Tree Commission December 2018 Minutes Attending: Paul Josey, Mark Rylander, Peggy Van Yahres, Rosanne Simon, Matt Brinckman, Lynn Rush, Peggy Van Yahres, Jody Lahendro, Brian Menard Staff: Brian Daly Guests: none November Minutes Comments – 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. Charlottesville Technology Building Follow up – Paul/All The commission finds that this is a new opportunity to redo the park/planter and improve upon what is there. Last month members expressed interest in writing something to council supporting this improvement with new tree locations and better accessibility. Membership Update - Paul Lawson Leavell has not attended any of the Tree Commission meetings since his induction in May. Contact attempts were made in October and November and he has not responded. The Commission moves to vote Lawson Leavell from the Tree Commission. Paul will contact the clerk of council and possible replacements are discussed. The NDS representatives have been having a scheduling conflict with the Planning Commission meetings and have not been able to regularly attend the Tree Commission meetings. Missy will provide a schedule of planners expected to attend so they may be copied on Tree Commission correspondence. CIP – Brian Brian will have a meeting tomorrow with City staff. There is no update at this time but Brian will be able to provide more information at the January meeting. The budgeting process is behind schedule from previous years. Belmont Tree Planting Update – Paul Peter did an excellent job coordinating the planting project. There was approximately 36 volunteers and 21 trees were planted. The trees were larger than expected. It is suggested that the project be replicated in Belmont again because there was so much support. CATS Annual Report - Rosanne CATS has approximately $28k in funding for projects currently. The past year they have had successful tree ID programs and a new shed to house their tools. The organization would like to take on a more advisory role for some projects and would like to have more young people involved. CATS is grappling with how to recognize tree donors for projects that may or may not want to be recognized. Different vehicles for funding projects similar to the Belmont project are discussed. Capital Asset Statistics by Function – Paul Paul shares the asset list that came up at last night’s City Council meeting. It is discussed whether or not street trees should be included in the asset list since they are indeed assets and trackable. It is decided that they should be included. Brian will contact the Public Works Dept. who manages this list. It is suggested that a link be added to the Urban Forestry Webpage for a tree benefits calculator. It is asked why meeting notices for the Tree Commission are no longer sent out. Brian will check to see about public meeting notices. The January meeting has been moved to January 8th Committee Reports Development and Code Committee – No report. Data Committee – Roxanne The committee would like to reconvene in January to discuss what data has been provided in the new Dashboard and what other information is needed. The committee will be able to provide an update in February. Other Items Dashboard – Brian The Dashboard will be going live before the holidays this month. There have been minor improvements since it was last presented to the commission. All of the tree plantings since 2009 are now included. The final product may have a slightly different look online but the functionality will be the same. There may be a small press release for final, forward facing Dashboard. Mall Tree RFP/Cultural Landscape report – Brian City staff needs to have an internal discussion which department and who will take lead on project. Council has directed staff to coordinate these two items. Brian will speak with Alex about delegation. PLACE Update – No update. High St. Streetscape. – Brian M. City Council approved this item on the consent agenda last night. The group advocated for trees and soil volume for project and eventually was given an additional 6” width to tree planter which would add substantial soil volume for trees. The group cited this location as a priority street per Streets That Work. The commission believes this is a good template for moving forward. Locust Av. Tree Removals – Paul There were two trees in the ROW that were removed unlawfully. It is suggested that the timber trespass law could be applied here. Passing of Susan Weber – Brian M. Brian M. called the Commission’s attention to the passing of Susan Weber, a passionate champion of Maplewood Cemetery who inspired years of community efforts to preserve and protect this historic property and neighborhood city park, and who was recently laid to rest there. In 2000-01, she led the Martha Jefferson Neighborhood Association and residents of 8th St. NE in conducting a comprehensive survey of every element of the cemetery, including its trees and other plantings. A copy of this survey was presented to the Parks and Recreation Department. As the Commission develops a comprehensive plan for the trees in the city’s three cemeteries, special consideration should be given to the segment of Maplewood abutting Maple St., which is sorely lacking in trees. In recognition of Sue Weber’s considerable efforts, every effort should be made to plant a medium-to-large canopy close by her resting place. Property Acquisition – Brian There is a 144 acre parcel of forest that will be added to Ragged Mountain. This property will be purchased using $600,000.00 from the Community Forestry grant. Some of the property is inaccessible. It has not been determined how the property will be used. Next meeting: Standing Committee Goals, Annual Calendar, CIP Update, Grants coordinating with CATS Adjourn 6:45