Tree & Landscape Board

Approved: 011520 Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board Davis Hall, City of College Park November 13, 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 Ms. Alfred called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The agenda for the November 13, 2019 meeting was reviewed. Motion: Accept November meeting agenda as presented. Moved: Dr. Lea-Cox Second: Ms. O’Brien Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of October Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the October 16, 2019 meeting were reviewed, and corrections were made. Motion: Adopt October 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:  Fall pansies and spring flowering bulbs have been planted.  Increased the amount of deer netting on new plantings.  Contracted tree work is in progress.  Street tree replacements have all been planted.  Compost screening is complete.  Duvall athletic field was core aerated, fertilized and the irrigation system will be winterized this week.  Curbside leaf collection began early November.  On October 31st, in-service training was held for DPW staff to review snow removal operations. 1 4. CBE Report: Mr. Gregory shared the following highlights:  The Council reviewed the SMART pay bulk trash ordinance and voting was placed on hold because updates are needed.  Discussed partnering with TLB to start a butterfly garden and sponsor a workshop.  CBE supports the tree permitting recommendations provided by the TLB.  Discussed toxic pesticides and the effects on the environment. 5. Old Business a. Draft Tree Permitting recommendations to Council The Board finalized the tree permitting recommendations for the City Council’s upcoming meeting on November 19, 2019. The following updates were added to the document:  The document name was changed to College Park Urban Forest Protection Recommendations.  Updated the tree replacement species shall be approved prior to planting.  Added replacement trees shall meet the guidelines specified in the Tree Canopy Enhancement Program, whether or not reimbursement from the Tree Canopy Enhancement Program fund is requested.  Updated the replacement fee to state an applicant will pay to the City’s Tree Canopy Enhancement Program fund based on the tree circumference size.  Added pruning more than 20% of a tree without a permit will cause a municipal infraction by Code Enforcement and will be assessed a $1,000 fine. Motion: Move forward with the finalized recommendations to present to the City Council. Moved: Ms. Alfred Second: Ms. O’Brien Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 6. New Business a. Rain Gardens The Board discussed possibly having a rain garden class hosted by the CBE. Rain gardens are used as a storm water management design. Rain gardens may help homeowners reduce the impervious surface fee charged on water bills. b. Tree Removals The Board discussed the trees taken down near the College Park Airport and the near the University campus on Rossborough Lane. 7. Next Meeting Date No meeting scheduled in December. The next meeting will be held on January 15, 2020. 8. Adjournment Ms. Alfred made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Second by Mr. Gregory. The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m. 2