Tree & Landscape Board

Approved: 051519 Tree and Landscape Board Minutes Davis Hall, City of College Park April 17, 2019 Term Exp. Members Present Absent N/A Brenda Alexander, Public Works Assistant Director 04/30/2019 John Lea-Cox, City Forester 08/30/2017 Christine O’Brien, member 10/31/2019 James Meyer, member 04/09/2021 Janet Wagner, member 04/09/2021 Rashawna Alfred, member 04/09/2021 Todd Reitzel, member Andrea McNamara, CBE representative Oscar Gregory, CBE representative ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. Alexander called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. 1. Introduction of Newly Appointed Members Ms. Alexander welcomed Ms. Alfred, Ms. Wagner, and Mr. Reitzel to the TLB. 2. Approval of March Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the March 20, 2019 meeting were reviewed, and corrections were made. Motion: Accept March meeting minutes as amended. Moved: Dr. Lea-Cox Second: Ms. O’Brien Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Public Works Department Report: Ms. Alexander shared the following highlights: • The Crystal Springs playground project is now complete. The existing playground structure was removed, and outdoor fitness equipment was installed. • The landscape crew is finishing up street tree replacements this week. • There is currently one vacancy on the landscape crew and applicants are being interviewed this week. • Compost is on sale at DPW with a 25% discount for pickup only. • The shredding truck will be at Davis Hall on Saturday April 20th. • Good Neighbor Day projects went well. The mulching projects at Old Town and Calvert Hills playgrounds had good attendance. There was a planting project at Public Works and a small planting project at Guilford run. • The SavATree consultant presented the Tree Canopy Assessment results at the April 16th Mayor and Council meeting. 4. CBE Report: Mr. Gregory shared the following highlights: • Discussions on water projects and bulk trash ongoing. 1  • Would like to submit a grant for assistance with water cleanup. • Looking to start street cleanup and water quality assessment projects. 4. Old Business a. Arbor Day Scheduled for April 26th at St. Andrews Episcopal Church. The City will receive its 2018 Tree City Award. This will be the 30th anniversary of Arbor Day Residents from District 1, 2, and 3 will participate in the event. A resident from District 4 is still needed. Ms. Alexander would like to have residents from each Council District participate in the event. b. Tree Canopy Assessment Report The Board reviewed the Tree Canopy Assessment report provided by SavATree that was presented to the City Council. The assessment shows the City’s tree canopy has declined over time. The Board discussed concerns with the number of trees that the City has lost due to storms, Pepco tree removals, new development on Route 1, residents requesting tree removals, and residents that have removed trees on private property. c. Review of Tree Ordinances – Private Property tree removals Tabled for next meeting. 5. New Business a. TLB Chairperson Ms. Alexander has informed the Board she has been acting as Chair and the Board needs to vote on a designated Chair for the TLB. b. Urban Planning representative for TLB Dr. Lea-Cox made a motion to ask the City Manager as to why the City’s Planning, Community and Economic Development Director or designee representative has not been assigned to the TLB per City code section 179-5. Second by Ms. O’Brien. All members were in favor; no opposed. 6. Next Meeting Date The next meeting will be held on May 15, 2019. 7. Adjournment Ms. Alexander adjourned the meeting at 9:22pm. 2