Tree Protection Board

Tree Protection Board Minutes Monday, October 12, 2020 Members Present: Ginger Reilly Peter Wallace Faye Campbell David Morris Kenny Sott Staff Present: Jessi Shuler, Director of Planning Bill Salisbury, Arborist The meeting was called to order at 9:02 am. Mr. Sott asked for consideration of the September 8, 2020 meeting minutes, and Mr. Wallace made a motion for approval. Ms. Campbell seconded the motion for approval of the minutes as presented. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Sott then asked for consideration of the special TPB meeting minutes from September 16, 2020. Ms. Campbell made a motion for approval, and Mr. Wallace seconded the motion for approval of the minutes as presented. The motion carried 5-0. Old Business 1. 205 E. 6th South Street – Removal of 4 Pines, 1 Oak, 2 Cedars and 4 other trees The applicant was not in attendance. Mr. Sott stated that not all of the trees have been marked. Mr. Wallace stated the committee has questions about other trees having to come down, trees in footprint of building generally are okay to remove. Ms. Reilly asked whether the committee will accept the incomplete plan or will require the permit to be tabled. Ms. Campbell stated the difficulty in being asked to remove trees without having complete information. Mr. Salisbury stated the owner has only marked off the house location, but not all trees are marked. Mr. Sott made a motion to table until all required information has been provided. Ms. Campbell seconded the motion. The motion carried. New Business 1. 311 S. Main Street – Removal of 1 Water Oak and 2 Pine trees The owners presented their request to remove the trees primarily due to conflict with the fence but also due to sidewalk upheaval. The Pine tree in the back is causing cracks in the driveway, and they would like to avoid an issue with foundation of home. Ms. Campbell asked if root pruning has been done for protection of the foundation. The owners stated that mostly encasement; although, they did root pruning with their Crape Myrtles. Mr. Sott observed there are lots of cracks in the driveway and the difficulty in identifying if the tree is the direct cause. Mr. Wallace agreed with Mr. Sott’s observation, and stated that excavation on the Dyal side could be done. The owners asked if the crack in the carport and into the garage had been noted and stated it had happened since they took ownership, for which they thought the tree growth was responsible. Mr. Salisbury stated the Water Oak does have a significant amount of rot up in the tree and it is at the end of its life; could be a hazard now. The TPB members agreed. Mr. Salisbury stated the Pine tree is healthy but not growing anymore; the bark is slick. The owners stated an ice storm in 2014 caused significant damage to the fence and there are several branches hanging over the sidewalk now. Mr. Wallace stated the tree is a very nice, big healthy tree, hazardous limbs can be pruned, not  Tree Protection Board Minutes Monday, October 12, 2020 positive cracks in stucco are from these trees. Mr. Sott stated he had tried to locate roots on his visit to the site but was unable to reach any. However, in the future, if additional evidence is found to support the owner’s opinion that the damage is being caused by these trees, they can resubmit for approval to remove. Mr. Sott made a motion to permit the removal of the Water Oak but to deny the two Pine trees until evidence is found, at which time Mr. Salisbury can permit. Ms. Campbell seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 2. 206 W. Richardson Avenue – Removal of one 33” Pecan tree. No applicant was present. Mr. Salisbury stated that he notices more rot in this tree each time he goes to the site, so the problems appear to be growing. Mr. Morris stated there are a lot of dead limbs in addition to the rot up in the tree. Ms. Reilly made a motion to approve removal of the tree. Mr. Wallace seconded the motion. The motion carried. Miscellaneous: The Tree Grant project progress and next steps was discussed. ADJOURN: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:47 am on a motion by Mr. Sott and a second by Mr. Wallace. The motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Date:___________________ Bill Salisbury Arborist/Natural Resource Planner Approved: Kenny Sott, Chair _________________________________________; or, Faye Campbell, Vice Chair _________________________________________