Tree Protection Board

Tree Protection Board Minutes September 7, 2021 Members Present Kenny Sott David Morris Peter Wallace Faye Campbell Staff Present Jessi Shuler, Director of Planning Bill Salisbury, Arborist The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. and a moment of silence was observed in memory of Ginger Reilly. Mr. Sott asked for consideration of the minutes of the August 9, 2021 meeting minutes. Mr. Wallace made a motion for approval of the minutes as presented. Mr. Morris seconded the motion. The motion carried. Old Business New Business 1. 100 Amen Corner – Removal of one Willow Oak and three Pine Trees The property owner presented. The main reason for removal of the trees is for installation of a pool for which the application has been submitted. Mr. Sott stated the Willow Oak is obviously in the footprint, but the Pine trees appear to be a good distance away. Mr. Wallace agreed with the removal of tree #3 (Pine). As far as pine needles, the lower limbs can be removed on the other two Pine trees to help with that issue, with the limit of 20% of the foliage allowed to be removed. Mr. Sott stated that maintenance/cleaning is going to be required for any pool but agreed there is an opportunity for pruning. Mr. Wallace made a motion to allow removal of the Willow Oak and Pine tree #3 with pruning on tree #2 and #4. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. 2. 198 Bamert Street – Removal of three Pine trees The property owner was not present. Mr. Salisbury introduced and explained the application. Mr. Sott stated there appears to be room to place a shed without removing trees. Mr. Wallace made a motion to allow removal of the previously approved tree and to deny removal of the other two trees. Ms. Campbell seconded the motion. The motion carried. 3. 103 Limerick Circle – Removal of six Pine trees The property owner was not present. Mr. Salisbury introduced and explained the application. Mr. Morris stated that tree #5 had been struck by lightning. Mr. Wallace made a motion to deny removal of all trees because no permit for a pool or shed has been issued at this time. Mr. Sott seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-1; Mr. Morris opposed. 4. 2029 Shoal Creek Court – Removal of two Pine trees The TPB visited the site and found the trees had been removed without a permit. The property owner stated he was under the impression that the trees would be approved for installation of a pool. Following discussion regarding the lack of a tree permit, Mr. Sott  Tree Protection Board Minutes September 7, 2021 stated that because the TPB had no opportunity to vote on the trees, the issue would now be between the property owner and the Town. Mr. Wallace made a motion to move to the next item on the agenda. Mr. Sott seconded the motion. The motion carried. 5. 109 President Circle – Removal of three Pine, three Oak, one Magnolia, Tallow Oak, Gum and Bradford Pear trees The property owner was not present. Mr. Sott shared what was discussed while on site- circular driveway, repair existing driveway, gazebo, and covered area in rear. Mr. Salisbury provided information on the trees. The property owner arrived late to discuss reasons for removal. Mr. Wallace made a motion to allow removal of the trees. Mr. Sott seconded the motion. The motion carried. 6. Summerville Commons – Removal of trees for an apartment development Erica Chase, Civil Engineer for the project, presented. The site plan is largely driven by a 15’ grade change on the property, ADA requirements, driveway entrance, and meeting the required 10% park space (multi-use path at BGM and pocket park with pollinator garden). Mr. Wallace questioned the 9th Street right-of-way and saving any trees along the multi-use path. Erica stated they will try to save as much as possible and can possibly save a 21” Live Oak but will be impacting the root zone. Mr. Wallace stated there are one Spruce and six Live Oak trees they would really like to see saved. Erica added the DRB requested buildings to front the road so can’t do both but could try to save the 21” Live Oak and tree #3 if the sidewalk is adjusted; she can’t make the grades work if she turns the building on the top right corner, it will drop 5’ and would not meet accessibility. The best chance is to save the 21” and 35” Live Oak trees. Mr. Sott told Erica the TPB would appreciate working to try to save more trees. Mr. Wallace made a motion to table the discussion to allow further discussions with DRB. Mr. Sott seconded the motion. The motion carried. 7. 610 W. 5th North Street – Removal of trees for mixed-use project Cameron Baker, Civil Engineer for the project, presented. The site plan was driven by the UDO and stormwater requirements. He met with Mr. Salisbury and Mr. Wallace on-site and worked to save a 21” Live Oak tree. Mr. Wallace said the trees in the right-of-way are shown to be removed and asked for reasoning. Cameron stated it is for improving drainage, required sidewalk, and access. Mr. Wallace asked if there is room for some flexibility. Mr. Sott asked if moving the sidewalk some could allow for saving more trees. Cameron said possibly, but removal is also to allow for access and visibility. Mr. Sott questioned how many trees are to be removed vs. how many are being saved. Cameron stated there is a chart on the plans. Mr. Wallace added marking building corners would be helpful. Mr. Jimmy Myers added he is disheartened to see a lot of trees cut and hopes the numbers can be adjusted, also there is a large water issue in this area as it is ‘flat as a pancake’ with the only ditch along Hwy 78. If buildings are raised to direct the flow, where will the water go; trees absorb a lot of water and he has planted twenty-seven on his property, he understands water is not a TPB issue, but is a larger picture that needs to be considered. Mr. Sott asked how many trees might be saved if the sidewalk is removed. He then answered ‘not very many’. Mr. Wallace made a motion to approve plan as is but to do everything possible to save as many trees as possible. Mr. Morris seconded the motion. The motion carried. 8. 821 Central Avenue – The fee was not paid so this item was removed from the agenda. Miscellaneous Mr. Wallace restated the desire for building corners to be marked; need more flexibility with site, earlier focus on trees. Mr. Sott mentioned the discussion of other requirements and process before an item is put before the TPB. ADJOURN: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:48 a.m. on a motion by Mr. Morris and a second by Ms. Campbell. The motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Date: November 1, 2021 Bill Salisbury Arborist/Natural Resource Planner Approved: Kenny Sott, Chair _________________________________________; or, Faye Campbell, Vice Chair _________________________________________