Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting May 17, 2023, 7:00PM Final Minutes Term Exp. Members Present Absent Staff Brenda Alexander, Public Works Assistant Director Staff David Wigglesworth, City Arborist 06/30/2025 John Lea-Cox, City Forester 06/30/2023 Christine O’Brien, Chair 06/30/2024 Todd Reitzel, member 06/30/2024 John Horowitz, member1 06/30/2025 Emily Friend, member Alexa Bely, CBE representative 1Left @ 9:06 p.m. Also Present: Alex Lugo, Guest; Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. O’Brien called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The Board reviewed the meeting agenda and Mr. Reitzel proposed to add the plantings for the Hollywood Streetscape to the agenda. Mr. Lugo proposed to add a pollinator garden project to the agenda. Motion: Approve the May 17, 2023, agenda as amended. Moved: Mr. Reitzel Second: Ms. Friend Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of April Meeting Minutes: The Board reviewed the meeting minutes of the April 19, 2023, meeting and edits were made to the minutes. Motion: Accept the April meeting minutes as amended. Moved: Mr. Reitzel Second: Ms. Friend Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Public Works Department Report: Mr. Wigglesworth shared the following highlights:  From April 20 to May 16 - 5 tree removal permit applications were submitted. 3 applications were approved and for the 2 remaining applications, the trees  were not removed after Mr. Wigglesworth showed the residents the trees had no defects.  Observed 45 locations where approved tree permits were issued.  Reminder letters were emailed to the homeowners regarding tree replacement requirements.  40 requests for tree planting on residential property have been received.  Bid requests for contract tree maintenance on City property were submitted.  Urban tree canopy assessment bid proposals are due May 26, 2023. 4. CBE Report: Ms. Bely shared the following highlights:  Two green award winners: Victor and Arena for their green energy home and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for helping with the spring cleanup of the permaculture garden and fall tree giveaway.  The Better Bag Act was discussed at the County level.  Discussed the May parade in which a few CBE members attended.  Continuing tree labeling along the Trolley Trail.  Continuing storm drain painting and medallion placement projects.  Trolley Trail day is scheduled on June 10th and CBE plans to feature the native trees along the Trolley Trail.  Co-sponsoring a multi-town meeting regarding storm water management.  Planning to do an electric vehicle event for cars and bikes in September.  No mow April was successful.  Considering writing a letter to support the pedestrian safe area establishment around Knox Road, near City Hall.  A letter was submitted to City Council to ask County Council to strengthen the Better Bag Act. 5. Old Business a. MNCPPC Ms. Alexander provided an update that Ms. Fanning sent some notes last month and they are planning to install deer protection on trees planted near the airport. MNCPPC will also remove dead trees that pose a safety hazard and will replant the small shrubs by runway 15. For fall planting, they are planning to plant 145 trees and will also look for locations within the City. Interested to continue partnership with the City and TLB and support a tree giveaway in the fall. Ms. Alexander suggested to invite Ms. Fanning to the August TLB meeting to discuss plans for a fall tree giveaway. b. Arbor Day Ceremony  The Arbor Day ceremony is scheduled for May 18, 2023, 6:00 p.m. at Narragansett Parkway and 52nd Avenue. c. Municipal Scene Articles – due on May 23  Newly Planted Tree Care/Watering – June (Mr. Horowitz)  Spotted Lantern Fly – July (Ms. O’Brien)  Tree Permitting – August (Mr. Reitzel)  Leave the Leaves – September  Protecting Trees from Deer – October  Solar Panels – November d. Preserve Development Project The Board’s letter which supports CBE’s letter to City Council regarding the preserve development was sent to the City Council for review. 6. New Business a. Proposal of pollinator garden – Mr. Lugo presented to the Board his proposal of planting a pollinator garden at the intersection of Narragansett Parkway and Lackawanna Street. Ms. Alexander suggested to propose the new pollinator garden as a Good Neighbor Day project. The TLB referred Alex Lugo to the Bee City Committee. b. Tree Removal Issue – Mr. Wigglesworth informed the Board of a tree removal permit application that was submitted by a resident on Pontiac Street. The resident wants to remove 5-6 trees because the trees are shading the solar panels. The trees are located in the City’s right of way and the Board discussed if the trees should be removed. After discussion, the Board decided the trees should not be removed.  At 9:02 p.m., Ms. O’Brien asked for a motion to extend the meeting. Ms. Friend motioned and second by Mr. Reitzel. 3 members in favor; 1 opposed. Motion carries, 3-1-0. c. Tree Plantings at Hollywood Streetscape Mr. Reitzel discussed the removal of trees on Muskogee Street for the Hollywood Streetscape project. Replacement trees were to be planted last Autumn but that has not occurred. Ms. Alexander informed the Board there are some issues with the contract and a meeting is scheduled on May 18, 2023. Ms. O’Brien will add this item to the June meeting to continue discussions. 7. Next Meeting Date  The next meeting is scheduled on June 21, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. 8. Adjourn Ms. Friend motioned to adjourn the meeting. Second by Mr. Reitzel. All members in favor; no opposed. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.