Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting June 21, 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, member. 06/30/2025 Emily Friend, member Tina Batten, member (new) Alexa Bely, CBE representative Miriam Bader, Director, Planning and Community Development Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. O’Brien called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. A quorum was not present. 1. Hollywood Streetscape Project – Ms. Bader provided an update to the Board on a request to plant native trees in place of non-native trees and the department has submitted the request. Trees will not be planted in July because the weather is too hot. The Board asked for the number of trees that were removed and the number of trees that will be replanted for the entire project. Ms. Bader will obtain that information and provide to the Board. Trees and other landscape items were to be planted over a month ago, but the trees and materials were not available. The Board expressed concern on how long it takes for the City to re-plant trees after being removed now that the Tree Ordinance is in effect. Ms. Bader also informed the Board that the City is not granting any waivers for tree planting. The Board asked Ms. Bader to keep the Board informed of City projects that include tree removal. Ms. Bader stated she is in the process of creating a development team that would include Ms. Alexander and/or Mr. Wigglesworth to review the new development projects that are submitted and have the ability to review tree removals and tree re- plantings for each new development project. The Board asked Ms. Bader what is the timeframe from when a development project is submitted to the time when the plan is reviewed or approved. Ms. Bader stated the development plans are submitted to the planning department at Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) and they accept or deny the plan. It  can take 2-3 months before development plans are accepted and the City is not aware until the plan is accepted. MNCPPC checks to ensure the development plan includes the required documentation and are not reviewing the details of the submitted development plan. The Board asked how to obtain access to the NRI for the proposed Paint Branch at Preserve Project. Ms. Bader informed the Board to check for a number beginning with PP or DSP and search for that number on www.pgatlas.com under development to locate the NRI plans. 2. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The Board reviewed the June 21, 2023, meeting agenda. Motion: Approve the June 21, 2023, agenda as presented. Moved: Mr. Reitzel Second: Ms. Bely 3. Approval of May Meeting Minutes: The Board reviewed the meeting minutes of the May 17, 2023, meeting and edits were made to the minutes. 4. Public Works Department Report: Mr. Wigglesworth shared the following highlights:  3 tree removal permit applications were received, and all were approved.  Contracted tree maintenance was inspected and completed. Developing another list for contract tree work to send out for bid.  Meeting with residents who submitted requests for tree planting on residential property. As of today, 44 residents have requested trees on residential property.  Ms. Alexander and Mr. Wigglesworth met with Mr. Galvin from SavATree consulting group and discussed the urban tree canopy assessment bid proposal and work timeline. SavATree proposed to complete some work by August, therefore the city will recommend to award the project to them.  Arbor Day ceremony was held on May 18th and was a successful event. 5. CBE Report: Ms. Bely shared the following highlights:  The Better Bag Bill was passed at the County level.  New tree labels have been installed on additional trees along the Trolley Trail.  Storm drain inlets were painted in the Hollywood Dog Park and College Park Woods. Medallions were installed on storm drains in Lakeland by a Girl Scout troop.  Continuing to look at City’s sustainability webpage and discussed what could be added.   Drafted a letter to request the Council to consider incentives to residents for electric leaf blowers and rakes.  Plan to conduct a sustainability survey in the fall.  An event for electric cars and bikes is scheduled for September 23rd at the Mom’s parking lot. 6. Old Business a. Door Hangers Door hangers will be used to obtain resident interest for potential planting sites for street tree planting. Mr. Reitzel suggested developing a door hanger to alert residents on English Ivy. b. Municipal Scene Articles – due on June 23 o Spotted Lantern Fly – July (Ms. O’Brien) o Tree Permitting – August (Mr. Reitzel) o Leave the Leaves – September o Protecting Trees from Deer – October o Solar Panels – November 7. New Business to Discuss at July Meeting a. Discuss organizing group for neighborhood park in College Park Woods b. Trees removed on City property in Calvert Hills 8. Next Meeting Date The next meeting is scheduled on July 19, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. 9. Adjourn Ms. O’Brien adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m.