Tree Protection Board

Tree Protection Board Minutes Monday, June 7, 2021 Members Present: Kenny Sott David Morris Faye Campbell Ginger Reilly Staff Present: Jessie Shuler, Director of Planning Bill Salisbury, Arborist The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Sott asked for consideration of the May 10, 2021 meeting minutes. Mr. Morris made a motion for approval of the minutes as presented. Ms. Campbell seconded the motion. The motioned carried. Old Business New Business 1. 641 Central Avenue – Removal of two Pine and four Oak trees Property owner and contractor presented. The trees are in or right at the footprint of the garage; another pine is for proposed fire pit. Mr. Salisbury stated the Oak trees are not healthy, one has a hole all the way through, the Pines are healthy. The contractor is willing to leave the Pine outside of footprint. Ms. Campbell stated she is glad there are other trees in the yard. She made a motion to allow removal of trees #1 - #5, but to save #6. Ms. Reilly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 2. 2029 Shoal Creek Court – Removal of two Pine and one Gum tree Property owner and neighbor presented. The owner stated he would like to remove the Gum tree due to safety issues; his wife has fallen twice and the Gum balls fall on the neighbor’s sidewalk as well. He also stated this will allow the Oak more room to grow. Mr. Salisbury stated there is a product available to prevent production of Gum balls. The neighbor stated this does not address the root issue (roots are 15’ from house); the owner stated Clear Blue Pools will be entering a pool permit today or tomorrow which is the reason for removal of Pine tree #2. Mr. Salisbury stated Pine tree #3 is damaged, the owner agreed with his assessment. Mr. Sott asked for any other reasons for removing the Gum besides Gum balls, as those can be addressed. Ms. Campbell stated the trees look better together. The owner stated Mt. Pleasant does not regulate Gum and Pine trees. Mr. Morris asked for the species of the Oak tree. Mr. Sott asked about any occluded bark on the codominant stems. The neighbor asked what could be done about the roots and the tripping hazard. Ms. Campbell suggested an elevated path. Mr. Sott asked about any foundation damage noted. The neighbor stated there are cracks in the garage but could not say if roots caused this damage; however, he has artificial knees and cannot lift legs very high. Ms. Campbell stated the purpose of the TPB is to exhaust all possibilities to save the trees. The neighbor commented it seems TPB is concerned more about protecting the trees over safety of people. Mr. Sott answered this by saying the TPB asks a lot of questions because there are requirements that need to be followed. Mr. Salisbury asked if mitigation could be considered. Mr. Sott stated mitigation would be required for a 15” tree; Mr. Salisbury stated 15” = 50% so 7.5”, about three trees, with six months to plant if planting in yard. Mr. Sott made a motion to allow  Tree Protection Board Minutes Monday, June 7, 2021 removal of Pine tree #3 and Gum tree #1 with required mitigation, Mr. Morris seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3. 821 Central Avenue – Removal of two Pine trees A representative for the church presented. They are concerned about the root system damaging chapel and limbs overhanging; also planning to expand chapel in that direction but has a lot of work that needs to be done. Ms. Campbell asked if there were plans for expansion at this time. The representative answered no and was not aware that was required. Mr. Sott asked is Tree #1 is in good health. Ms. Campbell said yes, but very close to power line. The representative stated the chapel is on six to seven acres with lots of trees but is willing the consider mitigation. Ms. Campbell made a motion to approve removal of tree #2 and to give Mr. Salisbury authorization to approve removal of tree #1 upon submission of plans for expansion. Mr. Morris seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4. 119 Mackerel Lane – Removal of one Gum tree Owner not present. The tree is in the path of neighbor’s fence which is being rebuilt. Ms. Campbell stated she spoke to the neighbor about making a curve in the fence to go around the tree. Mr. Sott asked for clarification that the current owner has no concerns, the only issue is the neighbor’s plan to redo the fence. Mr. Salisbury confirmed this. Ms. Campbell made a motion to deny removal of tree but recommend change of fence design to accommodate tree. Ms. Reilly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 5. 100 Paladin Drive – Removal of one 32” Oak tree Property owner presented. Thirty-five years ago, this tree was planted in the former Salisbury Clay Pit along with about 200 trees. It has grown out of proportion with roots damaging the street which has been redone once already, it blocks all light in front of the mobile home and will eventually damage the foundation piers. This MHP does not allow metal skirting only real brick. If permission is allowed, another tree will be planted in its place. Mr. Morris stated this is a tough one; Ms. Campbell questioned the possibility of root pruning. The owner stated this has been done previously a couple years ago when the road was redone, the roots have already grown back. Mr. Sott questioned the feasibility of root pruning due to large size of tree. Mr. Morris asked do the homeowners have to maintain the roads themselves; the owner affirmed. Ms. Reilly made a motion to approve removal of tree. Mr. Morris seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Miscellaneous: Mr. Sott stated the ordinance mentions public safety; should Gum balls on sidewalks, pathways, etc. be considered any different from falling in backyard? Ms. Campbell stated each situation is different. Mr. Sott stated it is something to be considered.  Tree Protection Board Minutes Monday, June 7, 2021 ADJOURN: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:58 a.m. on a motion by Mr. Sott and a second by Ms. Campbell. The motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Date: July 5, 2021 Bill Salisbury Arborist/Natural Resource Planner Approved: Kenny Sott, Chair _________________________________________; or, Faye Campbell, Vice Chair _________________________________________