Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting Thursday, April 20, 2022, 7:00PM Term Exp. Members Present Absent Staff 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 06/30/2021 Todd Reitzel, member 06/30/2023 Rashawna Alfred, Chair 06/30/2024 John Horowitz, member Dylan Burns, CBE, representative Caroline Wick, CBE representative ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Present: Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. Alfred called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The agenda for the April 20, 2022, meeting was reviewed. Motion: Accept agenda as presented. Moved: Ms. Alfred Second: Mr. Reitzel Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of March Meeting Minutes: The Board reviewed the meeting minutes of the March 17, 2022 meeting and edits were made to the minutes. Motion: Accept March 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:  All replacement street trees have been planted.  The landscape crew is still short staffed. A new hire recently started and there is 1 vacancy open. Interviews are scheduled for the 2 summer part-time positions.  Grading started at the new Odessa Park location today. 4. CBE Report: Ms. Wick shared the following highlights:  Voted to give the Green Award to Meg Oates, who helped to launch the Green Team in Calvert Hills.  Continuing to work on labeling trees along the Trolley Trail as well as working on the website.  Working on providing information on a plastic bag ban in the City. CBE members conducted a survey at various stores on how many plastic bags have been used. 5. Old Business a. TCEP Guidelines The County revised the rain check rebate program to allow municipalities with tree planting reimbursement programs to participate in the County’s rain check rebate program. The municipality’s program reimbursement should be capped at $150. The TCEP reimbursement is $150 and currently capped at $750 in a 5-year period. Ms. Alexander was asked what happens after the 5-year period. The Board discussed the TCEP guidelines and it was suggested to remove the TCEP and provide annual free tree giveaways. There was a concern that residents may not be able to plant a tree on their own and the Board discussed using Casey Trees as a contractor for the City to plant trees for residents. After discussions, the Board agreed to keep the TCEP in place as it is referenced in the Tree Protection Ordinance. b. Recap of April 19, 2022 City Council Worksession The Council reviewed the proposed tree ordinance with amendments but did not vote on the ordinance. 4 Councilmembers are in favor of the proposed ordinance, but 4 Councilmembers are undecided. The Council will re-visit the tree ordinance at the May 4th worksession. c. Free Tree Giveaway on April 23, 2022 The free tree giveaway will be held at the Public Works building. Volunteers should arrive at 7:30am as the event starts at 8am. d. Arbor Day on April 29, 2022 The City’s Arbor Day event is scheduled on April 29th at Calvert Road School at 2pm. e. Municipal Scene Article Articles are due on April 25. The May article will be on identifying and reporting the spotted lantern fly. 6. New Business  a. Resident Suggestion of Cherry trees along Cherry Hill Rd The Board discussed a resident’s request to plant Cherry trees along Cherry Hill Road. Ms. Alexander informed the Board the City does not maintain Cherry Hill Road as it is a Prince Georges County maintained road. Another concern is that type of tree does not do well with road salt during the winter and this may cause harm to the trees. 7. Next Meeting Date The next meeting is scheduled on May 18, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. 8. Adjourn Ms. Alfred motioned to adjourn the meeting. Second by Ms. O’Brien. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.