Urban Forestry Commission

Urban Forestry Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 20, 2021 ❖ 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting NOTICE: This meeting 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 will be present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view this electronic meeting via the meeting link listed above and in the City’s website calendar. Attendees UFC members: Amy Crumpton, David DeCoste, Stephanie (Hamilton) Lamore UFC City Staff Liaison: Charles Prince City Council Liaison: UFC Student Representative: Dylan Petrillo City Staff: Wyatt Shields Members of the Public: Nigel Yates 1) Call to Order - the meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Amy Crumpton. 2) Reading of Virtual Meeting Notice - read by Amy Crumpton. 3) Roll Call - meeting participants identified themselves. 4) Approval of the September Minutes - the September meeting minutes were approved. 5) Public Comments - no public comments. The meeting opened with a new agenda item (see section 7 a1) to discuss an appeal from Falls Church resident, Nigel Yates. 6) Staff Updates and Informational Items: a) UFC calendar update - Charles Prince reviewed the calendar and noted the following two items: 1. Oct. 25 - One City Center: referral to B&C’s. Charles Prince noted that City Council and Planning has asked for green space documentation to which he complied. Amy Crumpton asked Charles for a copy of the document that was supplied. Amy also noted that the plan identified green space and open space in various areas including the property, streetscape and the park across the street from the property. Charles stated that once the project is finished, the park land will be owned by the city. This transfer of ownership is considered to be a voluntary concession (VC) of the project. Stephanie Lamore asked how the green space accessibility for tenants and the public factors in the green space percentage? Does one or both areas get included in the calculation? Amy noted that the streetscape does not typically factor into the overall canopy coverage. 2. The second item from Oct. 25 - Contract to Ardent for S. Maple Intersection Project - we’re at 60% on the project. Charles noted that there is vegetation separating the lanes. The project also includes streetscape planters which will match the One City Center planters. b) UFC Staff update and letter to City Council - Wyatt Shields acknowledged receipt of the UFC letter regarding staffing and it has been under discussion with City Council. At this point, the city hasn’t been able to find people to fill the open positions. c) Dan Sze Memorial Tree and Plaque - Charles indicated that the memorial trees have been planted at City Hall. Charles showed the completed plaque and added that it just needs to be mounted to a stone. There has not been any progress on determining a ceremony date. d) NVSWCD MOU for greenscape grants - Charles did not have any updates. Amy was concerned that this MOU ought to be approved since it will allow residents to apply for grants that help address stormwater management issues while beautifying the community. Charles will obtain the status. e) Sept. 27 City Council work session on One City Center - Charles noted that a few updates were added to the project, like the park and roundabout areas. He noted that some design changes can still be made to the park since the drawing is only conceptual. The roundabout planning is still in discussion with VDOT and one item it has factored in is affording tractor trailers the ability to drive through it. 7) Current Business a1) new item - appeal from citizen, Nigel Yates. Wyatt Shields provided an explanation regarding the purpose of this agenda item being added. Background details were provided to committee members: Sheet 5 - Landscape Plan Attachment 3 - Final Tree Canopy Plans -1204 Seaton Ln - email correspondence Attachment 1 - Charles Prince 7-27-21 - email correspondence 1204 Seaton MISC FEE FY2022 Assessment Form DPW - Misc. Fee Assessment Charles Prince: 1. A grading plan was approved in the first quarter. 2. Charles has been flexible with a resubmission landscape grading plan, not requiring a formal proposal. He verbally has been working with the home owners. The resubmission then showed trees removed without any special indication as to this change. This plan was mistakenly approved.  Nigel Yates: The homeowner then had an opportunity to describe the sequence of events. The committee does not have any control of the net result, but essentially felt that the maximum fine of $2000 was a bit excessive in this instance and recommended a lesser amount. Wyatt Shields will take the opinions of all parties when rendering a final decision. a) Review and comment on Founders II submission - Stephanie expressed frustration because there doesn’t seem to be much opportunity for green space. Amy noted that there was a promise made for two green roofs. The developer stated tree canopy would be 11.5% in 20 years? The planning commission showed all the VC from all recent projects - and none of the projects identify or have a column for urban forestry concessions. Charles believes we should try and keep the mature trees in the streetscape planters along W. Broad St., but it may be a challenge. The belief is that these trees are probably near their maturity, so it would be unfortunate to see them removed as they are in good health. It appears as if the developer is touting benefits resulting in their design of the space, but it is an exaggeration. For instance, claiming that this new layout will lead / feed bikers to the WO&D trail. Charles said that the UFC has until December to provide feedback and it can be addressed during the November meeting. b) American Rescue Plan funding applications - Amy asked if there was anything that the UFC could submit. Charles has been asking internally about it and will continue to follow up. Amy had a suggestion if it could help us if we get a contractor hired to help with the tree data, to assist us with stormwater forecasting. Charles noted that since this is federal money the restrictions and rules are tighter. We may have some end of year funding where we may be able to hire a contractor for the tree plotter program. c) Sidewalk Grant Project for S. Washington Street - Charles stated that this project is still in the infancy stage, so there aren’t any updates. 8) Future Business a) Counting Tree Plantings (My Tree Counts) b) Green Infrastructure Plan/Standards c) Biophilic Cities d) UF Management Plan e) UFC Standard Maintenance Agreements f) TOTY Revision g) UF Code Changes h) Outreach / Publicity i) Memorial or Commemorative Tree Designation Process j) Stormwater task force coordination 9) Adjourn - the meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m. Urban Forestry Commission Staff liaison: Charles Prince: 571-238-6306, arborist@fallschurchva.gov.