Tree Commission

                                         March 2019 Minutes



Attending: Paul Josey, Mark Rylander, Matt Brinckman, Brian Menard, Roxanne White, Jody Lahendro,
Lynn Rush, Rosanne Simon

Staff: Mike Ronayne, Brian Haluska

Guests: None

February Minutes Corrections –

No action taken.

Arbor Day Coordination – All

Robin Hanes with CATS had previously suggested that the large ash behind the Historical Society or the
basswood in Market Street Park be celebrated on Arbor Day. After some discussion it is decided to host
Arbor Day at the large basswood in Market Street Park on actual Arbor Day, Friday April 26th. A time has
not been determined. Mike will confirm whether or not the ash behind the Historical Society is
protected under ordinance. It is suggested to put a list of the trees protected under ordinance on the
Urban Forestry webpage.

DPW/Utilities Annual Update –

Will be deferred to next month.

Commission Questions for NDS – Paul/All

The commission would like to take a specific example and walk through the process of site plan review.
The example suggested was 323 2nd St. The commission would like to understand who reviews what
and at what time. The commission would also like to understand what the street tree requirements are,
mitigation for removal, enforcement of the code and enforcement of the site plan. It is discussed which
staff would be most appropriate to answer these questions. Mark and Paul plan to meet in advance to
draft more questions.

IPM Report - Mike

The IPM report has not been completed for 2019 but is expected to be prepared for the March meeting.
Standing Committee Reports

Planting Committee – Rosanne

Watering reminder postcards are being drafted by CATS to remind the Belmont recipients to water their
new trees. CATS is going to revisit the trees to check status. It is discussed how to schedule media
coverage for Belmont tree planting this fall. The Ballyshannon grant for tree planting was applied for
through CATS.

Code Committee – Mark

No update.

Data Committee – Roxanne

The Data Committee and Mike will meet to discuss other measures that are not included currently.

Other Updates

Upcoming Development Projects that Impact Trees – Mike

South First Street will need to be resubmitted but it is requested that the latest version be shared with
the commission. The Flint Hill PUD is a project that has +/- 3 forested acres dedicated as a park land
donation. Mike will share the Flint Hill PUD with the commission also and comments are due March
12th. Mike will also share his comments for Flint Hill as requested by the commission.

Urban Forestry Webpage Content - Mark

Mark reviews the proposed changes to the webpage that were sent out earlier today. There has been
more headers added to reduce the number of lengthy paragraphs. It is suggested to add a link to the
City Green Map and more drop downs to make more concise. It is suggested to add the list of trees in
the City protected under the ordinance. The commission will provide comments to Mark.

Fontaine Av. Streetscape - Jody

Jody was able to attend the last Fontaine Av. Streetscape public meeting to advocate for trees in the
ROW. The exercise allowed members of the public to choose which items were most important to them
in the streetscape with respect to the size of the right-of-way. The street parking was not viewed as a
community benefit and may be eliminated which would create more space for bike lanes, sidewalks and
trees.

Annual Calendar

Mike will send out the updated Annual Calendar.
Omni Tree Removal - Mike

At the request of VDOF, Mike has provided the log from the willow oak that was removed from the Mall
extended near the Omni. VDOF plans to have someone create wood products from this log using a
portable sawmill. Mike will inform the commission of the status of this project.


Next meeting: NDS Tree related code presentation and code compliance process, Annual IPM Annual
Report, DPW/Utilities annual update comments/questions.

Adjourn 6:08