Summary

Elizabeth Dean Fund Committee (Mar 10, 2026): funding increase for Bicentennial Park plantings; orchard, elm work, and special meeting set for Arbor Day proposal

Ann ArborMar 10, 20262 min read

At a glance

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The committee approved agenda and minutes amendments; increased funding for Bicentennial Park from $11,000 to $13,000 to plant and water thirteen 2.5" caliper trees; agreed to use 1.5" caliper pear trees for the Leslie Golf Course orchard (requiring a change order); directed staff to obtain quotes for three additional elm treatments and to consult Davey Tree on treatment success; declined an additional mulcher (Parks has grant funding); preferred a sub‑quorum site visit for the Hikone Cherry Project with three volunteers identified; and scheduled a special meeting (Mar 12, 7:00 PM) to consider the Pioneer High School Arbor Day planting proposal. The committee requested a Parks representative be invited to the April meeting to discuss alternatives to turf and mulch in parks.

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Elizabeth Dean Fund Committee

Topics discussed

Budget & TaxEducationEnvironmental

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Key decisions

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Approved agenda with addition: "Alternatives to Turf or Mulch in Public Parks."
Approved February 10, 2026 minutes with removal of Pauline's comment about mulching in parks.
Increased allocated funds for Bicentennial Park from $11,000 to $13,000 to allow planting and watering of thirteen 2.5" caliper trees (seven river birches and six red maples).
Authorized deviation to use 1.5" caliper pear trees (rather than 1.75") for the Leslie Golf Course orchard, requiring a change order.
Scheduled a special meeting on March 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM to continue consideration of the Pioneer High School Arbor Day planting proposal.
Directed staff to consult Davey Tree for quotes on new trees and to report on treatment success for previously treated elms; committee seeks to treat three additional elms before fiscal year end.
Noted Parks is using grant funds for a mulcher and does not want an additional mulcher at this time.
Preferred sub‑quorum site visit for the Hikone Cherry Project; Chairman Wieland and Members Nybell and Curtis volunteered to attend; Torey Madura (CAN) is amenable to site visit options and prefers cherries from Hikone, Japan if possible.
Requested Parks personnel be invited to the April meeting to discuss alternatives to turf and mulch and tree longevity in parks.

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