Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting July 8, 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary King, Guest Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. Alfred called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The agenda for the July 8, 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 June Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the June 16, 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:  A contract was awarded to Excel Tree Experts for contract tree work.  A meeting was held with Pepco representatives that are planning work on feeders located in North College Park and College Park Woods. There will be some tree removal in those areas.  The landscape crew have been working on weeding and pruning in various locations throughout the City.  Interviews are still in progress to fill vacancies on the landscape crew.  The City Hall landscape project will be planning visits to local nurseries to tag trees later this month. 4. CBE Report: Ms. Wick shared the following highlights:   The virtual Mosquito workshop was held on June 17th. The workshop was recorded and is available to view on YouTube.  Continuing to work on tree identification along the Trolley Trail.  Bee hotels were purchased for pollinator week.  Working with the Bee City USA Committee to develop a “no mow” month.  Planning to contact the College Park Arts Exchange to develop artwork around storm water drains.  A survey was distributed on environmental practices and a plan is in progress to host a seminar to discuss the survey results. 5. New Business a. Review of Tree Protection Ordinance – Phase 1 The City Attorney drafted the Tree Protection Ordinance and the Board will review and provide edits/comments to Ms. Alexander. b. Discussion of TCEP reimbursement based on revision to PG County Rain Check Rebate Program Per the Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Program, municipal funding must be less than the County’s funding ($150/tree) with a maximum amount awarded of an increase from $4,000 to $6000/property/lifetime. It was suggested to turn the TCEP into a tree maintenance fund to provide City residents with funding for tree maintenance. Dr. Lea-Cox motioned that the Board not recommend the increase of the TCEP funding from $150 to $250 until Prince George’s County Bill CB 46-2021 is finalized. Second by Mr. Reitzel. All members in favor; no opposed. c. CBE tree identification signs on Trolley Trail CBE will be conducting a site visit to start working on tree identification and has asked if any members from TLB wanted to join. The tree identification signs will have the genus and common names along with a story. It was suggested that tags include a visual identification along with the name of the tree. 6. Next Meeting Date The next scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. 7. Adjourn Ms. Alfred adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.