Words by Sophie Franchi

The August 2023 City of Akron Tree Commission meeting set a record for their shortest meeting on the books so far, clocking in at just over 10 minutes long. The group covered a lot of ground in this short time, most of which was spent finalizing the details of their public education strategy, with a few minutes left at the end to discuss the plan for written communication that will be sent to residents about upcoming tree plantings, notification of the Akron Tree Commission logo contest winner, and plans for an upcoming in-person luncheon meeting.

The meeting began with the approval of the minutes from July’s meeting and the introduction of the August meeting agenda, which included the public education strategy and the approval of cost and details for ordering Akron Tree Commission T-shirts.

Commissioner Sarah Vradenburg asked if anyone had corrections or revisions to suggest, and everyone approved the content. The group discussed next steps for the pamphlet production, as no one in the group is able to do the layout. Commissioner Jim Aitkin offered to contact the City of Akron Chief Communications Officer Stephanie Marsh about the pamphlet layout.

Read more: Akron Tree Commission August 2023 Meeting Recap

Next, the group discussed T-shirt pricing from two different quotes. The quote from Rubber City Clothing was significantly more expensive than the quote from TKM Print Solutions. However, none of the commissioners mentioned how much more expensive the T-shirts from Rubber City Clothing would have cost. Commissioner Aitkin said he believed the City would cover the cost of the T-shirts, and that he would work to get it approved. 

Commissioner Vradenburg invited a motion, and Commissioner Jeff Fusco accepted the invitation and made a motion to approve and request the expenditure of approximately $780 for T-shirts in support of the Akron Tree Commission; the motion passed.

Commissioner Patricia Wyatt asked for clarification about whether T-shirts would be sold or given away for free. Commissioner Vradenburg confirmed that the T-shirts would be given away for free to the public as part of the Public Education Strategy. The goal is to create awareness about who the Akron Tree Commission is and what they do.

Commissioner Vradenburg then asked Parks Maintenance Foreman John Hilkert whether letters have been sent out to residents to notify them of upcoming tree plantings on their tree lawns. Hilkert said the letters had not been sent out as of yet. Hilkert explained that the City of Akron is in the process of updating their contract for tree maintenance, planting, and removal. Hilkert and City Arborist Jon Malish intend to work on the new contract together when Malish returns from vacation. Once the contract is complete, they will send letters to the residents notifying them of upcoming tree lawn plantings. 

Commissioner Vradenburg asked Hilkert to send an email notifying the members of the Tree Commission when the letters to residents are sent out, as response letters from residents are expected to be received quickly after they are notified of upcoming plantings. Residents who are on the City’s list to have trees planted in their tree lawns often attempt to appeal the process, citing concerns about leaf removal labor and cost, stormwater drain blockage, sidewalk damage from roots, danger of tree limbs growing into powerlines, and cost of trimming. 

The Akron Tree Commission is tasked with helping the public understand how the City has considered these issues and has developed solutions to many common concerns. Some of this information will be included in the pamphlets that the Tree Commission is creating, along with information on the benefits of trees.

The City plants different types of trees, depending on the tree lawn size needed to accommodate each type of tree. Smaller tree lawns will get smaller trees so that the roots will not damage the adjacent sidewalk. The City plants some trees that will not interfere with powerlines. Trees that might begin to grow too closely to lines will be trimmed by the City. The City is also working to educate residents on the correct time to rake leaves to the curb, based on when the leaf pickup will occur for each ward. 

Commissioner Aitkin will email the rest of the group when he has any updates on pamphlet design/layout and T-shirt funding. 

Now that school is back in session, Commissioner Wyatt will be able to connect with the Firestone High School student who designed the winning Akron Tree Commission logo so that they can receive their award.

Commissioner Wyatt also suggested that the group plan an in-person luncheon, which the group will discuss once Commissioner Sara Biviano returns from vacation.

The next meeting of the Akron Tree Commission will be Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.