Urban Forestry Commission

Tree Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 20, 2016 v 7:30 - 9:25 pm, Dogwood Room, City Hall Present: Kate Reich, Kathy Philpott Costa, John Tesner, Barbara Tesner, Christian Autor, Dan Sze, Karen Jones (sworn in to Tree Commission on July 20, 2016) 1. Approval of June Minutes: The minutes from the June 20, 2016 meeting were approved. 2. Public Comments: None 3. Old Business: A citizen noted significant cutting damage to sycamore trees in front of Spectrum building. Kate spoke with the Spectrum manager who was not aware of the cause. Karen Jones will write an article for local press regarding vandalism/damage of public street trees and citizen reporting options. 4. Current Business  Update on Streetscape Task Force activity: Kathy and Dan updated the TC on discussions at the last Streetscape Task Force meeting. Kate will suggest a list of acceptable species for urban environments and acceptable alternatives in the even of disease. The TC was strongly in favor of advocating for (1) a minimum planter size of 6’x 15’ (using the utility strip space in a 20-ft setback), (2) 30 foot setbacks (with at least 7’-wide planters), (3) uniformity by block in tree species along Broad and Washington Streets, and (4) as much overall unity as possible in design features such as benches, signs and trash cans.  Code updates/modifications relating to urban forestry: Kate drafted initial suggested changes to Chapter 44 of the City Code (the “Tree Code”). The Tree Commission members will review the draft with particular focus on the Tree Code’s purpose statement, the specimen tree definition and process, appropriate criteria for non site-plan permit review, and whether it is possible The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability call (703) 248-5350, option 5. TTY 711.  to integrate all tree-related provisions from Zoning and Storm water Codes into the Tree Code. 5. Plan Reviews  Inns of Virginia, 419/421 West Broad Street: Kate will send the landscape page to the TC. If the proposed tree screening is maintained, it will have to be on the adjacent property’s site because it does not fit along with the driveway. It is not clear if the adjacent neighbor has consented to the tree screening. Kate will request permanent spray head irrigation installation, a hose bib on the front of the building. She will also confirm that Code is being met with regard to interior parking lot landscaping. 6. Informational Items 7. Future Business  Tree canopy goals and strategies  Enforcement of site plan landscape violations Staff liaison: Kate Reich, 703-248-5183 kreich@fallschurchva.gov The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability call (703) 248-5350, option 5. TTY 711.