Tree Board - Regular Meeting

Tree Board - Regular Meeting 01/17/2023 02:00 PM Operations Center - Assembly Room 305 Williams St. | Hendersonville NC 28792 January 17, 2023 Members in attendance: Mac Brackett, Mary Davis, Becca Doll, Joe Peiso Members not in attendance: Glenn Lange, Arias Crismali 1. CALL TO ORDER – 2:10pm 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion to approve: Mary Davis Second: Becca Doll Approved 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. December 20, 2022 Tree Board Minutes Motion to approve: Becca Doll Second: Joe Peiso Approved 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Welcome New Members B. Public Relations Update – Mary Jo Padgett C. Conditional Zoning Districts Motion to Approve: Mary Davis Second: Joe Peiso Approved Tree Board Motion for Lock 7 Development Based on submitted plans to the Tree Board, dated 01/06/23, we recommend the following development conditions: 1. All areas outside of the limits of disturbance shall be maintained in as natural a vegetative state as possible with the following exceptions: control of invasive plant species and planting native vegetation to enhance wildlife habitat and/or improving the tree canopy. No turf grasses shall be planted in this area. 2. If the final site plan varies in a way that reduces the number of trees intended for preservation (as noted on submitted plans of 01/06/23) by more than 10%, then it shall trigger a major modification and require a new CZD process, including that it be reviewed by the Tree Board again before proceeding to City Council. 3. All preserved trees shall be protected from grading and construction activities as prescribed in the zoning code Section 15-4 regardless of use as tree credits. 4. Invasive trees, shrubs and ground cover shall be removed, particularly English Ivy, throughout the site, especially in the areas where trees are preserved. Care shall be taken to not substantively disturb the root systems of preserved trees. Invasive trees and shrubs can be cut off at ground level and the stump treated to kill the roots. Control of English Ivy shall be confined to the recommendations found in the North Carolina Extension publication “Controlling English Ivy in Urban Landscapes” 5. A 40 foot no disturbance zone shall be maintained around the delineated wetland found on the site. The Tree Board’s recommended conditions, above, are based on the following guiding city code documents: Municipal Code, Chapter 46, Article IV, Division 1, Trees & Shrubs, Section 46, 116 & 117; the Zoning Code, Article XV Buffering, Screening & Landscaping Sections 15-1, A &C and 15-4 A; the Subdivision Ordinance, Purpose and Intent, Section 1.04, Part H; and the Comprehensive Plan, Vision Statement, Section 3.1 Purpose, Sections 3.2 and Section 3.3, Goal NR-1, Strategy NR 1.1 and NR 1.2 and Goal NR-2, Strategy 2.3; and the City Council’s adoption (Feb., 2021) of core values and beliefs as guiding principles as they apply to the prioritization of existing tree canopy. Public Comment: Lynn Williams of Chadwick Ave. - Spoke about ordinance changes, no list of existing trees with sizes, massive tree loss for the site, and the lack of a landscape plan in the plan for approval, and was against the development. David Thomas of Carousel Ln – More tree ordinances and increasing the canopy percentage for the city and was against the development. Joe Stancarisels of Carousel Ln. – Asked who enforces the COH ordinances and was against the development. Heather Starr No address given but adjoining property - Complained of the lack of light buffer between the development and residential houses and was against the development. D. ESB: Representative Will Garvey requested a tree board member chair and/or contribute to the (to be formed) Natural Resources subcommittee of the Environmental Sustainability Board Subcommittee. Mr Garvey will send Mr Brackett the appropriate information and Mr Brackett said he will convey the request to the Tree Board members. The ESB would like for a member of the Tree Board to attend Bee City USA meeting. They meet monthly at 3:00 at Bullington Gardens on the second Monday. E. Joe Turchin Spoke to the board about Dominion Energy’s plans to clear cut all trees and bushes within their 1100 miles right of way (for aerial inspection) of Gas lines. Mr. Turchin is raising awareness and requesting the Tree Board offer support. Mr Brackett requested Mary Davis and Glenn Lange write a letter to Dominion Energy and for Ms Padgett to write up a press release. 5. OLD BUSINESS – Not discussed A. Changes to City Ordinances/Zoning Concerning Trees B. Tree Board Request to Council C. NeighborWoods & Other Tree Planting Projects for 2023 D. Pollinator Bed Traffic Island Four Seasons Boulevard 6. OTHER BUSINESS- Not Discussed. A. Tree Board 2023 Budget B. Utility Update C. Invasive Species Control/Removal D. Staff Comments 7. ADJOURMENT 3:41 pm