Meeting Minutes – January 30, 2026

The meeting minutes for the January 30, 2026 meeting are now posted below:
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Summary of Meeting Transcript

This transcript covers a comprehensive meeting focused primarily on organizational governance, upcoming training events, and operational updates for a forestry-related nonprofit or professional group, referred to as TBUFC . The meeting includes approval of board members, detailed planning for a bilingual safety workshop, updates on ongoing forestry projects, and enhancements to the organization’s website and membership management systems.

Meeting Highlights and Key Decisions

• Board of Directors Election
  • The board for the 2025-2026 term was discussed and approved.
  • Several members were up for re-election and all present confirmed their willingness to continue.
  • Voting was conducted and the re-election was formally approved.
  • The board expressed appreciation for members’ volunteer efforts.
• Bilingual Safety and Printing Workshop (February 16-17)
  • Location: Oak Point Nature Preserve, Plano, TX.
  • Schedule:
    • Feb 16: Site walkthrough and Speaker’s Dinner.
    • Feb 17: Workshop from 8:15 AM to 4 PM with heavy lunch provided.
  • Speakers:
    • Christopher Rasmussen (slope injury rescue and first aid kit use).
    • Lalo and Layla Medina (climbing and rigging).
    • Dustin Goodman (safety climbing techniques; former Texas tree climbing champion).
    • Eduardo (Davy Tree) with interpretation support.
    • Additional assistance from Mark, Mike, and others.
  • Vendor and sponsor outreach underway; sponsorship includes logo placement and promotional benefits.
  • Registration:
    • 16 people registered currently; target to break even requires 55 attendees.
    • Registration includes membership benefits.
  • Budget:
    • Estimated total: ~$7,000 for speakers, travel, lunch, and venue costs.
    • City of Plano provides venue free in exchange for employee participation.
    • Cost-saving efforts include splitting travel expenses and seeking sponsorship.
  • Challenges:
    • Transportation for speakers involves complexity with van rental insurance and licensing.
    • Event promotion and sponsorship solicitation critical for success.
  • Emcee planned to be Amy, with backup support.
• Shade Keeper and Fruit Tree Pruning Training
  • Fruit tree pruning scheduled for February 7.
  • Shade Keeper training ongoing with focus on citizen involvement.
  • Potential for onsite training with Plano staff discussed.
  • Collaboration with code enforcement and community foresters encouraged.
• Saluting Branches Program
  • Annual tree work at veteran cemeteries, expanding to broader veteran-related sites.
  • Dallas participation uncertain due to limited city-managed cemetery sites.
  • Collaboration with private companies and Cross Timbers group proposed for volunteer labor and equipment.
  • Outreach planned to military-owned tree service companies for support.
  • Deadline to apply for event participation around April/May.
• Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management in Dallas
  • Active ash tree removals underway, with a goal of approximately 100 removals this winter.
  • Some treated ash trees remain, but removal favored for cost-effectiveness and quicker replanting.
  • EAB infestation confirmed citywide.
  • Replanting focuses on resilient species to replace removed ash.
• Website and Membership Portal Update
  • Planned overhaul of member portal to enhance user experience.
  • Research into Zeffy.com for membership payments and event registration:
    • No fees on credit card payments, donation-based.
    • Includes virtual membership cards, QR codes, e-receipts.
    • Supports event registration, membership renewal reminders.
  • Integration with existing website to maintain seamless user experience.
  • Challenges:
    • Managing membership renewals tied to event registrations.
    • Financial allocation of participant fees to membership.
  • Security updates and photo repository improvements in progress.
• Urban Forestry Institute (UFI) Planning
  • Scheduled events in Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston.
  • Confirmed speakers include Christopher Rasmussen and representatives from Legacy Trees.
  • Potential involvement of Encore utility company for speaking engagements.
  • Topics include municipal forestry and utility tree management.
  • Coordination on speaker topics and scheduling underway.
• Speakers Bureau and Media
  • Plans to develop video and article content for broader dissemination.
  • Board retreat scheduled for March 13, with backup dates considered.
• Administrative Notes
  • Credit card access expanded to include Susan for purchasing.
  • Next meeting set for February 26 via Zoom.
  • Meeting adjourned with thanks and social time.

Timeline Table of Key Events

Budget Overview for Bilingual Workshop

Key Insights

• Board Governance: Smooth re-election of board members with clear quorum and voting process; essential for organizational continuity.
• Training Emphasis: The bilingual workshop addresses critical safety skills for utility and tree workers, with a strong focus on practical rescue and climbing techniques.
• Community Engagement: Active efforts to involve city employees, private companies, and sponsors highlight the importance of collaboration.
• Operational Challenges: Transportation logistics for speakers and insurance coverage pose significant organizational hurdles.
• Technology Integration: Adoption of Zephy.com technology promises improved membership management and event registration efficiency.
• Environmental Management: EAB infestation management involves balancing treatment and removal with cost and ecological considerations.
• Outreach Expansion: Programs like Saluting Branches and Urban Forestry Institute demonstrate ongoing commitment to veteran care and municipal forestry education.
• Event Promotion and Funding: Critical need for sponsorship and participant recruitment to ensure financial viability of training events.

Conclusion

The meeting reflects a well-organized, proactive group focused on advancing urban forestry education, safety training, and community service. Key action items include finalizing bilingual workshop logistics and sponsorships, improving membership systems, and coordinating ongoing forestry projects. Strong collaboration among board members, city staff, and external partners is evident, though logistical and funding challenges remain areas for focused attention.

Overall, the group demonstrates a clear commitment to professional development, safety, and community engagement within the urban forestry sector.

Michael Levy, TBUFC Support

Michael is a graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. He received his B.S in Recreation Administration in 2005 and went to work for the City of Grand Prairie, Texas right after graduation. Michael serves as Secretary of TBUFC and provides technical support for the organization.