Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting June 16, 2021 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 Dylan Burns, CBE, representative Caroline Wick, CBE representative ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mayor Patrick Wojahn Llatetra Esters, City Councilmember 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 June 16, 2021 meeting was reviewed. Motion: Accept agenda as presented. Moved: Ms. Alfred Second: Ms. O’Brien Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of May Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the May 19, 2021 meeting were reviewed and edits were made to the minutes. Motion: Accept 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 has been watering annuals, weeding planting beds, and pruning vegetation to make clear pathways.  Currently interviewing to fill open positions on the landscape crew 4. CBE Report: Ms. Wick shared the following highlights:  Presented Green Awards to 2 residents from Calvert Hills, 1 resident from North College Park, and Friends of Guilford Run.  Currently working on tree identification signage along the Trolley Trail.  CBE is hosting a virtual event focusing on mosquito populations and control on June 17th.   Bee hotels were purchased for pollinator week. 5. Old Business Action Plan for Urban Forest Protection Policy The Board presented to Mayor Wojahn and Councilmember Esters the following proposed plan to begin implementation of the Urban Forest Protection Policy: Phase 1 (ordinance approval)  Implement a permit program  Increase TCEP reimbursement amount from $150 to $250  Develop an educational program to increase awareness about the importance to a tree canopy  Build relationships with MNCPPC and the University of Maryland Phase 2 (beginning 6 months after ordinance approval)  Implement tree replacement requirement for Tree Canopy Protection Policy  Create Tree Registry  Create Tree Maintenance Fund. Phase 3  Develop relationship with Prince George’s County planning representatives to advocate for increased tree canopy coverage in development projects.  Lobby the County to include municipalities with private tree planting funding programs in the County’s rain check rebate program. The Urban Forest Protection Policy is on the City Council’s July 13, 2021 work session for review. Mayor Wojahn requested Ms. Alexander to work with the City Attorney to develop a draft ordinance. Mr. Reitzel motioned that the College Park Urban Forest Protection Recommendations dated June 16, 2021 be presented to the City Council. Second by Ms. O’Brien. All members in favor; no opposed. 6. Next Meeting Date The Board will schedule a meeting for Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in place of Thursday, July 21, 2021. 7. Adjourn Ms. Alfred adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m.