Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting January 17, 2024 7:00PM Term Exp. Members Present Absent Staff David Wigglesworth, City Arborist Staff Brian Barr, Assistant Director 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 Also Present: Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. O’Brien called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The Board reviewed the January 17, 2024, meeting agenda and Mr. Reitzel asked to add the Autoville development to the agenda under new business. Motion: Approve the January 17, 2024, agenda amended. Moved: Ms. Batten Second: Ms. Friend Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of December Meeting Minutes: The Board reviewed the meeting minutes of the December 20, 2023, meeting and no edits were made to the minutes. Motion: Approve the December 20, 2023, meeting minutes as amended. Moved: Ms. Batten Second: Ms. Friend Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Public Works Department Report: Mr. Barr shared the following highlight:  The crew has been working on snow removal. Mr. Wigglesworth shared the following highlights: # Tree Permits issued-3 # Pruning permits issued-0  # Denied permits-0 # Rescinded permits-0  Casey Trees Residential tree planting program - Trees have been ordered with Casey Trees Foundation: 33 residents applied 54 trees will be planted  Tree Canopy Assessment report presentation by Save-A-Tree consultants All presentation slides reviewed with Robert Marsili, Brian Barr, and the consultant Mike Galvin. The presentation is ready to be presented on February 13. Mr. Galvin was not available to meet tonight.  Public Information for Municipal Scene - Wrote and submitted a public notice for Pepco pruning work starting in Calvert Hills and Lord Calvert Manor.  Municipal Scene Article - Reviewed, edited, and submitted.  Reviewed additional proposed future Pepco pruning work in Daniels Park with Davey Resource Group technician.  Met with Code Enforcement staff and attorney Nate Forman to discuss tree ordinance violation procedure. Mr. Forman will draw up guidelines to follow for enforcement procedures. 4. CBE Report: Dr. Bely shared the following highlights:  Has not drafted the letter to send to planning.  City Council considered the electric lawn equipment incentive program. 5. Old Business a. Municipal Scene Articles  TCEP/Tree planting – March (Mr. Reitzel)  Adopt-A-Park Program (future topic) b. Tree Letter to Planning and CBE Letter – Ms. O’Brien will draft the letter to Planning and will follow up with Dr. Bely at the next TLB meeting on the status of CBE’s letter. 6. New Business a. Solar Power Companies – Representatives from solar panel companies are encouraging residents to cut down trees for solar panel use. The Board discussed  writing an article to alert residents that tree permits will not be issued to cut down trees for the use of solar panels. b. Autoville Development There is a proposal to redevelop a single family home located on Autoville Drive. The owner doesn’t live at the property and wants to develop the home into a 10-unit complex. There is a push to add parking behind the units, which would remove the current trees located behind the property. The Board discussed writing a letter to encourage finding alternative parking solutions. Ms. O’Brien suggested to invite the new planning director to the next TLB meeting. 7. Next Meeting Date The next meeting is scheduled on February 21, 2024, 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. Motion carries, 6-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.