Urban Forestry Commission

Urban Forestry Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 16, 2022 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Meeting Location: 300 Park Ave, Dogwood and Virtual Attendees UFC members: Amy Crumpton (Chair), Stephanie Lamore (Vice Chair) Jennifer Anderson, Tim Roche, Alison Miller (Secretary and attended virtually) City Council Liaison: Letty Hardi UFC Student Representative: City Staff Liaison: Charles Prince (Arborist) Members of the Public: none Other guests: 1) Call to Order - the meeting was called to order at 7:38 p.m. by Amy Crumpton. 2) Roll Call 3) Approval of the October Minutes. October UFC Meeting Minutes were approved. 4) Public Comments a) Peng Highnam Re: T-Zone Ordinance Amendment - The citizen comment was concerned about the size of proposed buildings by blocking the sun and would inhibit tree growth. Charles passed along the comment to Jack Trainor. The UFC found the comment to be compelling for the Commission to consider. We have not reviewed the policy recommendation yet, but we are reviewing the topic as part of tonight’s business. b) Ellen Salsbury Re: T-Zone Ordinance Amendment - The citizen comment was concerned about the pace of consideration and is asking the committee to request additional time to review the impact. Charles passed along the comment to Jack Trainor. UFC has not reviewed the policy recommendation yet, but we are reviewing the topic as part of tonight’s business. 5) Staff updates and Informational Items:  a) City Council Calendar ● The City Council is reviewing the 20mph proposal. The first reading occurred this week and the second reading will be after thanksgiving. If adopted, the policy would not go into effect until early next year when the city can update the signage. ● The City Council reviewed the budget amendment. Letty highlighted our ask to the Council. There were additional questions from the Council about how the work can be sloped to reduce the estimated $100k cost. Charles will provide the Council with additional information. The last full inventory was done in 2004. The staff does not have the capacity to take on this work, so the UFC is thinking through alternative staffing options. The UFC is considering how to make this investment more compelling to the Council. Amy is going to draft an amended letter for Council consideration for a smaller amount. ● The City Council is also planning its annual trip to Richmond. ● There are only two meetings left before the end of the year with the holidays. ● The Planning Commission meeting is on December 21st to determine what they will refer to Council for consideration. UFC should plan to submit a letter before that date. b) Staff Updates ● Crossman Park - There are several dead/diseased ash trees in the park. The Forestry team is assessing how to remove the trees safely. It may require the park to close. c) UFC Commissioner Updates ● Amy took a stormwater tour with the Public Utilities Commission to better understand the flooding and stormwater management issues. Amy asked about what plans they had for re-forest where the work would happen and require tree and plant removal. They have not thought through those plans yet. ● Habitat Restoration events this fall had great attendance! 6) Current Business a) Proposed Transition Zone Ordinance Amendment 6a - Attachment 0 - T-Zones Staff Report 6a - Attachment 1 - T-Zone Updates Presentation Nov. 2 2022 6a - Attachment 2 - ZOAC Final Report 6a - Attachment 3 - T-Zone Example City Projects 6a - Attachment 4 - Example Regional Projects 6a - Attachment 5 - T-Zone Proposed Updates Aggregate Public Comment 6a - Attachment 6 - T-Zone Property Attribute Table & Cluster Map Letty gave a quick brief to the UFC on the context of the discussion so far. One of the areas that UFC wants to weigh in on building coverage. The current proposal would expand lot coverage maximum to 80%. The 80% was the initial proposal in the first reading, but can be adjusted. Unclear whether this includes parking or other impervious coverage. The proposal also calls for a 10ft set-back. The UFC wants to understand if that is enough space for trees to flourish. Stormwater consideration is also an area that UFC wants to understand the impact better. The UFC reviewed the materials to understand potential concepts that have been implemented or proposed. The UFC also discussed what role we can play in influencing the policy. T-zones are only 3% of properties, but they are very visible. To address the comment about sun exposure for tree canopy might be shaded, we could solve that by getting shade tolerant trees. The set-back also can be dealt with through several tree varieties. Both of these issues limit tree/plant coverage, but it is possible. The biggest concern is probably the impact on stormwater management. UFC agreed to draft a letter to the planning commission to include: - 13% canopy coverage with options for trade-offs and rationale. - Set-back amount (Charles or Amy will confirm) - Overall lot footprint reduction from 80% Amy is going to reach out to PUC and ESC to see if they want to partner on a letter. 7) Future Business a) Green Infrastructure Standards b) Urban Forestry Management Plan c) Urban Forestry Code Changes d)Education Opportunities (eg residential authorities, rainwater impact, developer needs, other city approaches) 8) Adjourn - the meeting was called to order at 9:39 p.m. by Amy Crumpton. Urban Forestry Commission Staff liaison for this meeting: Charles Prince, cprince@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 571- 296-6306 TTY711