Urban Forestry Commission

Tree Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 10, 2019 v 7:30 - 9:30 pm George Mason High School Library Present: Dennis Szymanski, Kathy Philpott Costa, John Tesner, Barbara Tesner, Karen Jones, Kate Reich, Shaina Schaffer 1. Approval of May 16 Tree Commission Meeting Minutes: The Tree Commission approved the minutes from the May 16, 2019 meeting. 2. Public Comments: None 3. Staff Updates/ Informational Items  Code updates regarding Tree Commission: Kate will proceed with the name change to the Urban Forestry Commission, as there appears to be ample City support for it. Other changes will be tabled until a more comprehensive Code review, as there may not be current City support for the addition of a member alternate.  Tree Canopy Committee of COG: Kate also announced that she had been appointed to the Tree Canopy Committee of the COG. The Committee will develop regional tree canopy goals for publication by COG. 4. Current Business  City Comprehensive Plan Housing Chapter update: Shaina Schaffer presented the Housing Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. The TC reviewed Dennis’ draft memo with comments on the Housing Chapter and agreed on a final draft.  City Comprehensive Plan Demographics Chapter update: Shaina Schaffer presented the People, Housing and Jobs Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.  West Falls Church Economic Development SEE submission: The TC briefly reviewed the new conceptual plan submission for the project and noted the removal of streetscape on one side of Street A as well as around the new 12-story office building by the Mason High School parking lot. There is also no further detail on stormwater management onsite through green scape. The developer is holding a meeting this Wednesday, and Kate and Dennis will attend. 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 703-248-5030. (TTY 711)  5. Future Business  Possible tree conflicts with future 5G antenna installations: Karen presented information about 5G, which will require antenna densification. Trees can obstruct the required line of vision, and we need to think about how trees will be impacted. Creative solutions such as disguised manhole covers and etched clear antennas are emerging and may allow reduced impact on trees. The TC is interested in learning about innovative technology and possible grants for these solutions. Karen will write an ideas memo draft to socialize with the City staff.  Urban Forest Management Plan – work plan items, UFMP development schedule  Future of green space associated with Special Exception projects  Code updates/modifications relating to urban forestry  Standard private maintenance agreements for streetscapes The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Staff liaison: Kate Reich, Tree Commission: 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 703-248-5030. (TTY 711)