Tree Commission

                                         December 2019 Minutes



Date:   December 3, 2019

Time: 5:00PM – 7:00PM

Location: Recreation Office Conference Room at 501 East Main Street (under City Space)

Attending: Paul Josey, Brian Menard, Rosanne Simon, Jody Lahendro, Mark Rylander, Roxanne White,
Peggy Van Yahres, Anson Parker

Staff: Mike Ronayne, Todd Brown, Joey Winter

November Minutes –

In place of “abstain,” change the other votes to “approve” the minutes.

Under the bylaws discussion, agreed to create “Objectives” document from “Duties” section once it is
removed.

Add to meeting action items, Mike to confirm process for changes to Bylaws.

Tree Nominations for Ordinance Protection– Peggy/All

Several new trees are proposed to be protected under ordinance. There are 7 white oaks along 2nd St.
SE and 13 pin oaks along Garrett Street proposed along with one dogwood. Also being proposed are 5
large elms along E. High St. All of these trees are being proposed as Street Trees. It is explained that the
individual trees need to be on an independent form. The commission also plans to do some sort of
outreach to residents locally that may be affected by the proposed additional tree protection. After
some discussion regarding the other tree reports of the trees and conflicts in cemeteries, it is decided to
table all the nominations until early 2020. Jody proposes to move forward with new tree nominations.
Rosanne seconds, none opposed.

Annual Tree Steward Report - Rosanne

Rosanne reviews the many successful projects that CATS has completed this past calendar year in
collaboration with many other organizations. CATS has continued to improve the community and
promote tree planting and proper maintenance. Most notably for the City, CATS worked on numerous
projects to remove invasive species and prune new trees. CATS also worked in conjunction with the
Tree Commission to successfully plant trees on private property in a low canopy neighborhood for the
second consecutive year.
Other Updates

CIP Budget – Peggy

Last week Peggy and Roxanne attended the Planning Commission meeting. The budget moving forward
currently has proposed $75k for tree planting but the $50k for ash tree removal had not moved forward.
The Planning Commission will meet again Tuesday, December 10th at 6PM in Council Chambers.

Upcoming Projects that Impact Trees – Mike/Joey

The only new project is the Kappa Kappa Gamma house. The commission was familiar with project and
not interested in reviewing it further. The question was raised about the Preston Av. Turn Lane and how
it is determined how public space will be used. Joey will provide a list of deadlines for comments for
previous projects discussed at the November meeting.

Bylaws – Brian Menard

Brian has received the resolution from council regarding creation of the Tree Commission and
confirmation that the commission may amend their bylaws without other approval. Brian will work on it
and bring it back to the commission in February.

Barracks Rd. Streetscape – Brian Menard

Option 3 appears to be moving forward despite public support for option 4 at a previous public meeting.
Option 3 seems to be the biggest negative impact to trees. The project will be moving forward to the
Planning Commission early 2020 and Brian will draft comments.

Fontaine Av. streetscape will also be moving forward to the Planning Commission next week.

Standards and Design Manual – Paul

The majority of the edits from the Tree Commission made it to the finished manual. There were a few
details that did not make it to the manual. In another year or so when revisions are made these details
can be added.

Membership – Roxanne

It is pointed out that there are currently two vacancies on the commission with four new openings in
March. Given that boards and commission applicants are going to City Council quarterly, members
should be actively searching for more members.
Data Science and Ash Trees – Anson

Anson has taken the ash trees from opendata and will be examining the relationship between public
untreated ash trees and adjacent roads and structures. With further analysis, ballpark costs could be
applied to tree removal. This information could then be taken to the Planning Commission to further
support the need for CIP funding for removal of ash trees. Mike will work on entering information to
indicate which ash trees have been preventively treated so that it is also reflected spatially in the data.

Virginia Conservation Network Watch Party – Mark

Mark shares information regarding a networking event to watch the 2019 General Assembly Preview to
see what is in store for natural resources across the state. Mark will provide additional information and
the view party is $15 per person and will be available in City Space.

Meeting Action Items:

            •   Mike will send Paul information regarding the Forest Health Improvement
                initiative CIP request
            •   Joey will provide deadlines for previous site plan projects
            •   Brian Menard will work on Bylaws and bring the item back to the February
                meeting
            •   Peggy and Brian will review and bring new forms for tree nominations




Next meeting: Proposed CIP and Operating Budget Report, Elect new officers for the year
Review Committee Structure and add new members if needed



Adjourn 7:00