City of Burlington Downtown Executive Team

Call to order and roll call

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, Peter Girolamo, Dennis Spankowski, Tom Stelling, Bill Stone, John Ekes and Ann Flad-Jesion. Excused: David Torgler, Kevin McKillip, John Smith. Absent: Lynn Gruenke.

Others present: Larry Gobel, Director of Public Works; Aaron DeGrave, Department of Public Works; Greg Howe, N. 5903 Hargraves Road, Burlington; Jim Schoberg, 113 E. Chestnut Street, Burlington; Wayne Johnson, 33628 Washington Avenue, Burlington.

Approval of minutes

Upon a motion by Mr. Spankowski, seconded by Mr. Ekes, the minutes of the February 28, 2003 meeting were approved.

Update on proposed cleanup programs
Jan Ludtke of the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce was not present to provide an update on the proposed cleanup programs. This item will be placed on the next DET agenda.

Discussion regarding Loop beautification, impact of trees
Larry Gobel and Aaron DeGrave of the City of Burlington Department of Public Works were present to discuss,this item. Mr. Gobel indicated that amenities to the Loop were installed in 1984. At that time the plan called for honey locust trees, however the businesses requested the Bradford Pear trees which were installed instead.

Mr. Gobel indicated that removing the existing trees and replacing them with a different type of tree is a significant undertaking, as the root balls need to be removed. Items to consider when contemplating replacing the trees are the potential underground conflicts, including electric, gas, water and sewer lines. Above-ground considerations include ensuring that the type and placement of trees do not obscure highway markers, and the potential for vehicles to damage trees. Mr. DeGraves indicated that the roots could stay green or petrify if the trees were cut down.

Discussion ensued regarding the significant height and width of the Bradford Pear trees currently in place and the difficulties those issues present. Mr. DeGraves indicated that Hawthorn trees are smaller and easier to trim and therefore may be a more appropriate tree for the Loop, as well as Japanese Lilac and American Hornbean trees. Mr. Stelling inquired about the Ginko, which has no berries to attract birds. Mr. DeGraves responded that the Ginko is very slow growing.

Mr. Gobel suggested the DET consider raised planter beds with trees and flowers in them. These could be placed in the bump out areas of the Loop. Raised planter beds would contain the trees and eliminate the underground root concerns previously expressed by some business owners. Mr. Stone inquired whether there was a risk of roots freezing in raised planters. It was observed that the bump outs currently have Locust trees and these trees are not a concern at this time.

Mr. Howe indicated that Ginko trees were originally planted and there were no concerns expressed about them. He also expressed that trees have been in the Loop for twenty-four years and he reported overwhelming support for keeping trees in the Loop. He indicated that
the trees provide atmosphere that makes the Loop unique.

Mr. Schoburn indicated that the current trees pose a problem for businesses because they obscure store fronts, customers have difficulty finding businesses, and express concern about bird droppings. He also noted that the trees create a financial concern because property owners incur costs when tree roots compromise the sewer system.

Mayor Lois inquired whether the trees could be trimmed further. Mr. Gobel indicated that the low crotch of the trees and their mature make it difficult to maintain the integrity of the tree when trimmed.

Mr. Gobel indicated he is exploring other products that may be used to deter birds from roosting in the trees.

Mr. Johnson indicated that he has had customers call indicating they cannot find his business, and he feels obscured by the trees. He inquired whether each tree could be addressed individually.

Mayor Lois indicated the following steps would be taken to address tree concerns for the next year:

1. The City's Department of Public Works will meet with a representative of each business in the Loop and work with them to trim trees on an individual basis;

2. The City will spray trees to deter birds and continue exploring other products;

3. The City will place planter urns on grates where trees have been removed;

4. Jim will work with the Retail Group of the Chamber of Commerce to develop a tree plan for the downtown which will be presented to the DET and Common Council in the future;

5. Mr. Howe will research funding for the proposed tree plan.

6. The City will review the sign ordinance and consider the feasibility of changes to the ordinance in the future.

Update on Farmer's Market.
Mr. Stone reported the previous manager of the Farmer's Market will not be available for the 2003 season. Discussion ensued regarding operating the market without a manager, as had been done in the past. Discussion also ensued regarding the Wisconsin products limitation the market imposes, which limits the products that can be sold in early in the season. Discussion ensued regarding lowering the permit fee to $25 per season.

Drop-off sites for newspaper distribution.
Mr. Stone reported that he checked with the newspapers, and they will provide five drop boxes for newspapers rather than deliver them in the downtown area, in an effort to contain the litter uncollected newspapers create. Discussion ensued regarding the potential location of the drop boxes. It was concluded that five of the following locations would be pursued:

• Near the planter at the Chamber of Commerce
• Near the bench in the curve
• Near the mailboxes at the Daily Brew
• Near the mailboxes at Fred's
• Near the park at the west end of Flippy's
• Near the mailboxes at the Library
• Across from the Post Office

It was noted that this item should be discussed with the Historic Preservation Commission.

Mr. Ekes reported that he has located portable steam cleaning machines that purportedly remove gum and wax from sidewalks. Sizes vary. He will research the effectiveness further and consider presenting this option to the DET for their recommendation to the Council for inclusion in next year's budget.

Upon a motion by Mr. Girolamo, and seconded by Mr. Stelling, the meeting was adjourned at 10:42.

Respectfully Submitted,

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