Urban Forestry Commission

Urban Forestry Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 20, 2020 ❖ 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Virtual Meeting: https://meet.lync.com/fallschurch-fallschurchva/cprince/SR1ZYK3N NOTICE: This virtual meeting of the Urban Forestry Commission was held pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. All participating members of the Urban Forestry Commission were present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view this video of this meeting on the City’s website at www.fallschurchva.gov/UFC Attendees: UFC: Dennis Szymanski, Kathy Philpott Costa, David DeCoste, David Braun, Amy Crumpton UFC City Staff Liaisons: Charles Prince City Council Liaison: Ross Litkenhous Members of the Public: Veronica Prince, Kate Reich 1. Approval of February 19 Urban Forestry Commission Meeting Minutes - approved. 2. Public Comments - none. 3. Staff Updates/ Informational Items ● City Project Updates: Library and Fellows Property - Library project: The original plan is to have flush planters, with the high-pressure gas main so shallow, the planters may have to be raised which the planning department doesn’t want. Discussion for a solution is ongoing. How can we avoid “misses” in the plans so we don’t run into this situation again? Fellows property: it has been cleared and the temporary parking lot will be placed where the previous asphalt was located. A survey was released last week to solicit feedback on community preferences for the space. ● Falls Church Gateway Partners West End Economic Development: Developer Response, Submission 3 Amendment, Landscape Amendment Narrative, & Arborist Comments. The revised plan has a reduction of some trees due to a parking garage. There are some changes that may take place to accommodate a full traffic signal that is in the preliminary stages of discussion with VDOT, Fairfax County and the City of Falls Church Council. 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 703-248-5081, TTY711.  ● GMHS Parking Lot - Site Plan Amendment Arborist Comments - The project planners are actively looking to reduce the number of gardens. Push back was given by Charles to stop the reductions in green space (in lieu of turf grass). Looking for clarification from city staff on who is driving the green space reductions. We will consider involving Peter Noonan to be sure we’re aligned with these reductions. There is also insufficient space for trees near the parking lot. More space has been suggested, but we’re getting resistance. ● West End Small Area Plan & Arborist Comments . The West End Small Area plan - Charles has been pushing for more green space to be initially planned (e.g. 15-25% canopy coverage). State code is 15%. Other topics to be addressed: Is there existing contamination? Provide the green space crew additional space for plant storage? 4. Current Business ● West End Park Regulator: The comment period has been pushed back - the latest timeline is currently on hold. Charles stated that it appears as if the gas regulator will be going into the park. However, Ross noted that it will be shifted slightly from the initial proposal. Is there an opportunity to paint the regulator? ● Urban Forest Management Plan – Work Plan Items/Outline, Development Schedule: Kate has asked the team to review sections D and E, prioritizing what the UFC would like to focus on. The sub-committee may meet prior to the next UFC meeting and provide recommendations. ● City Code Updates/Modifications Relating to Urban Forestry - Does the commission agree with the proposed changes from the subcommittee? Kate would like UFC feedback on these items. Council member Litkenhous stated that he would ultimately like to increase the amount of landscaping and maintain as many mature trees as possible. After analyzing state Code limitations, the UFC subcommittee will consider how to add this into the city code, potentially working it into the stormwater management. Zoning flexibility may be another avenue that could be pursued with the planning commission. 5. Future Business ● Big Chimney’s is moving forward without any major issues. ● Property on 515 E. Broad being purchased and cut into four lots. There is a concern about losing some very mature trees. It will require our attention when it comes to being redeveloped. There are a number of dead trees on the lot, and many may not require our involvement to save trees. 6. Adjourn Urban Forestry Commission Staff liaison: Charles Prince: 571-238-6306, arborist@fallschurchva.gov.