Arborist Council Meeting
September 18, 2006
Members Attending
Ted Armstrong, Wes Davis, Lois Stack, tish carr, Dave Newell
Members Not Attending
Art Batson
Staff Attending
Debbie Davis, Ann Gibbs, Bob Batteese
Review/Approve Minutes
The meeting started at 11:15 am. Dave Newell moved and Ted Armstrong seconded that the minutes from the June 12 meeting be approved as mailed.
Program Update
Debbie reported that 19 people took the arborist exam on September 13. The scores on the exam ranged from 74 to 94%.
The study guide now contains the third edition of the Tree Climbers' Guide. Debbie with help from Sarah Scally, verified that the only questions whose answers could be found in the third edition of the Guide would be used on the exam.
Complaints
Gil Lamarre update - Ann spoke to Mark Randlett, AG’s office and he indicated that Gil had recently paid a $500 civil penalty. Mark indicated that in the agreement Gil was required to make certified payments to claimants and the Dept. was to receive copies of these payments as proof. The Dept. has not received copies of these payments. If the requirements of the agreement are not met there is a suspended penalty of $9000. Mark indicated that Lamarre’s web site is not active and if he still has an ad in the phonebook that will have to be changed when the ad has lapsed.
Rotation of Council Members
Ann distributed the summary of terms. Ann reported that Bob Levesque has stepped down from his position on the Council. He filled the position of private arborist from the north. tish said she assumes all current members wish to stay on the Council. A definition of “North” was requested. Tish said Bob L. suggested Glenn Nadeau (from Maine Public Service Company) as a replacement for him. Wes said Glenn would be a good person for a utility representative when his (Wes’) term was up. Someone asked if we want to have the replacement come to the next meeting. Can one person be in one slot and then be in another slot after their term is done? Ann will get a ruling on this. tish suggested someone in Rangeley as the person from the north. As an arborist and a logger, he has a different perspective. We are looking for someone who is interested in participating. Various names were listed and each person’s qualifications, etc. were discussed. Lois suggested that the Council look forward to see what skills were needed; computer skills, PR skills, etc.
Chair of Council
tish asked the council if someone else wants to be Chair when terms change. Should come up with a system for determining the Chair or having a vice-chair. It was decided to do this at a future meeting
Update on Public Education
Brochure costs 90 cents each for color copies and 6 cents each for black and white copies. We will print 1000 copies now in black and white and possibly more in the spring. They will be distributed to town offices (how many for each office?), fairs, cooperative extension offices and botanical gardens and garden centers. Will check with MMA to see if they can distribute them via email on their list-serv. Distribute the press release on storm damage to trees and who homeowners should call.
The group decided that a block ad in the phone books that says to call the Department of Agriculture for a listing of licensed arborists would be useful. Lois reported that she couldn’t get anyone at Verizon to call her back. tish reported the Talking Phone Book people were very receptive. The Portland book has already been issued for this year. The deadline just passed for the Lewiston book. This only leaves Brunswick area. We could line things up for the next edition of these books.
Exam Prep Class
- Used to do one session a year for ISA exam preparation.
- Does the Council think it would be viable to hold a prep class for the Maine license exam and would there be enough interest?
- Ann asked for details? Where? How many sessions?
- People could meet once a week at night. Discuss one or two topics a night
- Rotate the location each year – have all six courses in one location.
- Dave reported that one group comes to the exam very prepared and one group has bits and pieces of knowledge.
- Ann and Debbie talked about the informal survey done at the last test: if a prep class was offered would the person have taken the class. Most responded that their answer would depend on what topics were covered and if they could come to just the classes that covered the topics they were interested in.
- Ted suggested the information needs to get out well in advance
- There is a program in Massachusetts that charges $7-800, 3 hours per week for 10 (?) weeks.
- Should charge a minimal amount for the course to add value to the course.
- Send announcement to Municipalities, the Department’s list of licensed arborists and companies that employ licensed arborists.
- tish asked if there was “a green light” to have these classes in February and March for the April exam.
- Ann suggested that the classes be held before the February exam. Ann asked about the Department’s involvement. Possibly include an announcement with the application materials, or with the renewals. List it on the Department and MAA websites. Print it in “The Log” when it comes out for the fall, winter and spring.
- tish asked what areas the test takers need help in.
- Dave said they need help in biology, climbing, rigging, tree identification. Dave and tish will discuss this at a later time.
- Hold 2-hour classes. Combine topics to have fewer sessions.
- The discussion continued about classes and topics.
Survey of Arborists Regarding Education
It was decided to survey licensed arborist regarding what topics would be useful for continuing education and where they get most of their information regarding new trends in arboriculture. Questions would be included on the license renewal form. Questions would be simple with check boxes for answers. Lois suggested one question – Where do you get information regarding your job? Have boxes next to MAA, journals, etc. Different question ideas were discussed. Examples: What topic do you need more information about? Are you an owner, manager, employee. Once we get this information we can share it with MAA and other groups. Ann and Lois will work on the questions for the survey.
Agenda Topics for Next Meeting
Ann asked if we need to meet as often. She indicated that a lot had been accomplished. Are there enough topics to hold a meeting in November? The group decided we would meet if there are burning issues. Topics could include: member replacements and brochure distributions and telephone book advertisements, which could be discussed through email.
A meeting was tentatively scheduled for November 13 to have the meeting in everyone’s schedule in case something comes up. Meet after February 7 exam to talk about a prep class and the exam. Next Council meetings are scheduled for February 26, June 11, September 17 and November 17, 2007.
Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Debbie Davis
