New Search
n <br /> May 22, 1991 <br /> TO: Bob Hammitt <br /> FROM: Gene Shutt <br /> SUBJECT: TREE STUFF <br /> Talking with Ben Bonner Monday, I was told we had a request from Greg Alijan <br /> to see if we could provide information relating to the locations of the five <br /> biggest /oldest trees of each species within the City limits. The request <br /> went to Jan and he talked with Ben. Although Ben says that to some degree <br /> the requested information is available in CETREE, I told Ben that is not the <br /> way I believe he should be spending his time. Ben will have ISD provide him <br /> a report that may answer the question to some degree but that's all the ef- <br /> fort I believe we should allocate to this request. I want the Tree Crew to <br /> focus on maintaining trees and eliminating hazards. I want Ben to focus on <br /> answering questions from the general public and performing in a supervisory <br /> role. <br /> I understand the controversial nature of the Tree program and our wanting to <br /> establish a good working relationship with members of the Tree Commission but <br /> I want the program channeled towards maintenance and steered away from poli- <br /> tics. When the Crew transferred to Public Works, John Luther made a point of <br /> telling me the program was becoming more political and he wanted me to know <br /> the crew was made up of Tree Trimmers and not Politicians. He asked that we <br /> keep that in mind and establish checkpoints if the mix began to get out of <br /> balance. I believe it's time for one of those checkpoints, especially since <br /> the Tree Crew has been with PW for almost a year. When Ben and I met yester- <br /> day, he also indicated a desire to have a set down discussion that included <br /> Jan, Johnny, you and me. I would like to go a step farther than that and <br /> include the crew. Perhaps this should be two separate discussions but if <br /> possible, I would like to have you involved. Since you, Johnny and Jan work <br /> closely with the Tree Commission we want to help you build a good working <br /> relationship but we also want the members to know our role is not to react to <br /> their every little whim. I don't think we have got to that point but believe <br /> it could. <br /> After Public Works Day is over and before everyone begins taking vacations <br /> would be a good time to have such a meeting. Please discuss this with me and <br /> perhaps we can do something in early June. <br /> cc: Ben Bonner <br /> Johnny Medlin <br /> Jan Staszewski <br />