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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,June 9, 2014 Page 12 With recent package approval by the City Council, Commissioner Stoner asked that they continue to provide feedback (e.g. wireless communications and access considerations)to tell the Commission their areas of interest. Commissioner Stoner thanked the City Council for their attendance and support at the recent Parks Renewal Program Kick-off Event; and asked that they continue to alert the Commission to any questions and/or comments. Natural Resources Program including Forestry Commissioner Doneen noted the advantages of tying together the Master Plan volunteer projects, volunteer coordinator, and natural resource programs of the community. As an example, Commissioner Doneen addressed the recent Buck- thorn removal project at Reservoir Woods, and removal of brush for shipping. While a small project and not well-advertised with the Commission for some rea- son failing on every communication resource available to them, Commissioner Doneen noted that over twenty volunteers still showed up to help. Commissioner Doneen opined that this was indicative of the importance the community placed on their natural resources in area parks and Master plan efforts to-date. Commissioner Doneen noted that this created a concern he'd heard from the community of the need for management of those natural resources in the City en- vironment, which they had not found active or adequate to-date; and therefore the inclusion in the Parks Renewal Program package of a specific program and the need for their restoration. Commissioner Doneen advised that he'd long advocated that natural resource needs be funded annually to avoid big time expenses or their further degradation, through effective capitalization. Commissioner Doneen asked that the City Council give that serious consideration moving forward, opining that some of the City's most valuable assets are its trees and forest, specifically the current dangers to Ash Trees, and the need to remove diseased trees,but also replace them not just for aesthetics,but also for their bene- fits for energy conservation, soils and water quality. Commissioner Doneen sug- gested that proactive planning be done and monies set aside annually as originally intended. Commissioner Doneen respectfully asked that the City Council include natural resources in their long-term capital improvement program(CIP). Commissioner Doneen noted that staff had done a good job of leveraging the De- partment of Agriculture for funding, but in the Commission's dual capacity as the City Tree Board, they recommended moving forward from the basic Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) plan; and ramp up and plant trees in advance of any infestation. Commissioner Doneen suggested that the City move from its limited forestry ef- forts with a one part-time forestry employee, and opined that it would prove a wise investment to increase the position to serve as a general resource manage-