Tree Commission Meeting Minutes: December 6, 2022


Attendees: Peggy Van Yahres, Donna Shaunesey, Jeff Pacelli, Mark Rylander, Jeff Aten,
Jean Umiker-Sebeok, Riaan Anthony, Tim Padalino, Vicki Metcalf, Karim Habbab, Missy Creasy


Peggy: Comments regarding October Minutes (approved)



Brief Summary of Staff Projects:

    •   The RFP for the future management of the Downtown Mall Trees is still moving through the
        procurement system.
    •   Plans for spring tree plantings are in the works (Locations and Species Selections). RFQ will be
        submitted in early December
    •   Staff met with members from the UVA Sawmill team, plans are forming to get estimates for
        wood products that can be fashioned from the removal trees (benches, bowls, etc). Timber
        volumes will be calculated, expect to have rough idea for wood volumes/grade/ and potential
        products
    •   Staff will be pursuing a meeting between Piedmont Housing and Public Works to finalize an
        approach to get trees nominated for “Street Tree” status on Second and Garrett Streets. It
        appears that Piedmont Housing has a healthy understanding of the value of these street trees
        and wants to work with Tree Commission and Public Works towards the nominations




Updates:

    •   Planning Commission and City Council Meeting on Dec 13 – Hearing regarding Azalea Springs
        and City’s CIP budget (Mark R will speak at the meeting regarding new tree planting, Mall tree
        maintenance, Ash tree removals and funding for invasive plant control/containment). Peggy will
        speak to Council/PC regarding Tree Commission’s perspective regarding Azalea Springs
        Development.
    •   Climate Action Plan was submitted with Tree Commission Comments incorporated into
        document (motion passed)
    •   Schneks Branch Project – Tree Commission approved Peggy’s letter of support for the project
    •   Tree Commission approved the nomination status of several urban trees in Charlottesville: (Ash
        on Jefferson Street, Elms on High Street, Dawn Redwoods on Preston Street, oaks in Forest Hills
        Park, and oak at Charlottesville High School – Staff will inspect trees to bolster nominations


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Committee Reports:

Education & Advocacy
   •   Committee plans to create a tri-fold pamphlet outlining goals of the Charlottesville Tree
       Commission, what the Tree Commission does, how the public can help our mission, and how to
       get involved (also listing of partner organizations). Pamphlet should be ready mid-December



Arbor Committee:
   •   Work continues on The new “Comprehensive” Tree list. Committee acknowledges need to
       include an established metric for estimations of crown/canopy size over time (10 and 20 year
       increments).
   •   Arbor Committee will assist with wood products furnished from 9 trees being removed on
       Downtown Mall


Codes Committee:
       •   Continue amendments to ordinance re-writes
       •   New Codes for the city zoning will be announced in 3 modules. Will be put to public for
           input March 13-17, with a work session on March 20


RE-Leaf Updates:
   •   ReLeaf successfully installed 39 trees around the 10th and Page neighborhood. Volunteer efforts
       from ReLeaf and local teenagers (Green Team)…Original goal was 20 trees, were able to double
       that
   •   ReLeaf hopes to do a similar project in 2023


Peggy – Motion to adjourn meeting