Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting Wednesday, January 19, 2022 7:00PM Term Exp. Members Present Absent N/A Brenda Alexander, Public Works Assistant Director 06/30/2022 John Lea-Cox, City Forester 06/30/2023 Christine O’Brien, member 06/30/2022 James Meyer, member 06/30/2023 Rashawna Alfred, member 06/30/2021 Todd Reitzel, member Dylan Burns, CBE, representative Caroline Wick, CBE representative ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Present: Maria Mackie, District 4 Councilmember Llatretra Esters, District 2 Councilmember Richard Jones, University of Maryland Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. Alfred called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. 1. Presentation by Richard Jones, University of Maryland Campus Arborist Mr. Jones provided a presentation on the challenges the University of Maryland faces in regards to tree planting on campus. Mr. Jones stated that tree removal on campus occurs due to development and currently is due to the Purple Line construction, which goes right through the UMD campus. Building renovations on campus as well as diseased or decayed trees are additional reasons for tree removal. Mr. Jones presented examples of trees being affected due to the campus having most of the utilities placed underground as well as trees being planted in low soil volume areas. Mr. Jones shared that the students are a huge help with labor in regards to tree maintenance and presented an example of students helping with Good Neighbor Day at Hollywood Elementary School. Mr. Jones stated that per the University President’s Climate Commitment Plan, 100 more trees have to be planted per year. Mr. Jones also stated the campus is an arboretum and a teaching campus and provided examples of older trees that were part of historic events on campus. Dr. Lea-Cox had a question regarding who maintains the golf course and Mr. Jones stated that the golf course falls under Student Affairs, Recreation Wellness. This involved discussions in regards to the jurisdiction issues that the University faces with tree removal and tree planting. 2. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The agenda for the January 19, 2022 meeting was reviewed. Motion: Accept agenda as presented. Moved: Ms. Alfred Second: Dr. Lea-Cox Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Approval of December Meeting Minutes: The Board reviewed the meeting minutes of the December 9, 2021 meeting and edits were made to the minutes. Motion: Accept December meeting minutes as amended. Moved: Ms. Alfred Second: Mr. Reitzel Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 4. Public Works Department Report: Ms. Alexander shared the following highlights:  Submitted a bid for contract tree work and hope to award the bid this week.  City crews are working on street tree pruning for clearance over the streets and sidewalks. The areas where the crew is working are being posted in the Weekly Bulletin and on the City’s webpage.  Starting construction for the playground project at the end of Odessa Road.  Some ARPA money can be used to renovate old playground equipment in various playgrounds throughout the City.  Landscape crew is fully staffed and have assisted with snow cleanup.  The engineering office has been inspecting overhead street lights and have identified trees that are interfering with street light penetration. 5. CBE Report: Mr. Burns shared the following highlights:  Continuing to identify trees on the Trolley Trail.  Project on painting storm water drains is planned for the spring.  Voted on the Green Awards nominations and Renee Domogauer and Catherine Oberfield were selected as the Green Award recipients.  Shared report on plastic bag ban. 6. Old Business a. Municipal Scene – Free Tree Giveaway will be the next article 7. New Business a. Free Tree Giveaway – The Board discussed providing free trees to residents for Earth Day. Ms. Alexander will work on a form and the link to the form will be available in the Municipal Scene. Dr. Lea-Cox proposed for the City to fund free trees plus gator bags for Earth Day to be available based on a sign-up process that will be marketed  through the Municipal Scene and will be distributed on April 23, 2022. Second by Mr. Reitzel. All members in favor; no opposed. b. Arbor Day Ms. Alexander proposed for the City’s Arbor Day event to be held on Friday April 29, 2022 at the new childcare facility in Calvert Hills. 8. Next Meeting Date The next scheduled meeting will be held on February 16, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. 9. Adjourn Ms. Alfred motioned to adjourn the meeting. Second by Ms. O’Brien. The meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m.