Brentwood officials honor Louise Charboneau

Brentwood resident, Louise Charboneau, who passed on last month, and who was known for her passionate activism for Brentwood’s trees, was recognized in a new city tree guidelines manual on Monday.

Charboneau spoke often at board of aldermen meetings and was active in other city commission meetings. She was a candidate for mayor of Brentwood when she died.

Brentwood City Administrator Bola Akande reported in an email to 40 South that city officials OK’d prefacing the city’s new Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual with a recognition to Charbonneau.

Parks and Recreation Director Eric Gruenenfelder and Parks Superintendent Peter Van Lin updated the department’s ‘Policies and Procedures Manual’ by including a new chapter entitled ‘Arboricultural Specifications.’ The chapter defines tree care policies for city staff.

A ‘Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual’ was also created, which expands on tree care policies.

Both the policies and procedures and the manual are based upon the highest nationally accepted standards set for tree care, Akande said.

In recognition of Louise Charbonneau, Alderman David Plufka made a motion to amend the section of the ‘Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual,’ entitled ‘Tree Policy Manual,’ to say, “In adopting these policies and procedures, the city recognizes Louise Charboneau, a long time and politically active resident, who often advocated on behalf of improving and sustaining Brentwood’s Urban Forest.” It was seconded by Alderman Steve Lochmoeller and passed unanimously.