Attendees:
UFC in attendance: Tom Mauntel, Vicki Kyle, Todd Herrmann, Johnna Herrmann
Public Works in attendance: Jason Iames, Kenny Allen
City Council in attendance: Councilwoman Diana Nicely
The meeting of the Urban Forest Commission (UFC) was called to order by Tom Mauntel at the Erlanger Public Works facility on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Meeting Minutes – September Meeting
The September meeting minutes were approved by Vicki Kyle and Tom Mauntel.
October Arbor Day Update
- The October 2025 Arbor Day event was held on Saturday, October 11.
- The event was a huge success.
- The Public Works team did a super job of preparing the site for tree planting (thank you PW team!)
- Special thanks to Kenny for the tree planting demonstration and for securing the fabulous raffle prizes from our business sponsors.
- The event took place at the Erlanger Depot and consisted of a tree planting demonstration and planting fifteen trees.
2026 Planning
- The group discussed that we will host another Arbor Day event in the fall 2026.
- Todd suggested combining a City Night Out event with the Arbor Day event or the spring tree giveaway event (May)
- Would need to consider the pros and cons for this approach and seek approval from the Mayor.
Beautification Projects Update
- Butterfly garden – the area was growing wildflowers except it was recently bushhogged; will add the butterfly statues, pollinator signs, horse fence, etc. that will help define the area in the future
- Replaced the horse fence near the city building
- Beautification plan for Walgreens
Ideas for other enhancements
- Discussed Locust Park, Eons Park (especially the dog park) – landscape plans are sometimes contracted plans that we may not be able to give input on
- UFC commission members can attend the Parks Committee meetings to see where we might be able to influence tree planting plans
- Flagship Park and Spring Valley Park have a lot of open space; Maywood also possible
- Commonwealth Ave will eventually need new plantings
Other Discussion
- The Beautification Committee is planning an on-site meeting at Eons Park; we’re welcome to attend. Check the Erlanger website for details.
Adjournment: Tom Mauntel made a motion to adjourn at 4:40 and Todd Herrmann seconded the motion.
Next Meeting: Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the Erlanger Public Works facility