Urban Forestry Commission

Tree Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 21, 2019 v 7:30 - 9:00 pm Falls Church City Hall, Dogwood Room Present: Dennis Szymanski, Barbara Tesner, Karen Jones, Kate Reich, Charles Prince, Tim Stevens Members of the Public: Amy Crumpton, David Braun, Peter Markham and David DeCoste, City residents; Ashley Hopko, Tysons Reporter 1. Approval of June 10 Tree Commission Meeting Minutes: The Tree Commission approved the July 17, 2019 meeting minutes. 2. Public Comments: None 3. Staff Updates/ Informational Items  Falls Church Historical Commission recommendation: The FCHC suggested adding a recognition program for historical landscapes to the Natural Resources chapter of the comprehensive plan. The Tree Commission had no comment.  Tree Commission name change to Urban Forestry Commission: The name change passed first reading at the August 12 City Council meeting, and is scheduled for a recommendation by the Planning Commission September 3, followed by second reading and adoption by Council September 23.  Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) Grant: Kate reported that Planning staff considered purchasing a vacant home at 702 Poplar Drive, to provide a second access to Roberts Park and protect the Specimen Tree in the front yard. A VLCF grant could pay 50% of the cost of land acquisition for conservation purposes. In this case, however,the owners already had a buyer. Consistent with their goal of purchasing land within the flood plain, the-Planning Department staff may apply for a grant to buy a property adjacent to Tripps Run instead. –This was described by Shaina Schaffer when she presented the proposed Transfer of Development Rights program to the TC and ESC at their shared meeting last May.  Leaf scorch treatment on red oaks: Charles reported that the City has applied a growth regulator to help some of the more valuable red oak trees resist disease. Diagnosis of disease samples, to assure an effective treatment strategy, is temporarily hindered by lack of availability of Virginia Extension Service staff to process the samples. 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)   New Tree Inventory program: Kate reported that the new tree inventory program is now working as desired. Staff is not able to allow the public to enter their own trees into the system at this time, but that may be possible when staff has worked with the program longer.  Tree Commission actions: Dennis provided meeting guests with copies of VPIS’s ‘Trees in Falls Church’ brochure, produced with guidance from the Tree Commission. He also stated that one of the Tree Commission’s responsibilities is to review all commercial site plans for suitable landscaping.  Possible tree conflicts with future 5G antenna installations: Karen provided an update on her research into how 5G antenna installations might affect trees in Falls Church. In general, the high frequencies of 5G will go right through trees, however leaves fluttering could interfere with signals, and the many antennas required could be unsightly. Karen will share her research with the City Council after attending a conference in September. 4. Current Business  Urban Forestry Volunteers: Charles introduced Amy Crumpton, who has been a habitat volunteer with Falls Church for several years. Ms. Crumpton is also connected with Tree Stewards and other stewardship volunteers in this area, and believes that many would be interested in helping update the City’s tree inventory information. Charles created a simplified tree inventory data entry form, and a system that will allow volunteers to update limited information, without being able to accidentally delete existing information.  Urban Forest Management Plan – outline/work plan items: Kate shared an updated outline for an urban forest management plan and asked for comments from TC members. Dennis suggested that the plan be kept simple – just the tree management, without delving into staffing and policy, etc. Needed tasks like code updates can be performed without listing them in an urban forest plan as they would likely be in UF annual Work Plan.  Saving mature trees on redevelopment sites – substance for conversation with Council: Kate will provide a list of possible methods for saving mature trees, including the City’s flexibility (vis-à-vis the Virginia Code) with zoning, setback and stormwater requirements at the next meeting. 5. Future Business-  Future of green space associated with Special Exception projects  City Code updates/modifications relating to urban forestry  Standard private maintenance agreements for streetscapes The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 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)