Tree Commission October 2020 Minutes Date: October 28, 2020 Time: 5:30PM – 7:30PM Location: Remotely via Zoom meeting Attending: Paul Josey, Emily Cone-Miller, Brian Menard, Anson Parker, Tim Padalino, Mark Zollinhofer, Mark Rylander, Lynn Rush, Peggy Van Yahres, Jeff Pacelli, Jody Lahendro, Absent: Jeff Jennings Staff: Mike Ronayne, Robert Watkins, Brian Wheeler, Kristel Riddervold Guests: Roxanne White The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. September Minutes Corrections – Mark motions to approve the minutes without correction, and Jody seconds. None opposed. Call to Order and Chair Report – Brian M. There was an issue with a few members not receiving the agenda packet. Mike will look into issue. There were some issues ran regarding trees and the Tree Commission in Charlottesville by C’ville Weekly. Sean Tubbs would like to run an article regarding the Tree Commission’s upcoming 10th anniversary. The November meeting will be omitted and Tree Commission meetings will resume the first Tuesday of every month beginning in December. The Annual State of the Forest presentation is tentatively set for December 21st. GreenPrint 1.0 Charlottesville’s Green Infrastructure Guide – Kristel Kristel presents the GreenPrint document and its creation history. The document looks at different green infrastructure in the City, things that have been done and potentially where things are headed. A large component of the GreenPrint is the urban forest and the possible planting area analysis. There is discussion about whether there should be another board or commission created to implement the document. It is also requested that some of the data made publicly available. Kristel explains that we do not have the human resource to run different scenarios with data and ask and answer new questions. Member Reports Draft Statement on Strategic Plan – Peggy Peggy reviews the draft statement which highlights deficiencies in Charlottesville’s urban forests across different departments and where there is room for improvement. The draft is met with approval and it is suggested to change the first page to be more summarized and impactful. There is discussion about whether the draft can be shared with CATS board members for either input or just for their benefit. It is decided it would be shared with CATS as a public statement. Partnership & Funding for Low Income Neighborhood Planting– Peggy Peggy and Anson are interested in doing a similar grant funded tree planting project to the one that took place in Richmond’s low income neighborhood, but in Starr Hill or 10th and Page. Peggy has talked to CACF, The Nature Conservancy, and City of Promise, and all have expressed interest. Final Review of Master Tree List – Paul Peggy motions to approve the Master Tree List based on changes made from comments provided by the commission. Anson seconds, none opposed. Comprehensive Plan – Tim Tim will send a report of the public engagement process for Comp. Plan. The Tree Commission will need to be prepared for the last of the three phases of planning process. Review CIP Proposals – Mike Forest Health Improvement Initiative Mike reviews a similar request that went forward last year that requests funding to remove ash trees killed or dying from emerald ash borer. This funding request was declined last year. There are more examples included here. It is suggested to add something to the urgency of the situation, to include how brittle and unsafe dead ash trees become. It is also suggested to change the title to something more urgent. Mike will make changes to the proposal. Mall Tree Active Lifecyle Management This funding request was for the Downtown Mall trees, for grate cutting, pruning, growth regulator applications, scale treatments and implementation of the Mall Tree Study. There are concerns of the lack of detail for the funding of the Mall Tree Study implementation and how things will be replaced looking at those real costs and adjusting for inflation. Citywide Tree Planting The last CIP request is for $75,000.00 for Citywide Tree Planting. Last year the similar request went forward and $50,000.00 was moving forward in the budget. After the pandemic struck that funding was pulled. $75k to plant approximately 200 trees is where Parks Staff limitations are for watering and maintenance of new trees. Public Comment Roxanne White stated that the agenda but not all of the agenda materials were posted online. Staff will look into it. Meeting Action Items: • Mike will make changes to CIP requests as discussed • Mike will inform commission as CIP timeframe is made available • Ad/Ed committee will meet with Brian Ray and Mike to work on Annual Report edits The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.