrapping the tank is that's not the only way they can get the logo on, right? I mean painting is it the best way is as far as you know longevity with all the weather and you know it'll hold up the best versus just like painting it on. My understanding that there is like maintenance cost with this lo with this uh with a vinyl wrap. They they they would fade or need replacing.

The vinyl wrap has longer longevity and less maintenance. That's why it was suggested to Okay, that's what I figured. So, I actually like that idea. Um, it would still leave the tank pretty much as it is. Other, you know, with a clear vinyl wrap, I'm guessing is what, you know, other than the logo. Yeah. Why the up the tree and then Wood Creek or whatever it says or Wooden Creek Parks or

Wooden Creek. I liked that idea. I think it's nice and clean. you can still obviously see the sistern. Um, and that which I do agree that is the point. At first I was like, "Oh, yeah, we need like a, you know, mural. We need butterflies or whatever on it." to them. Um, but I I really like the idea of it becoming more of, you know, people getting on board with um, you know, rainwater collection and um, and just kind of that becoming an everyday thing, you know, like, oh, it's not a big deal that you see a water system. It's not a big deal that you see water cachment because so many people are doing it.

I mean, that's that's what Yeah, I'm hoping that that's the direction that we're going. That is absolutely the direction I think we want to go. We are going. And um and I like the idea of uh some plants, you know, like some big um you know, like the the big grasses like the moly grasses. Is that how you say it? I'm not familiar. I'm not really familiar with Yeah. just like, you know, the ones that that are red and feathery and, you know, they're really lovely. They're not, you know, they don't look like we leaves. They're they're very distinctive and they're very beautiful.

Yeah, that's that's where either I mean whether it's whether water or whether it's like native plant society or something like cuz I love those golf mu leaves. They're the ones that have the big feathery heads. They're kind of purple and those are gorgeous. Exactly. But they're not exactly native. Oh, really? I mean they're called I mean they're not native for this like central Texas different. Yeah they're zone nine I think. Yeah. But but what was that? I broke that

I don't know. I'm fine. Are you fine? I lowered my chair regularly. Everyone makes fun of me for it. But uh in doing so I guess I made some extra noise. Sorry about that. That's um you're right. I'm glad you're okay. Yeah.

So, uh sitting here thinking if we did decide to go to go with water wise, uh they it would have to be be sure it would have to we'd have to be sure not to obstruct maintenance to the tank in any way. Otherwise, um

it would defeat the purpose of being in non-invasive. And then aside from that, I mean, how do you feel about reaching out to Grummers for his blessing for the the the rights to use his art? You mean just like informally? Would I have to do that formally or can I do it informally?

In your next meeting, I always suggest you put this item on with some formal motions. And in that formal motion, you could say something like seek approval from artists for Wood Creek Park logo and present design concept to council because you could tailor items like is it a clear full wrap, is it a white full wrap, is it just the die cut out of the outline of the logo. Um, all of those things are you could inverse the color. Th those would be design concepts you could deliberate as a team and send to council for consideration. Um, I don't I don't recommend deciding to do that without the artist permission any further.

Yeah. So, I think that would be relevant for you to secure. Um, and there's nothing saying you can't do a combo of both of these things. There's nothing saying if you tailor the wording of your agenda item to go say no we really think painting is the right call and then I would suggest coming up with a plan for that because we have yet to have a plan to consider if that makes sense.

It's just been painted and it's like what what you know um like I said you can do a combo of things that will be up to you all to decide and then you just as part of the motion send it to council. Okay. Well, any other um discussion? Bill Judy, I have something to say that's from one of our citizens, but it doesn't relate to this, but when is it appropriate to mention that

maybe under considerations for agenda items in the future? If it's not on the agenda, we can't really talk about it. Yeah. Sorry. under announcements maybe. Well, uh if there's no further discussion, the new will leave or exit workshop at 5:41. And that is our last agenda item. So, we'll also call the meeting ajourned at

Oh my gosh. Consider agenda items for next meeting. This is where you all would announce intentions for your next meeting. Mhm. Oh, we've never done this before.

That's what that means. So, it's a it's not really an official requirement of the city yet, but it's a process to be started to mirror other cities, specifically Wimberly. And what it does is it gives your board members time to be more prepared for items, so they're not caught off guard or not seeing things for the first time when your agenda is posted. You've had time. The other component is um it's a a time to if two council members are interested in something, someone says, I'm just going to throw out an example. I'd like to install a sculpture statue at Augusta and that's okay. That's it. You know, that's it. That person's announced it and I'm sitting in the meeting with you and I think, oh, I would love to work with that person on that. It gives, you know, them the opportunity to have a second on items. Um, it also gives your chairperson the heads up for the next agenda so they're not trying to generate things off the top of their head. It kind of creates that ongoing to-do list for you all. So, I highly recommend using it. It's been pretty effective, I think, for council.

Yeah. I mean it also helps us got plan the agenda and then it starts this meeting right but like what you were saying about you know you wanted to wanted to have this I mean you could say okay I'd like to put on a nice agenda a discussion and possible action on a a topic you don't want to not only discuss but just like here's a general topic that I'll I'll be asking to put on the agenda. You want me to do that?

Yeah. Okay. Um so for the next meeting I would like was to u discuss some information from Miss Rebecca Denton about Augusta Park. Um she sent a three item list of things that she feels like should be addressed.

Um which reminds me um can I bring up something that isn't actually on here because Jim just sent me an email today. Not for discussion, but you can announce you can make an announcement. I think making Okay,

Jen, uh there was a um resident who proposal for landscape maintenance. Um so our first proposal from Kelly Clemens. Should I can I read it? Um or not just Okay. Okay. So we have our first proposal for um landscape maintenance for Augusta Park. that

can you send it to us for only August or only Augusta? You can ask it from there if you want. Yeah, but that's why she specifically said Augusta this time. So, we do have one. Oh, yay. So, that may, you know, may address some of the Another agenda item would be to discuss suggestions and corrections of a city plan. I'm down to page I think it's 19 and there are several areas that need to be updated.

Oh yeah. For instance, the Creek Side Park is not here at all. It's just talking about the land. So I think we need to move on this if we're going to um get to it. Yes. So that was that's suggest

master fighter. Okay. Um so updates to you know

I mean we can start that get that ball rolling and

third weekend I think okay is it always someone that you try to do it on on Monday. It depends on what day of the week it falls on. Typically, we'll go for the weekend at the closest weekend. I've shared Arbor Day and tree giveaway dates with Shannet and says Cheryl.

What? Apparently, Miss Mills sent proposed arguably dates to you as part of holiday calendar.

You can't discuss it right now, but it's worth I just want those notes. Yeah. discussed. So we also need to discuss the um we need to so we have a so sorry they tell me how to ask this. So that we want to change the tree from the sigmoore to the cedar elk and we need to get council's approval on that. So how does that do you take that to council?

Um as your leaison yes I would represent the item for you all and you get uh with the I um so the best way to move forward with this is to get with me outside of the meeting if that makes sense. Okay. And uh but yes, it is the role of the liaison currently appointed as the mayor to assist with the transition of items between right council and advisory bodies. And essentially once that item goes to council, a council takes a vote. It is no longer owned by any of us and it would go to staff. Do we have opening now of the or something

in your announcements portion? Um I was asked by the city secretary to ensure this happened this evening and essentially we need all of you tonight to write on a piece of paper whether or not you intend to stay on the board for another year as the appointments are only for a year. Um, so literally everyone has every year the opportunity to step off or or to ask for reappoint. Um, and then right now you all have one vacancy and we have an open call out for volunteer applications, but you all are always welcome to solicit your own members. And um, if anyone has an announcement they would like to make right now, this would be the time to do it. I I do have an announcement. Uh I'm going to be stepping down from the tree board. Uh not only the chairperson but the entire board

and uh can I get my nomination? That happens in January. I do have a full board. It's also not on the agenda. So, so I'm stepping down from the treeboard. It's It's been good to offer a bit of explanation today. You will not be here. Uh yes, ma'am. This is my last meeting. So, uh y'all will be taking the reigns from here. Uh

I trust y'all. He's still available for you volunteer if that is to offer. No, that that all of that can still remain in place. And if you're if you're trying to make quorum for your December meeting, that that resignation isn't formal until there's a letter submitted and you would give a date. And to offer some context, notice someone else is caring for our children tonight. Yeah,

we can't both be in both places all the time. And so it's kind of a way to support our family, to support this new role. It means we need a little gift somewhere else. So, well, yeah, you need to consult with us because we need your brain. Yeah, I'm I'm open for consults. I can hop on like Cheryl did and uh be a part from afar. He's doing well. I I've had a good time doing it who I'm doing it with. So, it's been good.

Okay. Um, no. Do you have I would like to take a day or two rather than commit right now. If you'll just let staff know, specifically the city secretary for the records because we'll be trying to reappoint all the boards in January. I'm going to be staying on You got to write it down.

If you don't have a piece of paper tonight. Yeah. No, I'll leave it paper. Yeah.

So to formally adjourn a meeting, you say one person says motion to meeting, have a second, and then it's a Oh, really? Lots of roles. Well, the public will return. So, Jacob is going to resign and we had that makes two vacancies. Is that correct? Yes, ma'am. In January. In January. Now, Linda is will she be joining us as a volunteer or she can volunteer,

but she can't be on. Well, uh, like to make a motion to adjourn my last meeting. Second. 554.

Are you sure? Yes.