Tree & Landscape Board

Approved 11/13/19 Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board Davis Hall, City of College Park October 16, 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 City Planning Representative ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Guest, Alexa Bely, CBE member Ms. Alfred called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The agenda for the October 16, 2019 meeting was reviewed. Motion: Accept October meeting agenda as presented. Moved: Ms. Alfred Second: Mr. Reitzel Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of September Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the September 18, 2019 meeting were reviewed, and corrections were made. Motion: Adopt September meeting minutes as amended. Moved: Ms. Alfred Second: Mr. Reitzel Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Public Works Department Report: Ms. Alexander shared the following highlights: • The landscape crew are continuing to water trees and annuals. • Compost screening started at the beginning of the month. • Fall pansies and spring flowering bulbs have been delivered and are being installed. • In-house tree pruning is continuing over the streets and sidewalks in the area North of 193. • Perennial planting bed at Wake Forest and Beechwood is completed. 1  • Contract tree work has been awarded to Excel Tree Experts; they will begin work this week. • 40 street tree replacements are on order. • Compost is on sale for 25% off through the end of the month. • Free compost available for pickup up to 2 cubic yards per trip, during DPW cleanup days. 4. CBE Report: Ms. McNamara shared the following highlights: • Presented one green award which includes an award of $100. • Presented the TLB discussion of the butterfly garden. • Supports the tree ordinance. 5. Old Business a. Draft Tree Permitting recommendations to Council The Board continued drafting tree permitting recommendations to present to the City Council. The following recommendations were added: • Added both circumference and diameter tree requirements. • Changed the circumference from 24 inches to 36 inches. • The process for the permit application is for the Public Works Director to review the application and a permit will be issued if the tree is dead, diseased or hazardous. • Added the requirement that a replacement tree shall not be waived or exempt. • Removed landowner hardship. • Posting requirements were updated to have a sign that identifies that a tree is approved to be removed with a permit until tree is actually removed. • In case of a city-wide catastrophic weather event, reimbursement for tree replacement may be obtained through the City’s Tree Canopy Enhancement Program. • Tree permits will require applicants to use Maryland licensed tree experts. • Removed stipulation for removing more than 1 or more trees per year per lot. • Tree permits are valid for 1 year from issue date. • Replacement trees are to be planted within 6 months from tree removal. • Replacement requirements were updated with number of trees to replace depending on tree circumference and amount of fine if trees not replaced: ➢ 36-47 – replace with 1 tree or pay $150 ➢ 48-59 – replace with 2 trees or pay $300 ➢ 60-72 – replace with 3 trees or pay $450 ➢ 73-94 – replace with 4 trees or pay $600 ➢ Above 95 – replace with 5 trees or pay $1,000 • If a healthy tree is removed and not replaced, a $500 fine will be charged per replacement tree, i.e. for trees above 95 circumference, a fine of $2,500 will be charged. 2  • Added the Public Works Director may require services from an ISA certified arborist to perform level 3 assessment to resolve disputes, which will result in a fee payable by the applicant. • If a person disputes the decision by the Public Works Director, they may appeal the decision in writing to the TLB within 15 business days of the date of permit denial. The TLB will have 2 months to make a final decision. Motion: Move forward with the additional recommendations to present to the Council. Moved: Mr. Reitzel Second: Ms. McNamara Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 6. Next Meeting Date The next meeting will be held on November 13, 2019. 7. Adjournment Ms. Alfred made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Second by Ms. McNamara. The meeting adjourned at 9:11 pm. 3