HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 8, 2025 Tree Board Minutes from the
Jeffersonville Tree Board
December 8, 2025
In attendance: Eric Bitner, Jeff Cover, Bob Hill, Kelli Jones, Chloe Motley, Amber Powell, Chad
Reischl, Derrick Wiest.
Not in attendance:,; Carol Dunn, Paul Reid, Youth Advisor (vacant)
The meeting of the Jeffersonville Tree Board was called to order by Jeff Cover at 4:01 pm
on December 8, 2025 in the Planning/Building/Parks conference room at the Jeffersonville
City Hall
There were no adjustments to the agenda, but Jeff noted one change that needed to be
made to the minutes from November— specifically the date needed to be corrected. The
agenda and Minutes from November—with correction - were approved by general assent.
Unfinished business:
The tree planting for the Steamboat Museum is tentatively scheduled for Dec 13th at
10:30am. Chad indicated that the weather forecasts were not looking good and that he'd
keep folks informed about whether to again postpone the planting.
Committee reports:
Education/Programming/Tree Planting Committee:
While Carol was not in attendance, it was noted that the DNR Tree Stewards program dates
had been confirmed. The program will take place March 30-31 at the YMCA in downtown
New Albany. Jeff indicated that Carol had reached out to Duke Energy about sponsoring
lunch for the program and that things were promising. The board looks forward to helping
with the event.
Marketing/communications:
Jeff asked if there was any update on setting up a memorial tree program to help bring in
needed funds. While there was no formal update or proposal, there was a fair amount of
discussion on how this might work. Derrick said that it's currently $900 to plant a tree in the
park. This covers the tree and a small plaque. The question was raised whether this should
be a program that the tree board duplicates in some way, or if we take it over from parks.
There is still much to discuss.
Funding committee:
In November, it was announced that the City was awarded funds from the DNR for removal
and replacement of pears and tree-of-heaven from Chapel Lake Park and Allison Brook
Park. Jeff asked for clarity on the timing of this project. Chad indicated that he hoped to do
planting at Chapel Lake in the Spring and Allison Brook in the Fall, but its still somewhat to
be determined. Chad indicated that he'd want the Tree Board's help in organizing the
planting events.
Also in relation to funding, Chad indicated that it was his intention to transfer some fee-in-
lieu of landscape funds that he's collected this year to the Tree Board Non-Reverting Fund,
after the new year. He'll keep everyone posted.
Executive Committee:
Jeff asked Bob to report out on the answers he's received from his articles in the paper. Bob
indicated that he got leads on some additional trees to celebrate in upcoming posts. Chad
and Eric also mentioned the giant ginkgo tree downtown and suggested it might be worth a
mention.
Given that we're closing out the year, Jeff asked if this timeslot still works for 20026. And
everyone agreed that it did.
New Business:
There was no new business that needed discussing.
Informal discussion/public comment
There was no additional discussion or public comment.
With that Jeff called to adjourn the meeting. It was adjourned by common consent at
4:29pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Chad Reischl
Secretary,
Jeffersonville Tree Board.
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