Tree Commission February 2020 Minutes Date: February 4, 2020 Time: 5:00PM – 7:00PM Location: Recreation Office Conference Room at 501 East Main Street (under City Space) Attending: Paul Josey, Brian Menard, Mark Rylander, Rosanne Simon, Peggy Van Yahres, Anson Parker, Lynn Rush, Tim Padalino, Roxanne White, Jody Lahendro Staff: Mike Ronayne, Joey Winter Guests: Marcia Geyer, NBC 29 News January Minutes Corrections – Roxanne moved to approve the minutes, Mark seconded and Jody abstained. Tree Commission Goals, Objectives, Committees – Brian M. Brian hands out a list that outlines three committees, the Education and Advocacy Committee, the Arbor Committee and the Codes and Practices Committee. Tree Commission members are suggested where their strengths and interest suite and based on previous committee structure. Committees are to pick a point person, meet and return with yearly goals for the March Tree Commission meeting. Heyward Community Forest Management Plan – Mike/All Mike requests feedback from the commission before the end of the week on the forest management plan regarding a new property recently purchased by the City which is adjacent to Ragged Mountain. Some comments received were a more inclusive and accessible natural area which supported a shared use paved path. The commission was generally supportive of passive use, hiking and biking trails, tours, interpretation and labeling trees. Arbor Day Celebration – Mike Arbor Day this year will occur on Friday April 24th and it is discussed where best to put the repurposed wood bench from the willow oak that was previously removed from the Mall extended. Mike will try to get some photos of the bench to distribute and the location will be confirmed next month. Canopy Study - Mike Mike discusses some of the proposed items for the 2020 Canopy Study using aerial photography. The grant associated with this study has previously been available in the June-July timeframe. Mike will send out what has been proposed and the commission will return in April to discuss. Other Updates Planting Committee Report – Rosanne Rosanne is searching for someone to take over the Belmont Tree Planting project. No one has been selected yet. Rosanne will submit the grant application to Bally Shannon project while the search for someone to coordinate project continues. CIP Update - Mike The next opportunity for public comment will be the First Budget and Tax Rate Public Hearings for March 16th at 6:30PM in Council Chambers. There are other work sessions prior to this but public comment may or may not be taken. The committee will meet to form CIP strategy. Upcoming Projects that Impact Trees – Mike Mike reviews the site plans currently in circulation and the Tree Commission wished to review Flint Hill PUD, Gallery Court Hotel, International School of Charlottesville, CRHA South First St. Mall Tree Study – Mike It is suggested that an email be sent to a group of City staff requesting that the Mall Tree Study move forward immediately and independently. Other items not on Agenda: Barracks Rd. Streetscape – Brian M. The Barracks Rd. Streetscape will be discussed February 11th at 6PM in Council Chambers. Brian M. plans to attend. Harris Street Apartments – Jody Jody suggests the Tree Commission look at the Harris Street Apartments site plan available on the Planning Commission agenda. Meeting Action Items: • Chair will send an email requesting the Mall Tree Study move forward independently • Chair will work with City Clerk on review/recommendation of applicants for vacant seats • Committees will meet prior to March meeting and establish annual objectives and goals • Education & Advocacy Committee will form CIP strategy and report next month • Codes & Practices Committee will develop strategy for site plan review • Members who are reapplying will do so before March 1st • Tree Commission will provide comments for Heyward Community Forest Management Plan by the end of the week • Staff will provide site plans for Flint Hill PUD, Gallery Court Hotel, 1532-1534 Virginia Av. Final site plan, International School of Charlottesville and CRHA South First Street • Mike will provide list of items proposed for Canopy Study Next meeting: Committee Reports/Goals, CIP strategy, Arbor Day Adjourn 7:00