[6:24] >> I will ask everyone to stand.

[6:26] >> We thank you for this day that you've given us,

[6:29] and we also thank you father for the ability for us to come

[6:33] together in situations like this and be able to deal with issues

[6:38] that are going to affect generations that will come after

[6:43] us.

[6:43] Lord we thank you for our safety special today,

[6:49] it's been a trying day.

[6:51] We ask your watch care -- over our military and even our local

[6:59] people.

[6:59] All of these things we ask in thy name.

[7:03] Amen.

[7:08] >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States

[7:11] of America.

[7:12] And to the republic for which it stands one nation under God

[7:18] indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

[7:23] >> Thank you.

[7:24] Can we do the roll call please?

[7:30] [calling roll]

[7:37] >> Thank you.

[7:38] And I'm asking for approval of the minutes.

[7:42] Before we do that, I'd like to mention in the May 6th meeting

[7:46] minutes, I'm not listed as present.

[7:50] I came in late that meeting.

[7:53] I'm also not listed as absent so I think we need an update.

[7:56] Can we approve the minutes with changes?

[8:01] So I'll ask a motion to approve the minutes

[8:05] with the change to the number of board members present.

[8:09] >> So moved.

[8:10] >> Second.

[8:13] >> Can you do roll call?

[8:15] >> You can just say all in favor. >>Aye. >> Any abstain?

[8:24] No.

[8:25] And the new member -- new business.

[8:27] Do we have any new business, any member of the public

[8:32] for a new business?

[8:33] We don't have any comments for new business.

[8:37] Okay.

[8:38] Mr. Olsen, do you have a presentation for us today?

[8:42] Okay.

[8:43] Are you ready?

[9:01] >> Okay.

[9:01] Good evening everyone.

[9:02] I appreciate everyone joining the meeting tonight.

[9:06] I know we canceled the last three meetings.

[9:11] It's been four months since we met.

[9:14] We didn't have any action items tonight,

[9:17] items the board needs to make a decision on.

[9:19] But it looks like over the next few months

[9:21] we should have a few items to come before the board.

[9:23] Tonight we didn't have any items requiring a decision which

[9:27] is why I thought we could continue

[9:28] the discussion about the tree planting.

[9:31] We do have monies in the fund so we can try to move forward.

[9:36] That's our agenda tonight is to just discuss the tree planting

[9:40] program and hopefully over the next few months

[9:44] we'll have some items for the tree commission here.

[9:47] Tonight the plan is for just discussion on the tree planting

[9:51] program.

[9:52] In the slide here or in the presentation,

[9:54] it's mostly a list of locations and all

[9:57] have pictures of the locations.

[9:59] First I'd like to mention that this morning we verified

[10:02] the money in the tree fund and it's $18,678 which is the same

[10:07] that it was about a year ago, so over the last year we

[10:11] haven't processed any payments for medication into the tree

[10:14] fund.

[10:15] I suppose all of these property owners

[10:18] have been able to mitigate with the trees on their property.

[10:21] In a way that's a good thing because they pay medication

[10:23] when they can't replant or save trees.

[10:26] We have property -- over the last year.

[10:30] Currently that's $18,000.

[10:32] And then it was a few months ago that I

[10:38] was looking at some properties and I was communicating

[10:42] with a little bit about some of these properties

[10:44] and so we looked at a few of those

[10:47] and over the last week or two, I met with staff

[10:50] at the Capital Projects Department for the county

[10:53] and they're the ones which work on the design

[10:56] and construction of the roadways and other county projects.

[10:59] I met with George Murray because he's

[11:01] very familiar with the island and he's

[11:03] familiar with all the county projects.

[11:05] So I was able to talk with him about some of these county

[11:09] right of ways and properties, potential for tree planting.

[11:14] At this point, this is the list of locations I would suggest --

[11:18] this is an exhaustive -- maybe there's some other ideas

[11:21] and we're open to ideas from the tree commission as well

[11:24] as the public if they can think of --

[11:27] suggestions within the right of ways.

[11:29] But at this point, here's the list.

[11:32] And then I put pictures.

[11:34] I just have pictures in the slideshow here.

[11:37] So there's four, the first one being

[11:40] the new roundabout which is put in at Buckner Trail Parkway.

[11:44] That was a county park project that

[11:46] went through the projects and everything.

[11:48] And George said there should be some open areas on the markets

[11:52] there, which I think -- the new trail that goes through there

[11:57] and some trees were cleared for the construction.

[12:00] That might be an option and then there's also that built ramp --

[12:04] >> That roundabout, when they built that they didn't budget

[12:08] to landscape that or they did but --

[12:11] >> Correct.

[12:12] It wasn't part of the original budget.

[12:15] So Capital Projects said they would possibly

[12:18] work with the contractor on that as a next stop.

[12:22] It's not part of the -- at this point what's out there is

[12:26] what's going to be out there.

[12:27] Sod was put in to cover everything.

[12:30] That's the landscaping that's been

[12:32] approved for the roundabout.

[12:41] >> Potentially.

[12:42] This is a drone shot that was just taken a few weeks ago.

[12:45] The county has been having to hire a company

[12:48] to fly a drone to take pictures of the progress of construction.

[12:51] That's how we have this nice -- on this image,

[12:55] George with capital projects drew on those two red zones.

[12:59] These are areas he was proposing where you could put trees.

[13:04] So up on the top he marked them as 12 foot by 12 foot areas.

[13:09] There's this one pine tree which remains there and then he said

[13:15] -- this is all part of the stormwater drain system.

[13:19] He said directly behind that are these 212 by 12 areas where --

[13:26] and then there's residences.

[13:29] Provide a buffer for those homes.

[13:32] That might be an option and then there's also this red polygon

[13:36] down here and he said it was approximately 2500ft².

[13:39] The new trail should be where this white base is shown.

[13:44] It's kind of on both sides of it.

[13:48] So again, I think that's a good contender.

[13:55] >> We could do something really cute there.

[13:57] >> Yeah.

[13:58] I especially like the idea along the new trail --

[14:02] that's along the parkway.

[14:04] We can go by each one but it's on the list,

[14:07] we have the roundabout and then the boat ramp --

[14:10] which by the way, I'm curious -- it is written like

[14:15] bartle's but I've heard everyone say Bar-tells.

[14:22] That's also what I've heard.

[14:25] If I were to read that I think I would say 'bardles.' that is

[14:33] a county owned property and there's some open areas

[14:36] of the boat ramp.

[14:37] And the southwest corner -- this is close to the Humane Society

[14:44] property and FPU is over there may, airport road --

[14:49] the county owns that corner and there might be some open space.

[14:53] This is a property that Linda had identified in the past,

[14:57] but along the parkway near the Ritz-Carlton there's just

[15:00] an open area of the Amelia Island Parkway,

[15:04] so within the right of way there's an area kind of where

[15:07] the sidewalks --

[15:08] I have a picture of that too.

[15:11] At this point those are the four locations that I have.

[15:14] The county owns this property in red.

[15:17] It is all wooded.

[15:19] This is right near the new roundabout.

[15:22] This is an overview of where the new roundabout is.

[15:24] It's at the head of this parcel.

[15:27] And then again, this is a closer shot and the areas of red

[15:30] is where we're suggesting trees.

[15:33] And for the boat ramp, this is the location of the boat ramp,

[15:36] near the state park.

[15:38] It's north of the old town area if everyone's familiar with

[15:43] Bartles Boat Rm when I was looking at it with George --

[15:48] can you see the cursor moving?

[15:50] There's currently this parking lot area

[15:53] and then we call them like tree islands or parking lot islands.

[15:57] It's just grass currently.

[15:59] That could be a place for trees.

[16:02] There are light poles out there so you need to be cognizant

[16:05] of underground electrical lines as well as this would be a dry,

[16:09] hot area and -- if it's a crew that goes there --

[16:14] they have to go out there pretty regularly for a while.

[16:16] That's one option and -- this area that I'm circling is

[16:20] a stormwater basin but -- so you couldn't put trees

[16:25] in the inside.

[16:25] But along the margins like out here on the fence,

[16:29] we don't see a reason why maybe there couldn't be trees all

[16:32] along there and then they -- shade to the parking areas over

[16:35] here.

[16:36] There might be some good opportunities.

[16:38] I sort of think so.

[16:40] This seems like one of the most open county areas

[16:43] that I could find.

[16:46] I still didn't sit down and take the time

[16:48] to go through all the county properties and everything.

[16:50] This is the list.

[16:52] I'm open to suggestions.

[16:56] >> Section two that's listed as two, can that ever be developed?

[17:01] >> At this point that's that stormwater pond,

[17:04] so unless it were re-engineered somehow -- or redesigned.

[17:08] But I think at this point that will stay as a stormwater --

[17:12] >> If we plant along the road, we could in theory be 50 or 100

[17:17] years from now have a canopy road there.

[17:20] >> Along the drive here?

[17:26] >> I don't think there's any plans to --

[17:28] it would be open on both sides for the trees.

[17:33] There isn't a sidewalk along there

[17:35] but it's still a public park space.

[17:37] People park there and walk their vehicles.

[17:41] That's number two that I had listed and here's number three.

[17:45] This is the one near Airport Road.

[17:47] That come off of Amelia Parkway and near --

[17:51] and so the county owns this parcel and so right towards

[17:55] the end I'll Zoom in.

[17:58] This is I believe a dermatology -- so that's that new project.

[18:04] The county owns this area that's highlighted in red

[18:08] and there is a ditch out here in the roadway.

[18:10] But right up here --

[18:16] >> That's where that great big tree is.

[18:18] >> I think this canopy is one tree.

[18:20] I think when they did the ribbon cutting --

[18:25] it would be nice if there's more shade and more trees.

[18:30] That's option number three.

[18:32] This is number four and this is along the parkway --

[18:36] right at north of where Scott Road --

[18:41] so Scott Road comes out just south of this red parcel.

[18:45] The county owns this red parcel but I was thinking out

[18:48] in the right of way in between the sidewalk and the roadway --

[18:51] this is a designated canopy road.

[18:53] So it can contribute to the canopy along the roadway.

[18:57] The spaces may be a little tight there but the fact that

[19:00] it's a canopy road --

[19:02] I know there are further stretches where there

[19:04] are trees close to the road.

[19:05] So I don't think that would be an issue hopefully.

[19:10] When a speed limit reaches a certain speed their safety

[19:14] standards for having trees a certain distance because someone

[19:17] -- but I think the speeds here and the fact that there are

[19:23] trees come I don't think that should be an issue.

[19:27] I would need to verify that but there

[19:30] are other stretches of the parkway where

[19:32] the trees just two feet off the roadway or something.

[19:36] >> This is the area where those homes --

[19:41] I'm not sure.

[19:43] I'm not sure about that.

[19:47] I think Katie -- our stormwater expert --

[19:53] just to the north of this -- those stormwater project

[19:55] in the past.

[19:58] Does that sound right?

[20:02] I just remember we talked about that in the past.

[20:05] I think that's to the north of this area.

[20:07] Does that sound right?

[20:12] >> If we're talking about the area between the sidewalk

[20:14] and roadway, it's in a roadway so all these would be verified

[20:17] for underground utilities and such.

[20:20] I think they are called as built surveys.

[20:24] You have the marking of maybe -- (inaudible) that's the challenge

[20:35] of planting trees in the right of ways.

[20:38] There's that extra layer of -- of worrying about underground

[20:43] utilities.

[20:44] The internet companies, AT&T -- now has lines all over.

[20:50] Things like that.

[20:51] I think I made a note of that.

[20:54] For all locations we need to consider conflicts

[20:56] with utilities, especially in roadways.

[20:59] We would need to definitely coordinate with other counties

[21:02] to get approval --

[21:05] maintain the county's roads.

[21:08] And then another thing that came up when I was talking about

[21:12] capital projects is there's certain areas where

[21:15] there's maintenance agreements and there's --

[21:18] between Fernandina Beach and the county or FDOT.

[21:23] If there's an existing agreement saying

[21:25] the county agrees to maintain these sidewalks,

[21:27] like these roadways come if we're now going to plant trees,

[21:30] maybe in the way of mowing or something

[21:32] possibly have to be modified.

[21:36] That's another thing of -- a planting trees in the right

[21:41] of way.

[21:41] That's another layer of approval you have to work through.

[21:46] >> I don't think any of those locations are FDOT.

[21:51] >> All of these right of ways --

[21:53] Emilia Parkway is County and the boat ramp is county maintained.

[21:58] That's right.

[21:59] All of these are county roadways.

[22:02] It wouldn't be like FDOT.

[22:07] We'd have to see if there's any of those agreements.

[22:16] >> So when we have an arborist -- again --

[22:18] is there watering available or is that something we need to add

[22:23] up there to confirm how we would get to these water?

[22:28] >> We would need to plan for that for sure.

[22:31] So far with the county's history of having an arborist come

[22:35] an arborist has never run out -- like I believe the city arborist

[22:39] does.

[22:40] We never function like that.

[22:43] And in areas like installing actual irrigation lines,

[22:48] it has to be quite expensive.

[22:50] Maybe the most cost effective idea

[22:53] is to hire a crew out to water.

[22:56] So maybe that would be the best route and then if you planted

[23:01] the right time of year, and if they get water --

[23:05] I don't know how that watering window would be.

[23:07] Three months, six months?

[23:09] 12 months?

[23:11] Yeah.

[23:12] That's part of the equation for sure.

[23:16] So that's something the tree commission can work on,

[23:19] the tree planting program period they're

[23:20] trying to find some locations but I don't

[23:22] think I found all of them.

[23:24] I did meet with -- he's one of the most knowledgeable guys

[23:28] in our building and these are the places he suggested as well

[23:31] as -- maybe some of the places.

[23:36] I guess we can try to narrow down some places

[23:39] and take the budget and then we thought okay,

[23:41] we really wanted to go forward with the boat ramp.

[23:44] How far would that budget get?

[23:46] And I'm not sure --

[23:48] I guess I can help do some of that research.

[23:52] All is well.

[23:58] >> To do that kind of work, does the county require three bids?

[24:01] So if we were to do that, we'd want to come forward to say --

[24:05] >> I was asking myself that.

[24:08] In general, that's the county's process for hiring or.

[24:13] We haven't even discussed that.

[24:17] >> I keep calling you out.

[24:22] >> Usually it's three kids -- do you think it even would be --

[24:25] of the picture of the department?

[24:27] Probably?

[24:28] They would manage the bidding and --

[24:33] >> It doesn't even have to go to -- >> (inaudible)

[24:56] >> If we know what species --

[24:59] I guess without taking your presentation here,

[25:01] but to me what's the role of this commission would be to say

[25:05] we either like this proposal or we don't.

[25:10] I personally don't think we need to keep looking at things.

[25:13] We need to -- if we don't need to keep looking at things then

[25:18] what would be our next steps to help you figure out if we get

[25:23] trees planted?

[25:25] >> I would like to see -- >> (inaudible) >> We are coming up

[25:31] on the time to do it.

[25:34] >> This is an open discussion I think.

[25:36] As a tree commission, this is something

[25:38] we can work on together.

[25:44] >> I really like that trapezoidal section and with

[25:46] the 18000, we could develop a request for a bid and then you

[25:56] go from there and see what we get.

[26:00] Because I don't think with that amount of money we're going

[26:02] to be able to do -- payment if we've got to pay somebody

[26:08] to water them then -- payment you're referring to the one out

[26:12] there now?

[26:14] >> Correct.

[26:16] >> I think the one on Scott Road --å (inaudible)

[26:23] >> I agree.

[26:23] I think that would be the priority for us to.

[26:26] I think a lot of people would benefit from --

[26:30] >> More visibility on it for sure.

[26:33] >> At this point is there consensus that that roundabout

[26:36] would be top priority?

[26:39] >> I like that.

[26:40] If there are utilities there, I think the --

[26:43] would be a good one.

[26:46] Those are two good options.

[26:50] So I'll put stars next to those two.

[26:53] Little roundabout.

[26:55] And then boat ramp.

[26:58] >> Good job identifying those.

[27:04] >>, I would like to add -- the road department might have

[27:07] a continuing contract that could --

[27:09] I don't know about the irrigation.

[27:12] Or maybe parks might have a continuing contract.

[27:15] So that means it's already been through like a huge bid process

[27:19] and we have set prices.

[27:21] And so that contract is already in place.

[27:24] It would just be a work authorization

[27:26] to be able to do the work.

[27:28] >> We already have some -- an existing contract with

[27:32] the landscaping company?

[27:33] Is that what you're saying?

[27:36] >> It might be worth asking to see.

[27:39] Otherwise you have to call three people.

[27:41] It's a longer process.

[27:44] >> Who do I contact about that?

[27:48] >> I talked to -- it'd be nice if it has something --

[27:54] >> And I don't know what is the bid.

[27:58] There might not be a lime line item for landscaping.

[28:02] That could potentially give you the tree

[28:05] and irrigate the trees and the irrigation.

[28:09] >> We will avoid the bidding process.

[28:11] We already have a company we can work with,

[28:15] but we have to get a quote from them.

[28:19] >> No.

[28:19] You already have all of that.

[28:21] Somebody has approved them as a contract vendor

[28:23] is the way I would describe it.

[28:25] So we want to do this project -- can you price it out for us?

[28:31] (inaudible)

[28:35] >> But if the price is right we go forward?

[28:37] >> If it fits in our budget.

[28:39] >> Exactly.

[28:41] Well, I'm glad -- >> Are you thinking species?

[28:45] We want to do seven -- that's the beautiful thing around here.

[28:51] >> I agree.

[28:52] My main thought is it should definitely

[28:53] be one of our native canopy tree species.

[28:56] And the other thing to come up planning out in the roadway --

[29:01] it can be drier and the soils brought in and --

[29:06] does the commission have thoughts about tree species?

[29:09] I see live oak and -- >> I'm happy -- >> (inaudible)

[29:39] >> Can you repeat that?

[29:40] Hold on. >> (inaudible)

[29:51] >> I think they're kind of marginal here.

[29:51] I don't see them thriving generally in North Florida.

[29:54] I've never seen a giant weeping willow in our area.

[29:59] >> (inaudible)

[30:06] >> I think we are right on the edge. >> (inaudible)

[30:22] >> I agree.

[30:22] >> Or even one of those -- >> Live Oaks are probably

[30:26] the number one tree on the island historically.

[30:28] So that's my vote.

[30:32] >> They're slow growers.

[30:34] >> They can live a long time.

[30:43] >> good.

[30:48] >> I've thinking this.

[30:49] We want to put it together for the planting --

[30:52] and then for the watering.

[30:54] You talk about what length of time

[30:56] do we want someone to water it?

[30:57] Do we want to quantify how many gallons per tree?

[31:03] >> How many gallons of water per tree?

[31:05] How many gallons of water per tree do we want to water?

[31:10] >> There are guidelines.

[31:11] For sure we'd want to do that.

[31:15] >> When they hire a crew they have an idea of what they

[31:18] normally do.

[31:24] >> I can only say, everything that I've ever seen from Gage

[31:27] or Liberty all had -- depends on the time of the year and from

[31:31] extension two I've seen this.

[31:33] And you know this I'm sure.

[31:36] I just wanted to see the extension recommends

[31:39] because yes come landscapers and we all have our own opinions.

[31:44] >> I'd like to know what that is.

[31:47] So they do have a watering schedule

[31:49] and it's based on caliber and time of year

[31:52] and there's a schedule based on how many weeks

[31:54] and if you are dry or wet, they've got that.

[31:59] >> There's certain times where we sort of have -- for a while.

[32:04] It hasn't happened much recently.

[32:06] But it can happen.

[32:08] Hopefully in the winter, this winter.

[32:11] We're entering an El Nino period.

[32:14] Like with the Pacific Ocean and tropical region

[32:18] is warmer than average.

[32:20] So when we're in these El Nino conditions,

[32:22] our area tends to have higher than average rainfall

[32:25] so fingers crossed.

[32:27] The next six months to a year -- >> Which would be nice.

[32:32] If we could get something planted this fall.

[32:39] >> This is the prime season here.

[32:40] >> The fall is the number one it recommended time.

[32:50] >> Okay.

[32:50] We should probably try to act now before it's

[32:53] spring and summer of next year.

[32:56] >> Do you want to check and see about a contractor?

[32:58] If you don't have a contractor we

[33:00] can take some action items individually

[33:03] and contact different companies if you

[33:06] wanted us to help with that.

[33:08] It seems like it is a county thing now.

[33:13] >> Financial.

[33:14] >> If we can have somebody provide you a quote,

[33:17] that's one thing.

[33:19] >> Do you know how that process works?

[33:23] >> You just have to find three people --

[33:25] and I know our guidelines have some local preference.

[33:29] We usually go with the lowest bid unless you have reason --

[33:34] you could work with procurement.

[33:37] There's a procurement policy.

[33:41] >> I've never worked with them before.

[33:43] >> If someone has recommendations on who to use --

[33:48] we try to do -- and we have people that would be willing --

[33:54] I know contractors and they're doing like subdivisions --

[33:58] they're not going to bid on -- so you have to be able to get

[34:03] the right person for the right job.

[34:06] >> That's a good point.

[34:09] >> Who or when do we want to define the scope then to be able

[34:14] to find bids to quote?

[34:16] Who's going to say we're going to ask for this many trees?

[34:20] I think we have to find out first

[34:21] is you have somebody who's already contracted

[34:24] because I don't want to go ask for bids before that

[34:26] but you are asking how many trees will you put on there?

[34:30] I think once you know if you've got a bed,

[34:33] then you go to that contractor and tell them what you want

[34:36] to do and -- some budget that you want to give them and ask,

[34:41] maybe you don't do that --

[34:42] I'm telling you how I would do it.

[34:44] I would say this is what I have and you tell me

[34:47] what this should look like.

[34:49] I don't think we're the people to make that decision how

[34:52] many trees go in.

[34:53] I think we can recommend we want Florida natives

[34:56] and we would like some live oaks.

[34:59] But how many trees and spacing them and watering them --

[35:03] that's where I think the person that you hire is supposed

[35:06] to provide that.

[35:07] And we act as guidelines if we agree with them.

[35:12] >> Typically the RFP will outline it for a county unless

[35:14] we have like you were saying, subcontract --

[35:18] then you might have a unit price and say this is our unit price

[35:21] per tree.

[35:22] That's already established.

[35:24] Maybe that could be a way for us to give them a budget then.

[35:31] >> Is that something that extension could help us with

[35:33] with spacing?

[35:35] >> We could do three trees or -- >> (inaudible)

[37:05] [no audio]

[37:29] Maybe if there's some that are very hearty.

[37:31] I would say my personal opinion is near trails and roadways

[37:36] we should also consider just the shade for the trail

[37:41] and also matching the existing canopy

[37:44] and like a large native canopy tree is the oaks and hickories

[37:48] and things like that.

[37:54] >> My only concern with that was just the messiness of them.

[37:56] There's some that >> That just depends -- crabapple.

[38:05] >> No crabapple.

[38:07] >> I've never seen a crabapple in Nassau County.

[38:12] >> You've not lived until you've had somebody throw a crabapple

[38:15] at you.

[38:16] >> I don't know if I've ever experienced that.

[38:19] >> I had two plants a -- somebody planted them right

[38:23] by the Dep's -- they were great for shade but they had

[38:26] crabapples over the deck and if you didn't get them up they

[38:28] rotted and then the bees would get up and then they'd sting

[38:31] the dog and one day I just had --

[38:36] >> A whole chain of events there.

[38:37] >> Yes.

[38:40] >> Okay.

[38:41] Sounds good.

[38:43] I think we can talk more about species and then maybe the size

[38:48] -- the size that we want to plant --

[38:51] that's an important point.

[38:53] I also kind of want to get a clear idea of what's really

[38:56] the area we are working with.

[38:58] He estimated is 2500ft² but is that a flat area or sloped.

[39:04] Maybe you have a better idea of what the space looks like.

[39:07] There's those two squares near that pine tree.

[39:10] Which again would be a good spot because it would help --

[39:14] but I think that might be like a part shade location.

[39:18] So then when you think about part shade combat you have

[39:22] different species -- we have one native mulberry, red mulberry.

[39:28] There's a lot of them in the Fort Clinch State Park

[39:31] and they're pretty nice trees and they're a part shade tree.

[39:34] Honestly if we find those common that'd

[39:36] be the best location for world Red Mulberry and those

[39:38] do get fruits for the birds.

[39:40] Those are cool trees that you don't see planted that often.

[39:44] >> That would be a good spot for it.

[39:46] I'm pretty nerdy.

[39:47] I've studied a lot of our native trees.

[39:49] I like trying to learn our native canopy.

[39:52] I do have thoughts about that.

[39:55] When you're planting in a roadway

[39:56] you have to consider the hardier species I'd say.

[40:01] >> What do you need from us?

[40:05] Do you need us to try to think about species and how many

[40:11] trees and that sort of thing?

[40:12] Is that something you want this commission to do?

[40:17] >> Potentially yes.

[40:18] I like the idea of this being a discussion and a group effort

[40:22] and it's something that tree commission can work on.

[40:26] I hate that it's like a broken record,

[40:28] but I haven't had much time recently during the week

[40:32] to work on this either.

[40:33] So if you all can help work on these things that's helpful.

[40:37] From my note from earlier, it seems the next point is

[40:40] to figure out if we already have a company that we contract with

[40:43] because then maybe we can -- have a group that we want

[40:47] to contract with.

[40:48] Maybe then that's step one.

[40:50] And then at that point, say we do have a company --

[40:54] would we try to formulate an idea at that point?

[40:58] We can do this outside of these tree commission meetings

[41:01] too if we work over the county emails.

[41:04] Which hopefully we'll have access to.

[41:06] We can communicate that way.

[41:07] There's no reason we can't do that.

[41:10] When we meet here once a month -- that can get really drug out.

[41:16] So that might be the next step is -- yes.

[41:21] >> I apologize for interjecting.

[41:23] Just to clarify, because a Florida sunshine law,

[41:29] it's not a reply all situation in terms

[41:32] of coordinating via email.

[41:35] So Adam can send out emails with information

[41:39] and it would be limited to just responding to Adam.

[41:44] I want to clarify that.

[41:46] >> We can work one on one through email.

[41:49] But it shouldn't be reply all to include all commission members.

[41:56] >> (inaudible)

[41:57] >> I appreciate that reminder.

[41:58] We can work one on one through emails or over phone calls.

[42:03] >> What I see is the county uses blind copy for that.

[42:08] That way you can't make a mistake.

[42:10] >> That's what we do because we can send it out to you all

[42:13] but it's each individually and you can't see everyone >> Are we

[42:19] planning to use all 18000?

[42:20] No?

[42:22] >> That's a good question.

[42:24] >> I can't even imagine we need to.

[42:26] It would depend on the sizes.

[42:29] >> And how much cost to water it.

[42:34] >> Do we think that's thousands of dollars?

[42:36] Probably?

[42:37] An entire crew?

[42:39] Has anyone ever contracted for that sort of work?

[42:43] It was not?

[42:49] >> It can be when you start talking about the watering,

[42:52] how many trees -- the size. >> (inaudible) mulch double mulch

[43:01] is an important factor.

[43:06] >> (inaudible)

[43:08] >> If you get a unit price, if that exists,

[43:10] then that will help us set a budget and we can look

[43:16] at the tree availability.

[43:18] >> Would unit price include the water?

[43:21] >> Probably not. >> (inaudible) NASA keeps him in the pot

[43:43] and they move him to the new pot and they grow --

[43:52] (inaudible) which is cheaper.

[43:54] And that can grow better roots and maybe have healthier trees.

[44:02] They will find their ways to grow their roots, healthy roots.

[44:08] It's the most important part.

[44:11] >> I 100% agree.

[44:14] >> 45 gallons?

[44:15] Is that still -- >> You don't even buy that size.

[44:20] You need to -- >> Sometimes they sit in the pot in the root

[44:24] circle in the pots.

[44:25] At that point it's not a healthy root system.

[44:30] >> The good example is the waterfront park.

[44:34] >> The new city park?

[44:36] And the large trees?

[44:39] >> They looked beautiful until --

[44:41] >> I went to the opening ceremony.

[44:43] I don't know if I walked that recently.

[44:46] >> It's beautiful but the amount of water those trees needed

[44:49] to get through this drought was enormous.

[44:52] They didn't get it.

[44:54] Maybe the big trees are more prone to shock

[44:56] when they can look bad and sometimes branches die.

[45:02] >> They had to be.

[45:03] At least -- probably not even container --

[45:08] aren't there magnolias on the parkway at the N --

[45:13] Simmons road, closer to the beach?

[45:15] Those have done excellent and they are small.

[45:19] 45 gallon.

[45:22] >> I don't know the container sizes to visualize personally

[45:26] but I have heard that smaller tends to be better because they

[45:29] are a younger root systems, so they are less likely to circle

[45:33] in the pot.

[45:34] The bigger the tree, the more needy as far

[45:38] as water and potential root issues.

[45:41] And small trees will also be much more --.

[45:50] >> Of course. >> (inaudible)

[46:03] >> Piled up around the tree trunks?

[46:05] I noticed this also.

[46:07] >> My questions or people -- (inaudible)

[46:17] >> I'm familiar with that also.

[46:22] That's true.

[46:23] I see that sometimes as well.

[46:29] >> Where should I report >> It's easy to throw that mulch on.

[46:37] >> They just have their own landscape.

[46:44] (inaudible) we have a very good resource here --

[46:52] they have very good pine straw. (inaudible) they keep

[47:02] the moisture and -- it's the best one we can use

[47:07] and it's cheap.

[47:13] >> I just made a note to.

[47:14] The next step is I will reach out to procurement

[47:16] and ask if we have part of the existing contracts

[47:18] and then I'll set up the follow up email to all of you

[47:22] and that will be the next step.

[47:24] And then at that point we can discuss back and forth

[47:29] how to move forward.

[47:31] Maybe I'll get the plans for this area.

[47:33] We talked about how large the area is and number of species.

[47:38] And that stuff.

[47:39] I think that's my thought at this point.

[47:45] >> (inaudible)

[47:48] >> I'm okay with that also.

[47:49] We need to honor the Florida Sunshine Law.

[47:51] If we can just communicate that way, we can communicate --

[47:55] maybe we can conclude this part of tonight's meeting.

[47:59] If you have more thoughts you can call me back up.

[48:01] We can conclude this part.

[48:04] >> Thank you.

[48:09] >> And we have -- if we move to the next agenda item,

[48:11] general public comment, we have Miss Rebecca Raymond that would

[48:16] like to address.

[48:24] >> Do I need to give my address?

[48:25] I'm Rebecca Raymond, 1703 Highland Dunes

[48:29] Ray, Fernandina Beach.

[48:32] I am here representing Amelia Tree Conservancy

[48:37] and actually just want to update on a couple of things.

[48:42] I was here I guess --

[48:45] I guess it was the last board meeting you had

[48:49] and you were talking about the Heritage Tree program.

[48:52] So I just wondered how that was coming along.

[48:57] And I understand we don't have a county arborist at this point.

[49:05] And how we're going to proceed without.

[49:10] So I guess I have questions of you. >> Thank you.

[49:16] I don't think the board has information on hiring practices.

[49:20] I don't know if there's anyone here that can address that.

[49:26] >> It'd just be a typical -- it's a job posting --

[49:31] an interview process and I'm not sure where they're at in that

[49:35] process, the jobs posted that are --

[49:37] the jobs not been posted yet but --

[49:42] that position falls on the development services department

[49:45] but they are aware of it and working on --

[49:49] it's my understanding.

[49:51] This board wouldn't be involved for my understanding.

[49:56] >> But you would be interested in having an arborist come

[49:59] a right?

[50:01] >> We have a position for a city forester.

[50:03] I'm sorry, County forester.

[50:06] I came from the city so I keep using that word too much.

[50:12] >> It's okay.

[50:14] >> Do you have any updates you want to do on the Heritage Tree

[50:18] program?

[50:19] We had discussion around that.

[50:22] We have not pursued that.

[50:24] We decided to work on a tree planting program.

[50:27] Is that what -- does anybody need to address that?

[50:31] I think we'll move forward on -- >> I can address that.

[50:42] >> Yeah, staff does not have an update about the Heritage Tree

[50:45] program and that system made.

[50:47] Towards that end, part of the reason for that

[50:50] is losing staff recently.

[50:52] Staff is pretty tight in the office and there's also

[50:56] discussions about recently over the last year the county has

[50:59] been looking at tightening the budget and focusing on what

[51:02] staff is working on as well as the potential --

[51:06] the election coming up in November and potentially --

[51:09] on property taxes and we can also be constrained for county

[51:12] budgeting.

[51:13] It's part of the conversation and -- in how staff is working.

[51:18] At this point that hasn't been tabled for a while.

[51:21] It's not been ex indefinitely.

[51:23] But for now we don't have an update.

[51:27] >> We would focus on the tree program,

[51:29] the planting program because we have a budget for that.

[51:31] And that money is earmarked specifically for that program.

[51:36] >> We feel it's something staff can handle and go forward with.

[51:39] So that's the plan.

[51:42] >> Thank you.

[51:44] >> Thank you.

[51:45] Is there anyone else for public comment?

[51:49] Or general?

[51:50] No?

[51:51] We don't have anything?

[51:53] Did any member want to speak to anything?

[51:57] No comment?

[51:58] No?

[51:59] Then we will adjourn at 5:49.

[52:05] Can I ring the gavel?

Amelia Island Tree Commission

Agenda

Transcript