Urban Forestry Commission

Urban Forestry Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 15, 2023 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Meeting Location: 300 Park Ave, Dogwood Room and Virtual Attendees UFC members: Amy Crumpton (Chair), Stephanie Lamore (Vice Chair) Jennifer Anderson, Tim Roche, Alison Miller (Secretary) City Council Liaison: Letty Hardi UFC Student Representative: Katherine Hall City Staff Liaison: Charles Prince (Arborist) Members of the Public: none Other guests: none 1) Call to Order - the meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Amy Crumpton. 2) Roll Call 3) Approval of the February Minutes. November UFC Meeting Minutes were approved by voice vote. 4) Public Comments. No public comments received. 5) Staff updates and Informational Items: a. City Council Calendar Arbor Day presentation will be April 10th. b. T-Zone Ordinance Proposal Review The Arborist recommends clarification of the tree code in the T-zone proposed text. The City arborist wants some consistency with T-Zones and the transition to residential properties. The proposal also recommends 15% tree canopy to be consistent with Virginia State Code.  c. Howard Herman Remediation High usage led to some degradation and the arborist and crew are building clearer pathways. d. Arbor Day Planning Charles will present more details at the next meeting. Current plan is Madison Park at 10am. e. Virginia HB 2282 This bill did not pass, but would have impacted green space and stormwater management on new development. f. UFC Meeting Schedule We need to re-adopt the virtual meeting policy. Charles will track down that official language. 6) Current Business a. Draft Letter in Support of Senior Urban Forester Position The Commission agreed to send the letter. b. Greenspace and Tree Canopy Coverage Requirements The Commission reviewed the draft letter to Council. Next step is to socialize with relevant city staff who might be impacted and continue to iterate. Stephanie agreed to edit the letter and increase green space/tree canopy recommendations to 15%. c. 2022 Annual Draft Report The Commission agreed to adopt the report. d. List of Invasive Plants to Avoid in Site Plans Action steps: Jennifer will draft a list of common invasive and potential alternatives. e. 2023 UFC Work Plan 7) Future Business a. Green Infrastructure Standards b. Urban Forestry Management Plan c. Urban Forestry Code Changes 8) Adjourn - the meeting was called to order at 9:19 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