Shade Tree Commission Meeting - January 28, 2026

The Shade Tree Commission of Delaware, Ohio, met on January 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Mingo-Byxbe Room. The meeting included approval of past minutes, election of officers for 2026, staff updates on tree maintenance and service requests, and approval of a revised street tree plan for Sawmill Farms.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the motion summary of the July 22, 2025 meeting (motion passed with Ms. Griffin abstaining; others in favor).
• Approved the motion summary of the November 25, 2025 meeting (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

No public comments were received or presented.

Discussion Items

• Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: Following discussion, Steve Harvey was nominated and elected as Chairperson for 2026 (unanimous). Nathan Anders was nominated and elected as Vice-Chairperson (unanimous). The new officers assumed their roles immediately after the election.
• January 2026 Arborist Report: City staff reported pruning 843 trees in the right-of-way in-house, with 108 contracted, for a year-to-date total of 951. Service requests: 5 completed, 4 pending. The city is well caught up on service requests due to mild winter weather.
• Plan Review – Sawmill Farms Section 1 (Revised): A revised street tree plan for Sawmill Farms, previously approved in July 2025, was presented for reapproval due to changes in planting locations to avoid sight-line obstructions at intersections. The required setback from intersections is 35 feet per code, but staff recommended at least 100 feet for stop signs. The commission discussed the practicality and discretion involved. The plan was approved by unanimous vote.
• Other Business:
  • Staff updated on tree pre-order status and storage of trees at the city service facility.
  • A honeysuckle removal event in the Lantern Chase area was canceled due to cold weather and will be rescheduled.
  • The commission discussed social media presence and sharing events through the city's communication office.
  • Upcoming events were noted: Arbor Day (April 24) and Earth Day (April 22) plantings at Oak Grove Cemetery; River Fest (June 21); Lincoln Mile/Unity Festival (August 14-15). The commission considered staffing tables at these events and distributing leftover trees.
  • The commission discussed reviving annual reports as recommended by former member Tom Hellman. The chair will research past reports.

Key Outcomes

• Elections: Steve Harvey elected Chair; Nathan Anders elected Vice-Chair.
• Sawmill Farms Revised Plan: Approved unanimously.
• Action Items:
  • Chair Harvey will forward event information from Lisa Roberts for River Fest and Unity Festival.
  • Staff will provide copies of old annual reports for reference.
  • Commission members to inventory giveaway items and coordinate with staff.
  • Upcoming meeting schedule reminders will be sent.