City of Burlington Downtown Executive Team

At the meeting this Friday morning, Mayor Claude Lois called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. beginning with roll call: Mayor Claude Lois, Mary Brensinger, John Ekes, Peter Girolamo, Kevin McKillip, John Smith, Dennis Spankowski, Tom Stelling, Bill Stone, Jenny Trick, and Ann Flad-Jesion. Excused: David Torgler, John Smith. Absent: Lynn Gruenke.

Others present: Larry Gobel, Director of Public Works; Jan Ludtke, Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce; Judith Schulz; Julie Peterson; Shelly Staton.

Dennis Spankowski moved and John Ekes seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the December 20, 2002 meeting. Discussion ensued regarding amending the minutes to reflect that Lynn Gruenke arrived after the meeting was underway. Dennis Spankowski moved and John Ekes seconded the motion to approve the December 20, 2002 meeting minutes as amended to reflect Lynn Gruenke arrived after the meeting was underway.

It was requested that the agenda item: "Discussion regarding Loop beautification, impact of trees" be addressed first in the order of business, as parties were present to speak to that agenda item.

Mayor Lois indicated that downtown businesses brought forward the concern about the trees in the Loop, and the Common Council will consider the input of the businesses and the Downtown Executive Team in making a recommendation.

A petition was presented by Julie Peterson to the DET requesting that the trees remain in the Loop. A letter from Greg and Gay Howe of The Jasmine Tree was also submitted in support of retaining the trees.

Shelly Staton presented signatures from other business owners in support of removing certain trees, and proposed that the areas where trees are removed instead be decorated with planters or other greenery. Ms. Staton also indicated that the petitioners are requesting that the remaining trees be trimmed.

Ms. Staton referenced a photo display illustrating concerns about the trees, and specifically highlighted concerns regarding debris from the trees, droppings from birds, damaged trees, visibility of buildings and businesses, and sewer problems that may be attributed to tree roots. Discussion ensued regarding the relevance of the photographs, as some of the trees have been trimmed since the photos were taken, and the photos were taken in winter and therefore may not represent the visibility concerns the trees pose when full of foliage.

A question was raised regarding whether the sewer system problems would be alleviated if the trees were cut. Trees would need to be cut and the roots removed from the sewers in order to alleviate reported problems.

Larry Gobel reported that the trees are sprayed to deter birds from roosting in them. The spray works best if conducted before the leaves bud, however it does wear off. Judith Schulz suggested that the vines on the backs of buildings may be encouraging birds to nest nearby.

Mr. Gobel also reported that the recently damaged tree has been trimmed to the extent possible. Trimming of pear trees is limited by the low crotch of this species of tree. Discussion ensued regarding replacing the existing pear trees with another species that is more appropriate for an urban environment.

Discussion ensued regarding some residents’ reported concerns that removal of trees will detract from the beauty of the Loop and result in a bare street similar to others in the downtown area.

Frank Canella suggested that an important issue is the visibility of signage. Hanging signs are designed for pedestrian viewing, while the signboard area above windows is designed for vehicular viewing.

Peter Girolamo suggested the DET consider an adopt-a-tree program, with a business sponsor being responsible for the trimming and maintaining of their adopted tree. Mayor Lois indicated that the City is willing to continue trimming the trees. Additionally, Mayor Lois suggested the DET consider identifying a source of funds to cover the cost associated with the removal of the trees and their replacement with a different species.

Mayor Lois requested that Mr. Gobel and Aaron DeGrave of the City’s Department of Public Works report at the March DET meeting regarding which trees would be recommended for replacement, suggestions regarding any species that might be more suitable for the Loop, costs associated with replacement, and indications of other greenery that could be installed.

Judith Schulz indicated that her building has sewer problems without any trees on her street. She also suggested that as a Tree City, the DET should explore preservation of trees in the Loop. Ms. Schulz also reported that studies indicate economies are better when trees are present.

Ms. Staton indicated that the community has also placed a priority on restoration and renovation of historic buildings, and those buildings are not visible because of the trees.

Jan Ludtke, Executive Director of the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, reported on progress developing an Adopt-A-Block program. A meeting was held on January 14, 2003, and the following commitments were secured at that time:

Other community groups have been contacted and the Chamber is following up with them in order to secure additional commitments.

Ms. Ludtke also indicated that the community groups would operate under the supervision and direction of their leader, and that trash bags and gloves would be available at the Chamber Office.

Mayor Lois indicated that promotion of the program and obtaining additional participation will be critical to its success. Ms. Ludtke indicated that news releases and merchant window signage are two methods that will be utilized to promote the Adopt-A-Block program.

Larry Gobel indicated that street sweepers are used before and after the weekend during the warmer months. Sweepers had not been effective in cleaning the sidewalks. Mayor Lois inquired whether Pine Street and the Loop could be swept every other day. Mr. Gobel indicated that this was possible.

Discussion ensued regarding soliciting cash from merchants and subsequently

providing donations to community groups who participate in the Adopt-A-Block program for a year. Ms. Ludtke indicated that merchants have been requested to provide a dumpster for trash that is collected. Additionally, merchants already donate to these community organizations for their events and fundraisers, and the Adopt-A-Block program is a way for the organizations to give something back to the merchants.

Bill Stone left the meeting.

Mayor Lois questioned how much was budgeted for the Farmers Market for 2003. Approximately $1,800 was budgeted.

Bill Stone rejoined the meeting.

Discussion ensued regarding the location of the Farmers Market. It was noted that visibility of the event was difficult until vehicles are already past the Veteran’s Building site. Adjusting access to the site was also discussed. Frank Canella suggested that no costs be incurred for permanent adjustments until the success of the 2003 season and thus the future existence of the event becomes evident. It was concluded that the event would stay at the Veteran’s Building for another season.

Bill Stone will check with Pam Hess to determine if she is willing to run the Farmer’s Market for another season.

Bill Stone indicated he checked with the Hi-Liter and the Journal-Times. Both newspapers indicated they would be willing to distribute their papers via newspaper boxes on the street. Discussion ensued about the potential location of boxes.

Dennis Spankowski moved to adjourn the meeting and John Ekes seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

Recording Secretary,
Ann Flad-Jesion,
Racine County Economic Development Corporation