Urban Forestry Commission

Urban Forestry Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 20, 2024 ❖ 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Meeting Location: 300 Park Ave, Dogwood and Virtual Attendees UFC members: Amy Crumpton (Chair), Tim Roche, Jennifer Anderson, Stephanie Lamore, Alison Miller City Council Liaison: Erin Flynn City Staff Liaison: Arborist Charles Prince (cprince@fallschurchva.gov) City Staff: Emily Bazemore, Senior City Planner Members of the Public: Sean Griggs and Christian Griggs 1) Call to Order: the meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Amy Crumpton 2) Roll Call: noted above 3) Remote Participation: Emily Bazemore 3) Approval of February Minutes: the February 2024 UFC minutes were approved by voice vote. 4) Public Comment: Sean Griggs, Eagle Scout with Troop 681, gave a slide presentation on the habitat restoration project he led in Herman Park to qualify for his Eagle Scout merit. Sean led his fellow Scouts during two events in removing numerous invasive plants and surveying the native tree saplings that had been hidden. The UFC commends Sean for his leadership in helping the City to protect its trees. 5) Staff updates and Informational Items: a) People, Housing and Jobs: Demographics Chapter of the City’s Comprehensive Plan - presentation by Senior Planner Emily Bazemore. Action on this is expected in June. UFC comments requested by the end of April. 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  b) City Council Calendar - Council member Erin Flynn gave an update on Council activities. The FY2025 budget presentation is April 1, with Town Halls on April 4 and 24. c) Arborist and Urban Forestry Budget - New funding for a new Urban Forestry Crew FTE and one time funding for a tree inventory is included in the proposed FY2025 budget. d) Arbor Day and Tree Fest Planning - The City’s Arbor Day celebration, in partnership with VPIS, will take place on Saturday, April 20, at 1:00 pm at Oak Street Elementary. A Shumard Oak will be planted. Additionally, Urban Forestry will call for volunteers to plant 750 tree and shrub saplings in Howard Herman and Crossman parks in recognition of the City’s 75th year of incorporation. This Tree Fest on April 11 and 12 (Crossman) and on April 16 and 17 (Herman). e) Greening of Lincoln Project - A public meeting on February 27 discussed plans to increase storm sewer capacity along Lincoln Avenue and add a median strip with trees. No further UFC comments on this project. f) Maple and Annandale Mixed-Use Development - Approval process includes a shadow study to determine impact on surrounding areas. UFC comments will refer to this as a rising issue for tree survivability and quality of life for residents. UFC comments should go to Planning before the April 17 UFC meeting. 6) Current Business a) Oak Park Townhomes Project - Charles Prince plans to introduce some Southern tree species (Kentucky Coffee tree) on the Park Avenue side, to improve resilience as climate changes. Final discussion and comments will take place at the April 17 UFC meeting. b) Soil Profile Building Prospectus - Amy Crumpton will edit this document and ask Alison Miller to review it before sending it to Charles Prince. c) Recommended Code Changes on greenspace and tree canopy for commercial mixed-use developments were approved by voice vote. Amy will forward to the City Council for action. 7) Future Business 8) Adjourn - The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm. 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