If a tree falls in Eagle, will there be a tree board to hear it?
At the most recent Eagle Town Board meeting, a tree city ordinance that was proposed wasn't approved or denied, but instead tabled for additional research and future discussion.
Mayor Kostick pushed hard for the concept, as from his experience he believes urban forestry is important and becoming a tree city would be a step toward making that an official priority.
Two on the board didn't see the point of adding another layer of bureaucracy for something they believe the town is already doing, and besides, there is no money to fund anything anyway.
From my perspective, good management and policy decisions do not relate to immediate funding being available, and in a case where no money is required such as with the tree city, the overall benefits should be the focus.
Over the years, Eagle has done a reasonable job related to the tree landscape, but will it continue to do so if it isn't a priority especially as the trees are reaching a critical age?
Besides becoming a tree city, the land use file Haymeadow was the main topic of discussion, although only a few showed up for the hearing. Two contracts reflecting the tough economy (i.e., low prices) were awarded for the slip lining and wastewater-collection-system reconstruction projects.
And for the first time, I voted in favor of Eagle River Station. This was for the legal requirement of giving a 2.55 percent sales tax credit for the project.
Since it was required, I did not find it difficult to vote "yes," but I did find the timing interesting, given that also on the agenda was the loss of the $400,000 plus from the revenue-sharing agreement with our neighbors in Gypsum.
To my surprise and given comments earlier in the meeting about the town not having money, the discussion didn't seem to have an urgency of budget preparation as a result of this loss. Because of the lateness of the hour, a few of the open discussion items were tabled until a future meeting.
However, I let the board know of my great experience with the Eagle County Historical Society's tour for the state's treasurers in town for a conference hosted by Eagle County's own Karen Schaeffer.
As expected, public attendance has dwindled since the first few meetings. This is disappointing because of RED Development's own time line, another land-use file going on, the end of the revenue agreement, as well as many other issues that will impact the future of Eagle.
Of course, the many great summer activities could be part of the reason but hopefully some find time to show up at the next meeting on July 10, or for the strategic planning session on July 13 and 14 at Sylvan Lake State Park. See ya'll at Town Hall!
Brandi Resa is a current Eagle town trustee who blogs about her experience at brandionboard.wordpress.com. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect the full Town Board.
