Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting August 17, 2022, 7:00PM Term Exp. Members Present Absent Staff Brenda Alexander, Public Works Assistant Director 06/30/2022 John Lea-Cox, City Forester1 06/30/2023 Christine O’Brien, Chair 06/30/2021 Todd Reitzel, member 06/30/2024 John Horowitz, member Emily Friend, member Caroline Wick, CBE representative Todd Larsen, CBE representative 1Joined meeting at 7:42 p.m. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Present: Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. Alexander called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The agenda for the August 17, 2022, meeting was reviewed. Motion: Accept agenda as presented. Moved: Ms. O’Brien Second: Mr. Reitzel Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of July Meeting Minutes: The Board reviewed the meeting minutes of the July 14, 2022, meeting and edits were made to the minutes. Motion: Accept July meeting minutes as amended. Moved: Ms. O’Brien Second: Mr. Horowitz Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Public Works Department Report: Ms. Alexander shared the following highlights:  The July 12th storm clean-up is continuing.  The landscape crew is back to regular activities of weeding and pruning.  A candidate interviewed for the Arborist position and a second interview is scheduled on Friday.  Will be processing all the woody debris from the July 12th storm and currently have a large volume of wood chips available for pickup.   Excel Tree experts is working on contracted tree work and performed majority of the July 12th storm damage work.  The Bee City Committee is planning to renovate existing plantings in the City to install more pollinator friendly plants. Two projects will be nominated as Good Neighbor Day projects.  An educational video was suggested for the new tree ordinance and tree permitting process. The City’s Communications office has drafted a script for the video. Board members interested in participating in the video, should inform Ms. Alexander. 4. CBE Report: Mr. Larson provided the following report:  A meeting will be held on August 22nd to discuss the plastic bag ban bill.  20 additional labels were purchased to label trees along the Trolley Trail.  Currently working with students at University of Maryland to paint storm drains near the campus with art and messages in the Fall. Plastic medallions that contain a message to not dump in storm drains were purchased to place on storm drains that are not painted.  Currently working with City staff to develop a climate action plan.  CBE was asked to investigate gas powered leaf blowers vs. battery powered leaf blowers. 5. Old Business a. Elect a Chairperson Dr. Lea-Cox nominated Ms. O’Brien as Chair of the TLB. Second by Mr. Reitzel. All members in favor, no opposed. Motion carries, 5-0-0. b. Tree Permitting Application 27 tree permit applications have been received. 7 applications have been approved for removal and 1 application was denied. 3 applications did not require an approval because the request was for pruning dead wood. 4 applications were related to the July 12th storm and 1 was for pruning. c. Vine Removal Workshop Mr. Horowitz has contacted the Prince Georges County representative regarding the workshop and is waiting for a response. d. Municipal Scene Article for September – due August 25  This article will include information in regards to suggesting homeowners to review their home insurance policies for coverage related to fallen trees that have caused damage. e. Contracted tree planting Ms. Alexander has not heard from Casey Trees and is currently searching for other options for contracted tree planting on residential property. 6. New Business a. Fall Tree Giveaway The Board expressed interest in support of having another tree giveaway. The tree nursery that supplied the Spring giveaway is offering a discount if an order is placed by the end of August. The Board selected October 1st as the date for the giveaway. Ms. Alexander will see if the nursery can deliver within that timeframe. b. New Townhouse Development A new townhouse development named Paint Branch Preserve is in the planning stages for the area across the street from the Shoppers Food Warehouse on Cherry Hill Road. 7. Next Meeting Date The next meeting is scheduled on September 21, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. 8. Adjourn Dr. Lea-Cox motioned to adjourn the meeting. Second by Mr. Reitzel. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.