Tree Protection Board

Tree Protection Board Minutes Monday, April 12, 2021 Members Present: Staff Present Ginger Reilly Jessi Shuler, Director of Planning Kenny Sott Bill Salisbury, Arborist Peter Wallace David Morris Faye Campbell The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am. Mr. Sott asked for consideration of the March 8, 2021 minutes. Mr. Wallace made a motion for approval of the minutes with a correction to the members present noted. Ms. Reilly seconded the motion. The motion carried. Old Business: 1. 401 Beaufort – Jerry Runion presented request, he was ill-prepared last meeting so tried to find facts without prejudice; the tree in question is 62’ from Foster and 60’ from Beaufort. He has discussed changing the house plan with his wife however she is against having an L-shaped home. Based on the tree protection zone requirements, he could not meet them even with an L-shaped home; discussed the costs associated with survey and house plans prior to submission to TPB; re: insurance – unable to insure a home with tree hanging over the roof with the exception of Live Oak particularly due to the fact that this is a catastrophic area with the threat of hurricanes. Mr. Wallace stated all trees cannot be removed due to threat of damage; cannot dispute encroachment into CRZ; Mr. Runion has done what TPB had asked him to do by looking at other options for layout of house but he was aware before purchasing the lot that the tree would be difficult to get approved and asked if he is willing to mitigate. Mr. Runion stated there were three other people looking at the lot so time was of the essence not allowing him time to investigate before making an offer that day. He wanted details on mitigation. Mr. Wallace stated that because the tree is in the footprint of the house it would not be required but would be a gesture of good will. Mr. Runion questioned about the other trees. Mr. Wallace asked about getting a variance to move the house back in order to save the Magnolia. Mr. Sott made a motion to approve removal of the 72” tree but to protect the other trees as well as possible. Mr. Wallace seconded the motion. The motion passed with Mr. Wallace abstaining from the vote. 2. 825 N. Main Street – TPB was provided packet of information including pictures; Jack of Black Op Services presented. Reasons for removal request include trip hazard, flooding, concerns for pedestrians, people are hanging out there; willing to do mitigation. Mr. Sott asked if flooding is caused more by debris. Jack stated yes however grading is an issue. The parking lot is to be milled so concern about root damage, trees are very tall over 60’ but missing lower limbs, existing grading is causing water to flow away from drain keeping the area very wet, an adjacent tree has already fallen so the owner is concerned re: negligence if something should happen. Mr. Sott asked if the drainage had been done incorrectly initially. Jack said the parking lot has settled over the years and been poorly maintained. Mr. Wallace asked where mitigation could go. Jack stated they would like to make this a picnic area for customers and open to suggestions regarding mitigation. Mr. Wallace questioned whether the mound currently where the trees are planted will be graded for correct drainage. Jack said yes it would be. Ms. Campbell stated the trees actually soak up many gallons of water. Jack stated yes but the current issue will be corrected. Mr. Wallace stated mitigation would need to be canopy trees. Jack agreed. Mr. Sott questioned about the number of trees left on the property. Mr. Salisbury was unsure as there was no survey included. Ms. Reilly asked if proper grading could be done without removing the trees. Jack stated possibly but restated the concern for damaging the tree roots. Typically, they would only mill 2” but would have to mill more due to the unevenness. Mr. Wallace asked if the ditch is adequate. Jack stated it is not but the plan is for a new box and pipe to the swale. Mr. Sott stated he did see a cavity in one of the trees but that is not necessarily a sign of decline. Mr. Wallace stated the trees are healthy, but with the new information under consideration he made a motion to allow removal of trees and have Mr. Salisbury aid in determining 100% mitigation either on-site or to the Tree Fund. Mr. Morris seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. Campbell stated the TPB will work with them for the mitigation. New Business: 1. 450 Azalea Square Blvd – John with The Greenery, representing the owners, presented. There are ten Pine trees that are a trip hazard, asphalt is damaged and will continue to occur because the Pines are not fully grown; only pines in this area; owners are willing to mitigate; feels trees were left there inappropriately and again stated concern about safety hazards. Mr. Sott questioned about any other damage besides the raised area. John stated not at this time however feels the root system will get much larger. Mr. Wallace stated it appears most roots are following the curbing and does not feel the trees are a threat at this time. He questioned the large bubble of asphalt a good distance from the curb being caused by roots. Ms. Campbell questioned whether maintenance was the issue. Ms. Reilly stated the diversity of pine trees is attractive and though not convinced roots are the issue, root pruning can be done along the curbing. Mr. Sott questioned that the plan is to plant something in the same area; if so, could cause root problems later on. Ms. Campbell stated Summerville is called Flowertown in the Pines. Jack stated the main concern is liability. Mr. Salisbury stated liability could be mitigated by putting a fence around the area or designating a path through the island. Mr. Sott stated he does not see this being any different than just walking on pavement. Ms. Reilly made a motion to deny approval, Ms. Campbell seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Wallace stated if the situation changes, it can be revisited. Mr. Sott agreed and added access is really good to this area. 2. 104 Oak Bluff Road – Mr. Sott stated the owner is not present; however, he has had to repair his water line twice. Mr. Wallace stated the root that caused the problem has been taken care of but he shouldn’t have to wait until it breaks again. Mr. Sott added you cannot see underneath. Ms. Campbell asked if it has been addressed. Ms. Reilly asked if it is a required tree. Mr. Salisbury stated he believes it is; Ms. Shuler stated she could not confirm that, but most likely it is. Ms. Campbell asked whether any root pruning could be done. Mr. Sott stated it could be possible but would be as expensive as removing the tree. Ms. Reilly made a motion to allow removal and determine if mitigation is required. Mr. Wallace seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Miscellaneous: Mr. Sott asked for clarification on length of terms of Chairman and Vice Chairman. Adjourn: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:19 am on a motion by Ms. Reilly and a second by Mr. Wallace. The motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Bill Salisbury Arborist/Natural Resource Planner Date: ___________________ Approved: Kenny Sott, Chair______________________________________; or, Faye Campbell, Vice Chair __________________________________