Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee

Board Meeting Minutes

March 10, 2003 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Tree Trust, St. Paul MN

 

Call to Order.  The meetings was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by President Lorrie Stromme, on March 10, 2003

 

Approval of Minutes.  The Minutes of the board meeting on February 10, 2003, were reviewed and approved.

Discussions:

MnSTAC Awards.  The annual MnSTAC awards program will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.  The Builders Awards will be presented at the same program. The Tree City USA luncheon and awards program will follow.

 

Legislative Report. The graphic designer is making revisions to the Legislative Report.  Gary Johnson reviewed it and suggested several corrections.  Michael Max agreed to compare the community members listed on the draft report with the current membership list and pass the updates along to Gary and the graphic designer. The target date for distribution of the Legislative Report is March 25, 2003 (available at the Shade Tree Short Course).

 

Annual Report.  Michael Max is starting to work on the Annual Report.  He asked for a list of the chairs of MnSTAC committees and task forces. Michael wants to contact them and request updates for inclusion in the Annual Report.  Michael will also contact MDA, DNR, U of MN, MnDOT, Tree Trust, and the Forest Service to see if they have anything to include in the report. 

 

“How to Work with Volunteers” Forum.  The Research and Education Committee agreed to convene a working group on this topic. The idea of a forum resulted from board discussion about the logistical and legal aspects of working with volunteers.

 

Recording Secretary for MnSTAC.  The board would like to include a line item in the 2003-04 budget for a recording secretary for MnSTAC for future meetings.  Article IV, part 13 of the MnSTAC Constitution permits arranging for a recording secretary.

 

2003-04 Budget.  The board requested that Ken Holman present a detailed 2003-04 budget to MnSTAC members at the June MnSTAC meeting (as provided in the Constitution).

 

Home Base for MnSTAC Meetings. The board discussed whether to have a home base (such as the MSHS Center for Northern Gardening or Bachman’s Heritage Room) for membership meetings or to hold meetings in various locations.  The advantage to a home base is that members always know where to go for meetings.  The disadvantage is the inconvenience to members outside the Metro area.   The consensus was to have a home base, with seasonal “in-the-field” meetings or tours.  The August field tour we had in Eagan in 2002 was very well attended by both tree professionals and Tree Care Advisors. 

 

Speakers for future MnSTAC meetings.  Janette Monear and Kirk Brown of Tree Trust offered to arrange for speakers and meeting locations for the 2nd half of 2003.

 

Adjournment.  The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.