Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting November 16, 2022, 7:00PM Term Exp. Members Present Absent Staff Brenda Alexander, Public Works Assistant Director Staff David Wigglesworth, City Arborist 06/30/2022 John Lea-Cox, City Forester 06/30/2023 Christine O’Brien, Chair 06/30/2024 Todd Reitzel, member 06/30/2024 John Horowitz, member Emily Friend, member CBE representative ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Present: Richard Yuracka, City Resident Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. O’Brien called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: Ms. O’Brien proposed to move the introduction of David Wigglesworth and the tree removal denial under new business earlier on the agenda. Motion: Motion to approve the agenda as amended. Moved: Dr. Lea-Cox Second: Mr. Reitzel Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Introduction of new City Arborist – David Wigglesworth Ms. Alexander introduced Mr. Wigglesworth to the Board and he provided a brief background on his experience and Board members also provided introductions. 3. New Business - Tree Removal Denial Ms. Alexander reported that a tree removal application was received on August 4, 2022 for a Southern Magnolia tree. On August 24, 2022, Ms. Alexander made a site visit to determine the condition of the tree as it was indicated as being hazardous in the application. During the site visit, Ms. Alexander noted the Southern Magnolia did not appear to be hazardous. On September 15, 2022, Ms. Alexander made a second site visit to conduct a level 2 assessment of the Southern Magnolia and it appeared to be in good condition. Ms. Alexander assessed the tree, and it did not show signs of decay and there was no damage to the tree to indicate the tree caused damage to the gas line or water line. The sidewalk did not have significant cracks, but two concrete panels are uplifted. Ms. Alexander stated based on her assessment, the tree did not show signs of being hazardous.  Ms. Alexander stated the reason for tree removal on the application was due to the tree’s exposed roots and cracked flagstones and cracked driveway. The tree broke the gas line, and the water line was recently replaced. The 91-year-old owner uses his cane to remove the waxy leaves and seed pods when he walks. The owner was afraid the tree was going to fall on his house and fall on power lines during the July 12th storm. Mr. Yuracka stated that he filed the denial appeal due to his father-in-law being 91-years old and scared of the tree due to the waxy leaves falling on the ground and making it difficult to walk as his father-in-law has fallen before. The tree’s roots have lifted the flagstones and has caused the sidewalk to not be level to the ground, making it difficult for his father-in-law to walk. The flagstones cannot be fixed until the roots from the tree are removed. After Mr. Yuracka’s testimony, the Board held a discussion to decide on the tree removal denial. Mr. Reitzel motioned to allow for removal of the Magnolia tree. Second by Dr. Lea- Cox. All members in favor, no opposed. Motion carries. 5-0-0. Dr. Lea-Cox amended the motion, to include that two replacement trees are to be planted within 1 year as agreed to by Mr. Yuracka. Second by Mr. Reitzel. All members in favor, no opposed. Motion carries, 5-0-0. 4. Approval of October Meeting Minutes: The Board reviewed the meeting minutes of the October 19, 2022, meeting and edits were made to the minutes. Motion: Accept October meeting minutes as amended. Moved: Ms. O’Brien Second: Dr. Lea-Cox Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 5. Public Works Department Report: Ms. Alexander shared the following highlights:  Tree removal applications are continuing to be submitted.  Mr. Wigglesworth is working on finalizing a list of contracted tree work.  The engineering technician has been conducting nighttime inspections and has been identifying street lights that may be impacted or blocked by trees to help improve lighting on City streets. 6. CBE Report: No report provided. 7. Old Business a. Vine Removal Workshop  Mr. Horowitz provided an update that the vine removal workshop went very well and was well attended. The suggestions provided on vine removal were good. b. Municipal Scene Article for December – due December 18th The Board decided not to submit an article for December. 8. New Business a. Annual Report – The Board reviewed the drafted annual report and will continue editing at the next meeting. 9. Next Meeting Date The next meeting is scheduled on December 19, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. 10. Adjourn Dr. Lea-Cox motioned to adjourn the meeting. Second by Mr. Reitzel. All members in favor, no opposed. Motion carries, 5-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.