Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board Davis Hall, City of College Park August 21, 2019 Term Exp. Members Present Absent N/A Brenda Alexander, Public Works Assistant Director 04/30/2021 John Lea-Cox, City Forester 04/30/2021 Christine O’Brien, member 10/31/2019 James Meyer, member 04/09/2021 Janet Wagner, member 04/30/2021 Rashawna Alfred, member 04/30/2021 Todd Reitzel, member Andrea McNamara, CBE representative Oscar Gregory, CBE representative ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. Alfred called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The agenda for the August 21, 2019 meeting was reviewed and no amendments were made. Motion: Accept August meeting agenda as presented. Moved: Mr. Reitzel Second: Ms. O’Brien Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of July Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the July 17, 2019 meeting were reviewed, and corrections were made. Motion: Adopt July meeting minutes as amended. Moved: Mr. Reitzel Second: Ms. Wagner Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Public Works Department Report: Ms. Alexander shared the following highlights: • The crew has been working on weeding in various areas around the City. • The crew has also been pruning in Old Town neighborhood to provide clearance over the sidewalks and streets. • The crew is also watering flower areas as well as newly planted trees. • The interior painting project of the Old Parrish House is nearly complete, and the window treatments will be installed next week. 4. CBE Report: No CBE report was provided. 1 4. Old Business a. Annual Report The Board reviewed the draft annual report and edits were provided. Ms. Alfred will update the report and send out to the Board for final review prior to submission. b. Tree planting programs in College The Board reviewed the updated Trees for City Residents brochure and City Tree Programs flyer. The Communications Coordinator added the City name and logo and will make further edits. 5. New Business a. Draft Urban Forest Chapter and recommendations to Council The Board reviewed the draft Urban Forest Chapter and the following suggested changes were discussed: • Circumference requirement: 24-inch circumference/~8-inch diameter • Add permitting required to remove evasive species. • No application fee required for permits. • Pruning – no more than 25% can be removed. • Include that tree replacements should be planted within 6-months. Link tree removal with the Tree Canopy Enhancement Program to encourage replacement. • Add that tree removals are required by a licensed, bonded and insured tree expert. The Board will need to discuss further how to incorporate the use of an Arborist in the recommendations. b. English Ivy on Trees Mr. Meyer expressed concern about English Ivy growing on Oak trees as the ivy can kill trees. Ms. Alexander stated a volunteer group could remove the ivy from the trees. c. Tree Canopy Enhancement Program – The Board will review the current guidelines at a future meeting. 6. Next Meeting Date The next meeting will be held on September 18, 2019 at Davis Hall. 7. Adjournment Ms. Alfred made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Second by Ms. O’Brien. The meeting adjourned at 9:14 pm. 2