2020-09-04 Arborist Advisory Committee Minutes

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Arborist Committee Minutes September 4, 2020 Page 2 of 4 UNFINISHED BUSINESS DISCUSSION OF DRAFT COUNTY PLAN OF ACTION TO ADVISE THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND THE MAYOR’S OFFICE TO PURSUE ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO ESTABLISH A TREE MAINTENANCE CREW THROUGH A REORGANIZATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Maurice did not have an update. He mentioned that the County is currently on a hiring freeze. STATUS ON COMMITTEE MEMBER EXCEPTIONAL TREE NOMINATIONS JB said that he started working on the nominations of the Bayans trees at Hilo Intermediate. Carol started out with the coconut grove along bayfront highway but moved onto the monkey pod tree at Alae Cemetery. She felt that putting a plaque up among the headstones or tree would be distracting. She is still looking for another tree nomination. Carol wanted to know if we are looking for other species of trees are relevant. Leonard responded yes, absolutely. JB agreed with Leonard. He felt that native species are good, but other trees that were brought in that are doing well here are good too. STATUS OF COMMITTEE MEMBER ASSESSMENTS OF EXISTING EXCEPTIONAL TREES JB mentioned that Asia Wasser can see when he enters info into the survey. He wanted to know who will work with Asia to produce the updated list. Bisel responded that the purpose of the app so that it could be collected and downloaded directly into the database. He added that it would be nice to coordinate all the nominations and bring it to the County Council. STATUS OF NEW COUNTY ARBORIST POSITION Bisel mentioned that agenda item 5a had to do with coastal access and trails and item D is the Arborist Position. Maurice mentioned again that funding for the position is the biggest issue since the County is on a total hiring freeze.