Evansville Tree Advisory Board Meeting - August 6, 2026

The meeting began at 9:04 a.m. and covered multiple tree removal requests, sidewalk conflicts, sponsorship fee changes, and ongoing canopy initiatives. The board approved several removals with replacement conditions, increased memorial tree sponsorship fees, and discussed frameworks for balancing tree preservation with sidewalk accessibility.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of July meeting minutes: Motion by Mike, second by Sarah, all in favor. (June minutes were previously approved.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Valerie and Cecil Sullivan, property owners of 30+ years, requested removal of a mature tree at their home (across from a church and school) that had caused sidewalk cracking and ADA inaccessibility. They had applied for the Barrett Law cost-sharing program and committed to a 2-for-1 tree replacement. They noted the tree was near a gas line and had dropped a limb. The board approved their request (see Discussion Items).

Discussion Items

• US-41 & I-69 Tree Removals/Plantings: Dylan Rexing presented a redevelopment project at the former Kmart site. The property contains dead arborvitae (likely salt damage) and undesirable species (ash, elm, pear). Rexing agreed to plant bald cypress trees every 30 feet. Board approved with that spacing. (Motion by Sarah, second by Chris, passed; Mike abstained due to a client relationship.)
• 307 S. Bedford Tree Removal: Jamie Baele (American Structure Point) on behalf of Evansville Water & Sewer requested removal of a large tree to install a water main. The board approved with conditions: 2-for-1 replacement on the property side of the sidewalk within two blocks, overseen by arborist Sean. (Motion by Mike, second by Paula, passed.)
• Tree & Sidewalk Conflicts: Aaron reported on research into establishing a framework for handling conflicts, including cost comparisons (removal vs. routing around) and the city's 50-50 cost-sharing code. The board agreed to table two or three specific cases until next month, pending further guidelines. Discussion emphasized case-by-case evaluation and preserving last-standing canopy trees.
• Specific Tree Removal Request (Barrett Law): During the sidewalk conflict discussion, the board considered the Sullivan property. Mike moved to approve removal with a 2-for-1 replacement, citing the property owners' investment via Barrett Law, presence of other canopy trees, and safety concerns. Motion seconded by Amanda, passed.
• Tree Sponsorship Price Change: Sean proposed increasing the memorial tree sponsorship fee from $40 to $100 to cover current tree costs ($50 per tree). The fee funds two trees (one memorial, one public). Board approved. (Motion by Sarah, second by Chris, passed.)
• Evansville Forest Task Force Grant & IU Cohort: Update: Intern (Bia) is continuing to update the urban forestry management plan; IU is assisting with a DNR grant application for PSAs on tree benefits. No action required.
• Street Tree Removal Requests (Items a-l): Mike moved to approve removals of all listed trees except E (2nd & Court – tree roots blocking sidewalk), which was held for further coordination with engineering. Board approved. (Motion by Mike, second by Sarah, passed.)
• Old Business:
  • Tree Canopy Goal Initiative: Fall plantings planned with Urban Forestry Alliance and Solid Waste District; outreach to Evansville Housing Authority and Memorial Baptist Church next week.
  • INDOT Coordination: No update.
  • Ongoing Removal/Planting on Public Properties: Solid Waste District trees pending board approval; quotes obtained.
  • Invasive Species Update: Emerald Ash Borer task force; Twilight Tour scheduled for Oct 24 at Oak Hill Cemetery.
• Other Business: Tree Pruner's Licensing Seminars on Aug 11 and Nov 10 at Wesselman Woods. Additional events: Tree ID hike at Hartman Arboretum Oct 3; Weed Wrangle at Igleheart Park Northwood Trails Oct 17.

Key Outcomes

• Approved July meeting minutes.
• Approved US-41/I-69 tree removal/planting with 30-ft bald cypress spacing.
• Approved 307 S. Bedford tree removal with 2-for-1 replacement within 2 blocks.
• Approved removal of tree at Sullivan property with 2-for-1 replacement (Barrett Law project).
• Approved increase in tree sponsorship fee from $40 to $100.
• Approved street tree removals (a-l) excluding E; E tabled for further coordination.
• Tabled sidewalk conflict cases for next month pending framework.
• Scheduled fall plantings and outreach with housing authority, schools, and partners.

Meeting adjourned.