Landscape & Design Committee

CITY OF CORTLAND LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN COMMISSION Minutes - August 9, 2023 4:00 p.m. at City Hall - Mayor’s Conference Room Present: Mike Dexter (chair), Theresa Quail, Diane Batzing Consulting Arborist: Jim Maloney, National Grid Guest: Steve Broyles, SUNY Cortland Approve July 12, 2023 Minutes: Theresa Quail, 1st; Mike Dexter, 2nd Spring 2024 Tree Planting Program Planning • The 2024 application and tree photos are posted on the cortland.org website • Schichtel’s Nursery has sent their tree availability list. • So far we have 5 applications. • We will order a minimum of 30 trees, due by September 15. • We will need to get the locations of the ash trees National Grid will be removing so we may offer these property owners replacements for 2025. NYS-DEC Inventory and Management Plan Grant Status • NYS-DEC director, Gloria VanDuyne said the awards will be announced in August or September. • Steve Broyles has 18 SUNY Cortland students identifying trees this September, using the iTree program. Jim Maloney will provide arborist volunteers to assist with this project. • Steve met with Miguel Berrios from Land Beyond the Sea (LBS) Ecological regarding student participation in tree identi ication and a city management plan in the event Cortland is awarded the DEC grant. Recent Tree Concerns/Notes • Comm. Dexter and Jim Maloney pruned a number of trees around the city. • Two of our newly planted trees appear to be dead. • The LDC has concerns regarding the proposed trees to be planted on Main St. and will request a meeting to discuss alternate species. Other • Comm. Dexter has weeded the Port Watson St./Church St. rose garden. Comms. Dexter and Quail weeded it earlier in the season. • Comm. Dexter was interviewed on WHCU about the 2024 tree program. • Because the Water Works is Cortland’s sole source aquifer, the Environmental Commission and others are not in favor of developing the site for community projects. Next meeting: October 11, 2023 at 4 p.m. Mayor’s Conference Room, City Hall f