Tree Commission

                                        November 2018 Minutes



Attending: Peter Russell, Paul Josey, Mark Rylander, Peggy Van Yahres, Rosanne Simon

Staff: Mike Ronayne, Lauren Hildebrand

Guests: Fred Wolf, Dave Ackerman, Greg Bleem

October Minutes Comments – None, approved.

Charlottesville Technology Building Presentation – Greg, Fred, Dave

The design of the proposed Technology Building downtown across from the Omni is reviewed,
particularly how it will impact trees and that area of the Mall for demolition and construction. The
building will have planted roof terraces and the project has a goal to be Leed Platinum Certified and at a
minimum Gold Certified. The end project will have trees irrigated with recycled rain water. At the
moment trees proposed going back in along the building and planter are sentry gingkos and honey
locusts. Ideally the rebuilding of the planter in between the Tech building and Omni after construction
could be coordinated with the City. The Tree Commission suggested with coming up with an alternative
to using honey locust. The Tree Commission advised replacing soil for the planter in the interest of tree
health. The Tree Commission would like to encourage council and other groups to coordinate
appropriately and timely with construction of this project to rebuild the planter area more
appropriately. Mark will bring planter issue to PLACE.

Underground Utilities and Trees - Lauren

Lauren explains that the City maintains 180 miles of water lines, 5,000 fire hydrants, 170 miles of sewer
lines, 330 miles of gas lines and 50 miles of storm water lines. There are mandatory separations for
underground utilities, which can create challenges and limit space. Lauren explained that the 10’ rule is
a generally rule for the public but would be able to look at tree planting and utility situations on a case
by case basis. Mike will provide a list of the planting locations for the Utilities Dept. to vet.

Belmont Planting Project – Peter

The planting project is set for this coming Saturday the 17th and trees will be picked up the day before.
Fifteen Tree Stewards are expected to help plant twenty trees at as many homes. Peter will send out up
to date details of when and where for Saturday. The Parks Dept. will provide wood chips and lend hand
tools.
Timmons Urban Tree Guide Update – Mike

Timmons has been engaged and has expressed interest in revisiting this document and would like to
eventually publish with field evidence. Staff will work with Timmons to shepherd project forward but
could not provide a time frame to date.

Annual Tree Planting - Mike

There were eight contractors solicited for the fall planting project and only two responded. The lowest
bid to plant the proposed 121 trees was $40,275.00. Since the cost per tree installed now exceeds the
previous estimate of $250.00, the commission would like that reflected in future CIP requests for tree
planting. The Possible Planting Area project yielded three large canopy trees out of 13 potentially.
Other neighboring residents of these potential trees expressed that they did not want trees in these
locations.

Development and Code Committee – Mark

No update.

Standards and Design Manual Update – Peggy, Mike

In October Council directed staff to hold two more workshops that likely will not occur until the new
calendar year. The latest draft is available for comments. This will likely extend the completion date
several months.

Other Items

State of the Forest report to Council – Paul

On November 5th Paul shared power point presentation with City Council about the Tree Commission’s
activities over the past year. City council members expressed mixed interests. Council suggested that if
Charlottesville is currently exceeding 40% canopy requirement then the program seems sufficient. The
Tree Commission has advocated for a 50% canopy goal. The point is noted that an emphasis on the
urban forest canopy among all City departments would be helpful with the Tree Commission’s mission.

Upcoming Develp. Projects that impact trees – Mike

Mike has two small projects (<1 acre), 105 David Ter. and E. Jefferson Medical Mixed Use project. Staff
will follow up about providing a digital copy of Friendship Ct. for the commission.

Mall Tree RFP/Cultural Landscape report – Mike

There is no update. Brian Daly has been directed to coordinate with the Cultural Landscape Report.
PLACE Update – Mark

PLACE has expressed interest in being more involved with the Tarelton Oak project. Mark is on a
subcommittee regarding city alleys and paper streets and how they should be maintained. There are
potential alleys proposed for parking which would have implications for trees.

Fontaine Av. – Paul, Roseanne

Group is going to meet for the first time.

Parks Redesign Update – Peggy

The Redesign RFP is currently on hold pending statue litigation.

Lawson Leavell Absenteeism – All

It is discussed whether or not Lawson Leavell should be removed from the commission due to lack of
attendance. He has not attended any meetings since his inception and has been unable to be reached
via email. Other potential members in the community are suggested.

December Meeting

Mike will not be able to attend the December meeting but Brian Daly will be available. The meeting
could be postponed until later in December or January. The commission will decide whether or not to
hold this meeting.

Next meeting: Annual Tree Steward Report, CIP/Annual Operating Budget Update

Adjourn 6:45