Tree & Landscape Board

Approved: 12/16/20 Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting October 21, 2020 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 10/31/2021 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 Daniel Warfield, CBE representative ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. Alfred called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The agenda for the October 21, 2020 meeting was reviewed. Motion: Accept October agenda as presented Moved: Ms. Alfred Second: Ms. O’Brien Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of September Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the September 16, 2020 meeting were reviewed and edits were made to the minutes. Motion: Accept September meeting minutes as amended. Moved: Ms. Alfred Second: Dr. Lea-Cox Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Planning Report: The City Planning Representative has been removed from the TLB. Dr. Lea-Cox motioned to send a letter to the City Council and City Manager as to why the City Planning Representative was removed without consultation with the TLB considering the Planning Representative should require input from the TLB on plantings and vegetation. Second by Mr. Reitzel. All members in favor; no opposed. Ms. Alfred will draft a letter and send to the Board to review. 4. Public Works Department Report: Ms. Alexander shared the following highlights:  Pepco is continuing the line clearance work in the City.  Bids for contract tree work were submitted. Work has been awarded to Excel Tree Experts. 1   The landscape crew are completing planting of pansies and street tree replacements will begin soon.  The final Public Works Saturday clean-up is on October 24, 2020.  Curbside leaf collection will begin in November.  The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) have started planting trees in Park and Planning parks. 5. CBE Report: Mr. Warfield shared the following highlights:  The virtual rain barrel event was successful.  Good Neighbor Day is scheduled for November 7, 2020  The mosquito traps are available to residents.  Car magnets are available to residents to encourage use or identify environment commitment for electric vehicles and bike use.  A video on home energy efficiency is in the making.  Discussed the Gateway project’s tree removals 6. Old Business a. Arbor Day – Ms. Alexander shared that the event will be postponed. 7. New Business a. Good Neighbor Day – Ms. Alexander suggested removal of invasive plants as a Good Neighbor Day project. One project suggested is the removal of Japanese knotweed near James Adams Park and another project is for replacements in the permaculture garden. b. Urban forest protection public forum preparation – The Board finalized the invitation to the City Council and the flyer for the public forum. The event is scheduled on November 18, 2020. Ms. Alfred suggested a vote on the changes to the flyer. Dr. Lea-Cox motioned for the changes made to the flyer. Second by Mr. Reitzel. All members in favor; no opposed. The Board reviewed the presentation for the forum and changes were suggested. The presentation will be finalized by November 6, 2020. Ms. Alexander will request the ability for questions to be submitted in advance of the forum. 8. Next Meeting Date There will be no November meeting due to the public forum. The next meeting will be held on December 16, 2020. 9. Adjournment Ms. Alfred adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m. 2