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C. Discussion <br /> { <br /> Ms. Bascom asked that at some point staff tell them whether those items were <br /> realistic. <br /> Mr. Friedkin said licensing companies to prune trees was a State function and <br /> wondered whether Eugene could further regulate the companies with an <br /> ordinance. Mr. Schmaedick felt lobbying the State or Federal governments for <br /> funds was not an appropriate role for the Tree Commission. <br /> In response to a question by Mr. Kolb about whether the City could create an <br /> ordinance affecting trees on private property, Mr. Post said such an <br /> ordinance was under the City's authority. <br /> Mr. Kolb noted that some of the categories, especially the ordinance <br /> category, would need subprioritization. <br /> V. DISCUSSION /LOBBYING <br /> Mr. Lueck lobbied for staff positions. He explained that the other items <br /> would be useless without having staff to work on them. <br /> In response to the idea of having staff comments about the items before <br /> members prioritized them, Mr. Kolb said the commission was there to make <br /> decisions and staff was there to implement those resolutions. <br /> Mr. Schmaedick felt that the Tree Commission could be an effective advocacy <br /> group if it did not become too polarized in its views. He believed the Tree <br /> Commission could play an important role as a facilitator in the growth /no <br /> growth issue. <br /> Mr. Ahlijian felt the historic tree issue was significant. He noted that <br /> while tree ordinances were important, few issues could be solved by ordinance <br /> in the next 18 months. However, with City staff and City Council support, <br /> establishment of historic trees as a priority would set an example for the <br /> community, would show what the commission feels is important, and would show <br /> the City's stance toward tree issues. He added that the commission should <br /> establish the theme that people do not own trees but are transitory <br /> custodians of trees. <br /> Ms. Bentsen lobbied for education items. She felt education would also show <br /> how the City feels about trees. With education as a priority, the commission <br /> would have several ways to promote trees. The educational campaign that <br /> could incorporate the largest number of people would be the first priority. <br /> Mr. Schmaedick added that education would also enable the commission to go <br /> further than ordinances in that education is more positive and more easily <br /> accepted. <br /> Ms. Bascom noted that she had received a letter on behalf of Councilor Boles <br /> asking for an ordinance saving large old trees, although she was unsure where <br /> { this item would be most appropriately placed. <br /> MINUTES - -Tree Commission March 8, 1990 Page 9 <br />