Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting August 16, 2023, 7:00PM 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 06/30/2026 Christine O’Brien, Chair 06/30/2024 Todd Reitzel, member 06/30/2025 Emily Friend, member 06/30/2026 Tina Batten, member 06/30/2026 Jennifer Konish, member Alexa Bely, CBE representative (joined at 8:26 p.m.) Nicole Sieck, CBE representative Also Present: Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. O’Brien called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The Board reviewed the August 16, 2023, meeting agenda and changes were made to change item 9 to discuss the planning process for new construction. Motion: Approve the August 16, 2023, agenda as amended. Moved: Ms. Batten Second: Mr. Reitzel Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of July Meeting Minutes: The Board reviewed the meeting minutes of the July 19, 2023, meeting and edits were made to the minutes. Motion: Approve the July 19, 2023, meeting minutes as amended. Moved: Dr. Lea-Cox Second: Mr. Reitzel Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Public Works Department Report: Ms. Alexander shared the following highlights:  Mr. Wigglesworth is working with Casey trees to finalize the number of trees for planting on private property.   Contract work with Excel Tree Experts has started downtown and in Crystal Springs. Also planning to start removal of Bradford Pear trees throughout the City as well as trees that were damaged by storms.  The landscape crew are working on weeding and storm cleanup.  Good Neighbor Day meeting was held today for nominated projects. Plantings at the basketball court in Calvert Hills, several pollinator garden expansions, and invasive vine removal along Narragansett Parkway were a few of the projects that were nominated.  Currently working on the fall tree planting list and fall pansies and bulbs were also ordered.  Ms. Alexander informed the Board she will be retiring later this year. 4. CBE Report: Ms. Sieck shared the following highlights:  A new permaculture garden sign has been ordered.  On August 26th, CBE will pass out reusable bags at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market.  Outreach is ongoing with retailers for give a bag/take a bag.  Currently working on drafting a climate action plan for the City.  A story map has been posted on the City’s website to show where the painted storm drains are located.  An electric vehicle event is scheduled on September 23rd with a rain date of September 30th at Hollywood Farmer’s Market. 5. Old Business a. Municipal Scene Articles  Tree giveaway – September 2023 (Ms. Batten)  Protecting Trees from Deer – October 2023 (Dr. Lea-Cox)  Solar Panels – November 2023 b. MNCPPC Updates  Tree giveaway – Sept. 30th 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., College Park airport. The tree selection has more diversity with various species.  Berwyn Neighborhood Park – Ms. Alexander attended a meeting a few weeks ago that was held regarding Berwyn Park. Ms. Alexander will attend a meeting scheduled on August 23rd with MNCPPC staff to look at tree planting opportunities in MNCPPC parks including Berwyn,  Cherry Hill, Sunnyside, and College Park Woods as well as the area behind Paint Branch Elementary School. c. Door Hangers Mr. Reitzel discussed creating a video that shows residents how to safely remove English Ivy from trees. Ms. Alexander will coordinate a day and time for the video recording. d. College Park Woods Vine Removal – Ms. Batten discussed experiences with MNCPPC’s adopt a park program. Ms. Batten organized a group of trained volunteers to remove invasive plants and perform other tasks to help maintain the park. Ms. Batten explained the biggest issue with qualifying volunteers has been the fingerprinting and background check requirements. The Board discussed why is a background check necessary for volunteers and if there is a way the City can help remove this requirement. 6. New Business a. Planning Process for new construction projects – Mr. Reitzel discussed the tree removal on Muskogee Street and Edmonston Road and suggested a mechanism to monitor tree removal related to construction projects within the City. It was suggested to review the bi-monthly planning report to track tree loss due to ongoing City projects. Another suggestion was for the City’s Planning Department to include a hyperlink to the construction site documents for public review on the City’s webpage. 7. Next Meeting Date The next meeting is scheduled on September 20, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. 8. Adjournment Dr. Lea-Cox motioned to adjourn the meeting. Second by Ms. Batten. All members in favor; no opposed. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.