23-04 Approved Tree Board MinutesCrystal Tree Board Minutes
April 5, 2023
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Commission Tree Board meeting was called to order at 6:47 pm by
Crystal Tree Board member Taji Onesirosan.
Tree Board members in attendance: Dave Anderson, Lynn Haney, Taji Onesirosan, and Jennifer
Zielinski. Also present were Traci Kamish, Council Liaison: John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Scott
Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Tony Sumnicht (Chair), Jesse McCaffrey, Shaz Ahmadi and Joyce
Cooper
Guest: Alex Popp, Crystal resident.
Mr. Fortin reviewed the Forestry Annual Report, highlighting work done in the past year.
Crystal currently has five certified tree inspectors. Their primary focus is tree inspections,
maintenance, and replacement throughout the year. City staff and contractors removed 225
trees in the past year. The existence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) is a concern and the
motivation for increased tree removals. The city recently received a grant for $50,000 to help
with tree removal and replacements. The goal is a one-for-one replacement. The replacement
trees being planted come from a wide species variety. The goal is to have no more than 5% of
any species within Crystal. A tree nursery was created on the old public works site to create an
accessible and more cost-effective source for trees.
Tree Board members discussed the May 3 Arbor Day event. The event will be held at Winnetka
Hills Park, with a park clean-up at 6 pm and other activities beginning at 6:30 pm. The city will
give away 40 trees to residents (pollinator-friendly). Trees will be handed out at the event. If
any trees remain, they will be planted in the city’s tree nursery.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 3, 2024, at 6:45 pm – at the Crystal Community Center.
John Elholm
Recorder