Tree Protection Board

Tree Protection Board Minutes Monday, February 8, 2021 Members Present: Ginger Reilly Peter Wallace Kenny Sott Faye Campbell Staff Present: Jessi Shuler, Director of Planning Bill Salisbury, Arborist The meeting was called to order at 9:04 am. Mr. Sott asked for consideration of the January 11, 2021 meeting minutes. Ms. Campbell made a motion for approval of the minutes as presented, and Ms. Reilly made the second. The motioned carried. Old Business 1. 185 Bamert Street – Removal of two Pine trees Jonathan Mather presented the request. He advised his arborist said there was damage in the top of the tree and issues with it sitting up higher. With a saturated yard, he is concerned about the tree falling. Mr. Salisbury asked if the arborist had climbed the tree. Mr. Mather confirmed that the arborist had climbed the tree. Mr. Wallace stated he had not climbed the tree so could not speak to that, but he felt that the other concerns were significantly overstated. Ms. Campbell agreed with Mr. Wallace and suggested the damage could have been caused by Hugo thirty years ago. Mr. Sott also agreed with Mr. Wallace in that they had not climbed the tree but felt the concerns were exaggerated. Ms. Campbell questioned as to why the concern is just now being brought forth. Mr. Mather stated he has only owned the house since October; an oak tree has already fallen and damaged the roof. Mr. Sott asked whether the arborist mentioned pruning. Mr. Mather stated he did not, only that it needed to be removed. He would not be concerned if it was not within twenty feet of the house. Mr. Sott stated he did not think the tree is in danger of falling, but he again stated he had not climbed the tree and noted that the arborist is recommending removal. Ms. Reilly asked what the plan is for the two oaks next to the pine. Mr. Mather stated he is not as concerned about them because they are smaller. He will remove whatever is approved. He noted that there are over forty trees in the yard. Mr. Salisbury confirmed there are many other trees in the yard. Ms. Campbell stated the tree has held on through many storms and it is not a given that it will fall on the house. After further discussion regarding the validity of the request and the extreme assessment of the tree, Ms. Reilly made a motion to remove the second pine tree on the property. Mr. Sott seconded the motion. The motion passed with Mr. Wallace voting no on the motion. New Business 1. 1899 Bacon’s Bridge Road – Removal of trees for construction of charter school Casey Warfield with Kimley-Horn; Max & Tyler with Ryan Companies and Christy Paciocco, landscape architect presented the request. The need for a charter school, particularly at this site and in proximity to neighborhoods, has been identified. The plan calls for removal of most of the trees with the exception of those in the wetlands at the front of the site as well as any needing to be cut for floodplain requirements. They had met with Mr. Salisbury the week before this meeting and he stated there were no trees of historical significance or in really good shape as the site has previously been used as a laydown area for road construction. Mr. Sott asked the amount of acreage. Mr. Warfield stated about 9.5 acres. Mr. Sott asked for the number of trees to be removed. Mr. Warfield stated he would look it up. Max stated that while the general area has been identified for need, the site plan also has to be approved by the Dorchester County School Board and the SC Department of Education; he also explained the requirements of compensatory storage. Mr. Warfield reported 182 trees had been assessed, there are additional smaller trees, with probably less than ten being saved. Ms. Campbell asked for confirmation that those trees being saved are those previously noted in the wetlands. Mr. Warfield confirmed those are the ones along Bacon’s Bridge Road. Mr. Wallace asked about mitigation. Mr. Warfield answered yes, for wetland impacts. Mr. Sott asked where in the planning process they currently are. Ms. Shuler explained. Ms. Reilly asked about removal of trees in the borders. Mr. Warfield stated that goes back to compensatory storage requirements and no net fill. Mr. Salisbury stated if they come back with a good landscape plan they should end up with healthier trees than currently present. Mr. Sott stated as they had not had a chance to look at the site he does not feel they can make a decision until they have had that opportunity. Mr. Wallace made a motion to table the discussion until the committee has looked at the site and plans. Ms. Reilly seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The committee will coordinate with Mr. Salisbury to schedule an on-site meeting. ADJOURN: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:43 am on a motion by Mr. Sott and a second by Ms. Campbell. The motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Bill Salisbury Arborist/Natural Resource Planner Date:___________________ Approved: Kenny Sott, Chair_____________________________; or, Faye Campbell, Vice Chair________________________