Tree & Storm Water Advisory Board on January 8, 2025

Agenda

7:00 pm
City Council Chambers, 360 N Main St, North Liberty, Iowa

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
   1. July 10, 2024
3. Public Comment
4. Tree Reports
   1. Tree City USA 2024 application submitted and approved by the Iowa DNR
   2. MidAmerican 2025 Trees Please Grant application (Penn Meadows Park)
   3. Report on 2024 tree plantings and
   4. Arbor Day – Proclamation read at April 22^nd City Council
   5. Arbor Day – April 25,
   6. Other tree topics not
5. Muddy Creek & Trail clean-up April 5^th 9:00 AM Rec Center
6. Storm Water Report
   1. Liberty Centre Pond’s edge stone outcropping repair
   2. Liberty Centre Pond north point
   3. Salt usage on sidewalks and parking lots
   4. Muddy Creek Culvert cleanout
   5. Middle Iowa Watershed
   6. Other storm water topics not
7. Old Business
8. New Business
9. Next Meeting
   1. April 9, 2025, at 7:00pm.
10. Adjournment

Minutes

North Liberty Tree and Storm Water Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Date: July 10, 2024, 7:00 PM

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by Abdouramane Bila.

Board Members Present:

Darice Baxter, Abdouramane Bila, Michael Burrill, Kevin McGrane, Daniel Green, Guy Goldsmith (Parks Director), Mike Wolfe (Stormwater Coordinator), Brian Hamer (City Arborist).

Approval of Previous Minutes:

The minutes from the April 2024 meeting were approved. Motion by Kevin McGrane, seconded by Darice Baxter. Motion carried.

Public Comment:

No public comments were made.

Guy Goldsmith mentioned that inquiries occasionally arise regarding responsibility for downed trees on private property after storms. He clarified that homeowners are responsible unless it’s deemed an emergency situation.

New Board Member Welcome:

Abdouramane Bila welcomed new board member Daniel Green and provided an update on board member terms.

Appointment of 2025 Fiscal Year Board Positions:

Chairperson: Michael Burrill nominated Abdouramane Bila, who accepted the nomination. Motion carried.

Vice Chair: Kevin McGrane was Motion carried.

Secretary: Michael Burrill was Motion carried.

Updates:

Tree Planting Delay:
Guy Goldsmith reported that the MidAmerican 2024 “Trees Please” planting at Penn Meadows Park has been delayed until fall due to wet conditions. The trees need to be planted, and a status report must be submitted by October 25th to remain compliant.

Tree and Landscape Maintenance:
Brian Hamer discussed summer maintenance activities, including watering trees under four years old, mulching, and trimming dead branches. He mentioned the removal of an Ash tree at Creekside Park due to safety concerns from a resident. No further Ash trees are scheduled for removal, as treatments for the Emerald Ash Borer are proving effective. When asked if the treatments are required annually, Brian confirmed they are. Guy Goldsmith added that Emerald Ash Borers will continue to move through the area until their food source is depleted.

Stormwater Update:
Mike Wolfe reported on updates to city permits and management plans. He also shared that the Middle Iowa Watershed Authority kickoff meeting would take place on July 11, 2024, to introduce a consultant to the community and develop a plan. Invitations were sent to around 150 citizens.

Fishkill at Freedom Park:
Guy Goldsmith shared that a fishkill occurred at Freedom Park, primarily affecting grass carp, with over 100 carp dying due to lack of oxygen. He explained that fishkills are natural and help manage overpopulation. The pond will be restocked with sterile grass carp to control algae.

Other Business:

Abdouramane Bila asked Mike Wolfe about the status of the city’s GIS stormwater mapping. Mike confirmed it has been completed.

New board member Dan Green spoke about his background, sharing that he is a lifelong resident of the area, holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Iowa, and works in environmental consulting at He has lived in North Liberty for 10 years and joined the board to become more involved in the community.

Board members Abdouramane Bila, Michael Burrill, Kevin McGrane, and Darice Baxter shared their reasons for serving on the board.

Next Meeting Date:
The next meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Kevin McGrane, seconded by Darice Baxter. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

Attachments

Information Packet