Oak Ridge public meetings in 2023
10 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Oak Ridge Tree Board met on October 5, 2023, and approved the minutes from the August 3, 2023 meeting. The board discussed several items, including reducing event hours for next Oak Ridge Heritage Day, addressing the aging pine plantation at Heritage Park, and replacing trimmed trees along Linville Rd. No formal decisions were made on these topics; actions were limited to assigning follow-ups.
- Approved minutes from August 3, 2023 meeting (6-0)
- Approved agenda for October 5, 2023 meeting (unanimous)
- Discussed reducing Oak Ridge Heritage Day event hours; no action taken
- Nancy Stoudemire to contact local forester about Heritage Park pine plantation
- ORTB and ORGC to meet with Oak Ridge Elementary principal about dead trees
- Discussed replacing trimmed trees along Linville Rd; no formal decision
- Terry Lannon to follow up on Tree City application
- Gigi Williams to lead search for free tree seedlings for Arbor Day 2024
Meeting
The Oak Ridge Tree Board approved the June 1, 2023 minutes and the August 3, 2023 agenda, both unanimously (6-0). They discussed plans for the Oak Ridge Heritage Day on September 30, including a tree expert booth and leaf display, and heard that two compromised oak trees were removed from Heritage Park and mulched. No formal decisions were made beyond the approvals.
- Approved June 1, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
- Approved August 3, 2023 agenda (6-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 10:47 am (6-0)
Meeting
The agenda contains a cost estimate for the Town Park Entrance Master Plan, totaling $139,810. This is a detailed breakdown of probable costs for demolition, earthwork, paving, site amenities, planting, and electrical work. The meeting will likely discuss or decide on this project based on the estimate.
- Total project estimate: $139,810
- Asphalt parking area: $34,800
- Concrete paving: $28,200
- Demolition: $8,000
- Contingency (10%): $12,710
Meeting
This agenda item is a review submission of the Town Park entrance master plan, specifically the planting plan (sheet L-301). It details proposed trees, shrubs, and perennials, including species, quantities, and spacing, and is marked 'NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION' and 'Review Submission'. The document is a landscape architectural drawing, not a policy or ordinance.
- Planting plan includes 15 trees (e.g., Scarlet Oak, Shumard Oak, Saucer Magnolia) and 56 Schip Laurel shrubs
- Perennials include 90 Altun Ha Daffodil bulbs and 45 Emerald Blue Phlox
- Plan notes 'ANNUALS (BY OWNER)' and 'TRANSPLANT EXISTING SWAMP LILIES TO HERE, BY OWNER'
- Sheet L-301 is part of a master plan for the Town Park entrance, drawn by Studio Hill (Roanoke, VA)
- Document is marked 'NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION' and 'Review Submission'
Meeting
The Oak Ridge Tree Board met and discussed the ORTP Event Center site plan, focusing on tree species suitability, shade coverage, and parking lot materials. They also reviewed the sustainability of Red Oak and White Oak trees at Heritage Park, with a recommendation to remove them. No formal decisions were made; items were deferred to the June 8 Town Council meeting.
- Approved minutes from April 6, 2023 meeting (4-0)
- Approved agenda for June 1, 2023 meeting (4-0)
- Discussed ORTP Event Center tree species, shade, and parking pavers; no vote
- Discussed Heritage Park oak removal; no vote
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
Meeting
The agenda presents a detailed cost estimate from Hill Studio #2104.02 dated May 24, 2023, for the Town Park Entrance Master Plan. The document itemizes Phase 1 costs totaling $180,823.50, including labor, materials, and a 10% contingency. Specific line items cover demolition, earthwork, various pavement types, planting, electrical work, and site amenities.
- Total estimated cost of $180,823.50 for Phase 1
- Pavement costs include $28,200 for concrete paving and $45,600 for turf block parking area
- Planting costs total approximately $21,705 including trees, shrubs, and groundcover
- Electrical work estimated at $12,000 including hookups and 14 light bollards
- Contingency fee of $16,438.50 included in the total estimate
Meeting
The Oak Ridge Tree Board discussed the town's failure to obtain Tree City USA status for 2023 due to an incomplete 2022 submission, and planned Arbor Day celebration events for 2023, including Ridge Fest and Heritage Day. The board approved the March minutes and the agenda, and discussed a proposed $1,500 budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. No formal decisions were made on the budget or events, which remain under discussion.
- Approved minutes from March 2, 2023 meeting (3-0)
- Approved agenda for April 6, 2023 meeting (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 10:50 am (3-0)
Meeting
The Oak Ridge Town Council unanimously approved paying off the remaining $900,000 principal plus a negotiated $50,000 early payoff fee on the Heritage Farm Park property loan, totaling $950,000, using unrestricted reserve funds. The payment is contingent on the Whitakers' consent and will be made by March 31, 2023, to enable the town to secure financing for park development through the Local Government Commission. The council also approved the meeting agenda and adjourned.
- Approved $950,000 early payoff of Heritage Farm Park loan (5-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 2:06 p.m. (5-0)
Meeting
The Oak Ridge Tree Board unanimously elected Nancy Stoudemire as Chair, Gigi Williams as Vice-Chair, and Austin Goldman as Secretary for one-year terms. The board discussed promoting Treasure Trees, proposed a $1,500 budget for fiscal year 2023-2024, and reviewed park tree management including removal of Bradford pear trees and options for adding shade trees along Linville Road. No formal action was taken on these discussion items.
- Approved February 2, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Elected Nancy Stoudemire as Chair for one-year term (unanimous)
- Elected Gigi Williams as Vice-Chair for one-year term (unanimous)
- Elected Austin Goldman as Secretary for one-year term (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 10:54am (5-0)
Meeting
The Oak Ridge Tree Board reviewed the 2023 Annual Tree Maintenance Plan presented by Parks & Recreation, covering town parks, entrance signs, Cascades, and Union Cemetery, along with a budget for tree care. The board unanimously elected Nancy Stoudemire as Chair, Gigi Williams as Vice-Chair (pending Town Council approval), and Austin Goldman as Secretary. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved 2023 Annual Tree Maintenance Plan (unanimous)
- Elected Nancy Stoudemire as Chair for one-year term (unanimous)
- Elected Gigi Williams as Vice-Chair for one-year term, pending Town Council approval (unanimous)
- Elected Austin Goldman as Secretary for open term (unanimous)