GREEN Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA GREEN COMMISSION APRIL 16, 2024 MINUTES Staff Report Present: David Quick, Chair, Susan Johnson, Andrea Martin, Lia Colabello, Angus MacBride, Jim Westerhold, Mary Conley, Rachel Honderd. Absent: Olivia Flynn. Staff: Christiane Farrell, Michele Reed, Liz Boyles, Chris Lubert, Kevin Mitchell, Jane Yager-Baumrind, Cody Collette, John Farrell, Adam Hutton, Russell Walker, Eddie Bernard, Julie Wright, Lynnette Lynes Mr. Quick called the meeting to order at 3:01 pm. A. Approval of Agenda Ms. Conley moved for approval of the agenda. Ms. Johnson seconded the motion. All in favor. B. Approval of March Minutes Ms. Martin moved for approval of the minutes. Ms. Conley seconded the motion. All in favor. C. Public Comment Mr. Mike Tinkey, 208 Venning, spoke regarding items related to trees. He suggested that more time be spent on the draft tree ordinance to sufficiently review the text. He suggested that the process should be clearly defined and a flow chart included as a visual within the ordinance. He suggested that there are a number of items that should be reviewed and possibly changed. Ms. Michelle Stress, 545 Veranda View, stated that she understands that the Mayor was considering a butterfly garden and offered her help in bringing it to fruition. She also suggested that wildflowers should be allowed to grow and not be mowed after the flowers have flowered to allow for more food for bees and better beautification along the roadways.  GREEN Commission April 16, 2024 Page 2 of 3 Ms. Lisa Schnipke, 185 Mossy Oak Lane, stated that she is on the HOA Board and has been coordinating with Ms. Strauss on the butterfly garden and release of butterflies in the neighborhood. There being no more comments, Mr. Quick continued with the agenda. D. Tree Code Re-Write Presentation Mr. Lubert reviewed the draft tree protection code with the Commission. The Commission discussed whether certain species of pines should be protected. The Commission discussed whether a smaller pine tree should be protected in addition to those 24 inches in diameter or larger. The Commission discussed whether having a urban tree division should be considered to be able to better monitor and enforce tree removal requirements. Mr. MacBride moved for deferral to the next meeting. Mr. Westerhold seconded the motion. All in favor. E. Revisions to Canopy Tree List in 156.201 (Tree Grant Canopy List) Ms. Boyles and Mr. Lubert reviewed the canopy tree list with the Commission. The Commission reviewed the native species diversity percentages and discussed if it should be 75% and 50%. Ms. Johnson moved for approval to remove sawtooth oak and Chinese elm species from tree canopy list as they are now considered invasive species. Ms. Martin seconded the motion. All in favor. Mr. Westerhold moved to change the percentages of tree plantings for Tree Bank Grants to 100% canopy trees and 50% understory trees, and approval of the remaining recommended percentages as presented. Mr. MacBride seconded the motion. Motion passed on a 5 to 3 vote with Mr. MacBride, Mr. Westerhold, Ms. Colabello, Ms. Conley, and Ms. Johnson in favor; Ms. Martin, Mr. Quick, and Ms. Honderd opposed.  GREEN Commission April 16, 2024 Page 3 of 3 F. Take Root Planting and Grant Programs 1. Tree/Seedling Giveaway 2. Tree Bank Grant Program Ms. Boyles reviewed the current giveaway program and Tree Bank Grant program with the Commission. The Commission discussed these programs and suggested that more education and advertisement should be considered. 3. Public Tree Canopy Restoration Pilot Program Ms. Boyles reviewed the proposed restoration pilot program with the Commission. The Commission discussed the proposed program and also how to better reach and educate the public. Mr. MacBride moved for approval of the pilot program as presented. Ms. Martin seconded the motion. All in favor. G. Updates Mr. Lubert provided an update for the Commission. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:55 pm. Submitted by, L. Lynes GREENComsn04162024