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Lancaster Tree Commission
Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2026
Attendees:
Board members present: David Burt, Ron Harvey, Mike Zawislak, and Bryan Everitt.
City of Lancaster Representatives Present: Steve Gayfield, Lancaster Parks Superintendent/City Arborist; Justin
Vorhees, Tree Commission Forester; Todd Lewis, Justin’s Assistant; Larry Ailes, Lancaster City Council.
Guest Present:
Robert Boehle, Makaila Tussing
Communications:
Bryan shared he spoke with Kate Smiley, 5th ward City Council member. She is interested in identifying areas
where trees could be planted within her ward.
Bryan introduced Makaila Tussing. She was just recently approved by the city council to be a member of the
Lancaster Tree Commission. Ron Harvey will be completing his current four year term which will expire at the
end of March. Ron has served on the Tree Commission for 16 years and they are thankful for the years of
service he gave.
Discussions:
The forester report was given by Justin. Justin, Todd and Brody attended the Ohio Tree Care Conference in
Newark. Justin shared it was informative and very worthwhile for the guys to attend.
The crew did the usual maintenance and elevation work as needed around the city and within the parks.
Considerable time was spent on Columbus Street taking care of maintenance pruning with most of the street
now being finished.
There were three tree removals in the past month.
There were some minor storm issues including a dead Ash Tree that fell at Forest Rose Cemetery.
Nothing to report on the sidewalk program.
Three trees were planted at the LDOT facility.
Dave asked about the Sweet Gum Trees that have been a concern on Harrison Ave.
Steve shared he did receive confirmation from the Arbor Day Foundation that we received the Tree City USA
and the Growth Award. This is the 45th year that Lancaster has received the Tree City USA Award. Justin
shared it is 10 years in a row that we have received the Growth Award.

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Justin, Brody, Todd and Dave will be attending the Tree City USA Conference which will be held at Hocking
College Lodge in Nelsonville on April 1st, 2026. Steve asked that others let him know if they plan to attend.
Steve provided a current expense report to all in attendance.
Steve is waiting to hear if we can get the Tree Commission in front of the City Council to do a presentation on
how the Tree Commission operates.
Steve will reach out to St Marys School to talk about when the kids' education day and clean up at Firehouse
Park will take place.
Robert shared that Mike and Bryan will be graduating from Tree Commission Academy on March 25th.
Graduation will run from 10:00 am -1:30 pm in Washington Court House. All are welcome to attend.
The next meeting will be held at 3:00 pm on March 25, 2026. It will take place in the 1897 Conference Room
located in City Hall, 104 E. Main St. Lancaster, OH.
Submitted by:
Sandy Young, Recording Secretary