Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting February 15, 2023, 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 Alexa Bely, CBE representative ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Present: Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Jan Marin, UMD student Ms. O’Brien called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The Board reviewed the meeting agenda, and no edits were proposed. Motion: Approve the February 15, 2023, agenda as presented Moved: Mr. Reitzel Second: Ms. Friend Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of January Meeting Minutes: The Board reviewed the meeting minutes of the January 18, 2023, meeting and edits were made to the minutes. Motion: Accept the January meeting minutes as amended. Moved: Dr. Lea-Cox Second: Mr. Reitzel Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Public Works Department Report: Ms. Alexander and Mr. Wigglesworth shared the following highlights:  Excel tree experts completed the contracted tree work which included pruning 64 trees, 9 tree removals, and 10 stumps ground. 3 trees were also pruned for emergency work due to broken limbs.  From January 18 to February 15, 5 new tree permit applications were approved and 1 application was denied.  The proposal for contracted tree planting on private property with Casey Trees was approved by the City Council on February 14, 2023.   In preparation for the contracted tree planting, Mr. Wigglesworth emailed residents that had previously requested trees and 15 residents have confirmed they would like to have a tree planted.  A letter has been drafted for residents regarding tree planting in the right of way.  A letter to residents to request onsite consultant by the City Arborist for tree planting on private property by Casey Trees.  Mr. Wigglesworth attended a forestry meeting in Annapolis. 4. CBE Report: Ms. Bely shared the following highlights:  The Better Bag Act was approved by the Council during the February 14, 2023, meeting and will go into effect in September.  Continuing to work on storm water drain paintings and medallion placement.  Interested in working on a climate action plan and interested in a dedicated webpage on the City’s website on sustainability activities and programs.  Exploring a new initiative to encourage residents to switch to electric leaf blowers.  Drafted a letter to encourage the City Council to seek ways to stop the planned development in the Autoville area.  Continuing efforts to label native trees along the Trolley Trail and started discussions on planning a Trolley Trail walk on June 10th.  CBE recently learned the Trolley Trail project could qualify for level 1 criteria of arboretum status with ArbNet (http://www.arbnet.org) and the CBE would take the lead on this project. The CBE is also interested in a joint effort with TLB on this project. The Board held discussions on the organization and work involved in obtaining arboretum status and noted this should not become a Public Works responsibility. 5. Old Business a. Arbor Day Planting The Board discussed potential planting sites in North College Park for Arbor Day. Ms. O’Brien shared pictures of potential planting sites with the Board. The Board discussed suggesting tree planting locations and informing the North College Park Civic Association of the locations. Ms. Alexander suggested Narragansett and 52nd as well as 52nd and 53rd as suitable tree planting locations. b. Vine Removal Activity The Board discussed conducting a vine removal activity or conducting vine removal as a Good Neighbor Day project. Mr. Reitzel volunteered to take the  lead. It was suggested to conduct the vine removal activity for Earth Day on April 22, 2023 along Narragansett Run. c. Municipal Scene Articles – due on Feb 20th for March Issue o Tree Permitting Process – March (Mr. Reitzel) o Contracted Tree Planting by Casey Trees – April (Dr. Lea-Cox) o Bees in Trees – May (Ms. Friend) o Emerald Ash Borer – June (Ms. O’Brien) 6. Next Meeting Date The next meeting is scheduled on March 15, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. 7. 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 8:55 p.m.