Tree & Landscape Board

Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City of College Park Virtual Meeting May 22, 2024, 7:00PM Term Exp. Members Present Absent Staff David Wigglesworth, City Arborist Staff Dutch Nagelvoort, Asst. Director of Landscaping 06/30/2026 Christine O’Brien, Chair 06/30/2024 Todd Reitzel, member 06/30/2025 Emily Friend, member Alexa Bely, CBE representative Also Present: Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Ms. O’Brien called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Agenda: The Board reviewed the May 22, 2024, meeting agenda and edits were made to the agenda to add a potential letter to Council regarding environmental impacts of projects in the City. The planning discussion was removed from the agenda. Motion: Approve the May 22, 2024, agenda as amended. Moved: Ms. Friend Second: Mr. Reitzel Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Approval of April Meeting Minutes: The Board reviewed the meeting minutes of the April 17, 2024, meeting and no edits were made to the minutes. Motion: Approve the April 17, 2024, 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shared the following highlights: a. Tree Permits  9 Removals approved  0 Pruning approved  0 Removal denied  0 rescinded  1 not required  b. Right of Way Tree Planting – 44 trees planted c. Contract Tree Work-Right of Way Trees – Reviewed trees City-wide and will draft a work list and begin marking trees. d. Residential Property Tree Planting – 22 applications received. e. PEPCO Tree Work Review with Davey Resource Group Contract Forester – Reviewed proposed tree pruning and tree removals in the neighborhoods north of University Blvd. and in Crystal Springs. The date for this work will be determined. 4. CBE Report: Dr. Bely shared the following highlights:  Electric/manual lawn equipment incentive program: Residents are using the program  Climate Action Plan - drafted and discussed - expect to vote on it next week. Includes recommendations for the City to set goals for emissions reductions, energy audits for city-owned buildings, making a fuel reduction plan, goals for EV charging stations and bike racks, goals for increasing green power, increase green purchasing, rebate and loan programs to help residents make climate- friendly investments, divest funds from fossil fuel industries, expand education and outreach. Also includes recommendations to address and mitigate climate impacts including plans for community locations to support residents during extreme weather, identify heat island and prioritize green spaces in those regions, and flood preparedness.  Sustainability Survey - completed, received ~100 responses  Permaculture garden clean up - very successful  Letter in support of South MD Wildlife Refuge and request for City support - sent to City  Letter of support for Davis Field Hollywood Community Garden  College Park Parade - participation  Car magnets with environmental messaging - new printing 5. Old Business a. Municipal Scene Articles  June article – Changed to a TLB memo and included a picture from Arbor Day  Honeysuckle – August (Ms. Friend) o Future Topics  Japanese Knotweed  Solar Companies and Trees  Adopt A Park  Tree Planting  Spring Cleanup   Woodland Tree Act  Lesser Celandine b. Arbor Day Tree – April 26, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – Successful event c. Urban Tree Master Plan –Mr. Wigglesworth will meet with a forester from Davey Resource Group to discuss creating a street tree inventory and/or maintenance plan for the City. 6. New Business a. Bamboo Control Pamphlet b. Hollywood Farmers Market 7. Next Meeting Date The next meeting is scheduled on June 26, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. 8. Adjournment Ms. Friend motioned to adjourn the meeting. Second by Mr. Reitzel. All members in favor; no opposed. Motion carries, 4-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.