GREEN Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA GREEN COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 MINUTES PowerPoint Presentation Present: David Quick, Chair, Andrea Martin, Angus MacBride, Rachel Honderd, Jim Westerhold, Olivia Flynn, Mary Conley (entered at 3:02 pm), Lia Colabello (virtual), Absent: Susan Johnson Staff: Eric DeMoura, Michele Reed, Brad Morrison, Liz Boyles, Kevin Mitchell, Chris Lubert, Peter Stone, Katie Gerling, Marissa Noble, John Farrell, Julie Wright, Adam Hutton, Cathy Godsey, Russell Walker, Cody Robinette, Katie Gerling, Molli LeMin, Jane Yager-Baumrind, Lynnette Lynes, Eddie Bernard (virtual), Also: Allan Clum, Gwen Wallover, Bryan Brooks with Mount Pleasant Waterworks Mr. Quick called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm. A. Approval of Agenda Ms. Honderd moved for approval of the agenda with moving item G to item E. Ms. Martin seconded the motion. All in favor. B. Approval of August Minutes Ms. Martin moved for approval of the minutes. Ms. Honderd seconded the motion. All in favor. Mary Conley entered at this time (3:02 pm). C. Public Comment There being no comments, Mr. Quick continued with the agenda. D. Updates from September Flood Resilience Committee Meeting Ms. Gerling reviewed the updates with the Commission.  GREEN Commission September 19, 2023 Page 2 of 3 The Commission discussed information desired for future discussions regarding slab on grade homes within flood zone areas. E. Mt. Pleasant Waterworks Septic Presentation Mr. Allan Clum, General Manager for Mount Pleasant Waterworks, along with Gwen Wallover and Bryan Brooks, reviewed septic tanks and septic tank abatement with the Commission. F. Tree Management Issues Ms. Boyles reviewed tree management issues with the Commission. The Commission discussed solutions to alleviate issues with current tree management regulations such as: ➢ Decreasing the size of tree required to be replanted to a 2 inch or 2 1/2inch tree or by gallon size so easier to plant ➢ Possibly increasing tree protection zone ➢ Allowing a 1-year timeframe to complete mitigation ➢ Implement a permit fee that can be utilized to offset cost for additional staff and enforcement efforts ➢ 160/acre might be too high a threshold for residential properties ➢ Remove invasive species ➢ Increase number of staff dedicated to reviewing tree issues ➢ Review tree bank grant program for ways to allow better opportunity to receive grant funds ➢ Require tree mitigation to be planted onsite and only allow a Tree Bank payment when plantings cannot be accommodated ➢ Commitment from property owner to mitigate when mitigation allowed (mitigation plan) ➢ Consideration for mitigation required based on reason removal desired ➢ Consider long leaf pines as a protected species Mr. MacBride and Mr. Westerhold left at this time (4:37 pm). Ms. Martin left at this time (5:00 pm).  GREEN Commission September 19, 2023 Page 3 of 3 Ms. Boyles stated that a draft of the tree section would be brought back to the Commission for review. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:01 pm. Submitted by, L. Lynes GREENComsn09192023