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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-11 - Agendas CITY OF ■ T , � �Y l � AGENDA ARKANSAS Urban Forestry Advisory Board February 11, 2015 4:00 p.m. City Administration Building 1 113 W. Mountain I Room 111 Members: Kathy Launder; Malcolm LeVois; Damon Lipinski; Glenda Patterson; Hank Thomas Sue Madison, Vice Chair; Don Steinkraus, Chair City Staff: Ken Eastin, Urban Forester; Derek Linn, Urban Forester; Alison Jumper, Park Planning Superintendent 1. Call to Order Don Steinkraus, Chair 2. Approval of Minutes Don Steinkraus, Chair 3. Native or Invasive Plant Presentation Glenda Patterson 4. Discussion on Plant Presentation Scope and Outreach Don Steinkraus, Chair, Hank Thomas 5. UFAB Annual Presentation Preparation 6. Proposed Native/Invasive Plant Ordinance Planning 7. Other Business or Announcements 8. Adjourn Mailing Address: 113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gOV Fayetteville,AR 72701 CITY OF Ta, ■ L P Y l le MINUTES ARKANSAS Urban Forestry Advisory Board January 14, 2015 4:OOPM Room 111 / City Administration Building 1 113 W. Mountain Members: Kathy Launder; Malcolm LeVois; Damon Lipinski; Glenda Patterson; Hank Thomas; Sue Madison, Vice Chair; Don Steinkraus, Chair City Staff: Ken Eastin, Urban Forester; Derek Linn, Urban Forester 1. Call to Order: 4:01 pm I Don Steinkraus, Chair 2. In Attendance: Kathy Launder, Malcolm LeVois, Damon Lipinski, Sue Madison, Glenda Patterson, Don Steinkraus, Hank Thomas Absent: Staff: Ken Eastin, Derek Linn Guests: Jeremy Williams, Jeff Steelman 3. Approval of Minutes: Madison noted a minor correction that she emailed to staff to change. With that, she moved to approve the minutes. Steinkraus noted that Launder was in attendance although the minutes did not reflect this. Patterson seconded it. The motion passed with a 7-0-0 voice vote. 4. Native or Invasive Plant Presentation —Jeremy Williams, Guest Mulch Techniques, Including the Improper `Mulch Volcano' Williams introduced himself as an arborist with Tree Climbers. Williams shared the following about Mulch Techniques - Improper (too much) mulching can lead to adventitious (girdling) roots. They choke each other out, and eventually kill the tree. He says they can be cut out if their quantity is not too excessive. - Shared many photos of various examples of adventitious roots caused by improper mulch application. - 2"-4" is recommended depth of mulch. Keep away from the trunk. Tell people 2-3" to be on the safe side. - Girdling roots can occur after approximately 2 or 3 growing seasons. Depends on the general speed of growth of the species. - Trees with up to 2 feet of mulch are often beyond saving due to the excessive girdling roots. Mailing Address: 113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gOV Fayetteville,AR 72701 Mulch is beneficial around the root zone, but it needs to be kept away from the trunk, in order to keep oxygen availability and moisture levels appropriate. Root flare should remain exposed. Landscape fabric use tends to cause more excessive growth of adventitious roots. - He uses air spades to expose and cut adventitious roots to attempt restoration of trees. Steinkraus asked why Williams thinks persons apply so much mulch. Williams said he thinks that when the existing mulch weathers or its color fades, that some property managers feel the need to refresh the mulch, and instead of removing the old, they keep piling more on top. He said that people often do it because they see others doing it. Williams explained that an air spade is a large air nozzle that runs off of an air compressor. He uses it to direct air off of roots, without damaging the roots. 185 cubic feet/minute is the minimum compressor pressure size. Steinkraus said another advantage of mulch is to keep weed eaters and mowers away from tree trunks. Levois asked how retaining walls near trees affect them when sites are being graded. Williams said when they are close to the trunk they are not very successful, but can be effective and still save the tree when further outside the critical root zone. Eastin said he wants to work with Williams to convert this information into a press release. Madison agreed. Thomas said that William's points about mulch are consistent with his background and required details that he works with on projects in landscape architecture. Madison moved that a press release and outreach on the website be implemented on this topic of mulch volcanoes. Launder seconded it, and the motion passed with a 7-0-0 vote. Lipinski asked if any product exists to dye the mulch a color to keep it looking new. Patterson said she would do the February plant presentation. Steinkraus asked each UFAB member and staff to introduce themselves. 5. UFAB Orientation — Derek Linn Linn said he would email the orientation document to all members. Linn covered main points of the UFAB orientation document, including: - Purpose and Intent - Composition and Terms - Membership 2 Meeting Times - Powers and Duties Tree Escrow Planting Project Organization of the Parks and Recreation Department - Urban Forestry management in Fayetteville City Forestry budget About the urban forest Urban Forestry resources 6. UFAB Annual Presentation to City Council – Ken Eastin Steinkraus said an early March date would be preferable—this would give the board more time for preparation but also not conflict with Spring Break. Eastin said early March sounded fine, and that staff would work with the Board to arrange and confirm a council agenda session date. Eastin covered the main topics which were covered in last year's presentation. Steinkraus said he thought last year's presentation was excellent, and that for the most part data should be updated for the current year. Madison said the report should include a note that the Board did hear from both Ozarks Electric and SWEPCO regarding their vegetation management techniques and approaches here in Fayetteville. She said this should be noted in a way to respond to Alderman Petty's request from last year; to note that the board researched and heard from both, and that both differed in their approaches. Steinkraus said it's important to keep and present data on the quantitative benefits of tree canopy, including stormwater management. Madison said it's also important to continue discussing the importance of native plants. Steinkraus said he would like to see a proposed ordinance that the city would support that would encourage the planting of natives and discourage the sale/ planting of noxious and invasive plants. He said it would be ideal if the notice could be sent to the nurseries, to not require or fine—but rather to encourage them to move in this direction. He said an accompanying press release about this would be ideal as well. Madison added that people generally like ordinances that are not punitive. Steinkraus added it would be ideal to encourage priority of invasive removal on city properties as well. Eastin said through volunteers, significant progress is being made on City properties. He added that an updated City Urban Forestry Management Plan, Landscape Manual, and Street Tree Masterplan are on his radar. Launder and Madison said that new accomplishments (Garland and Highway 265 Median Trees) should be highlighted, as well as ongoing major projects like Celebration of Trees. 3 Madison said checking in with the City Attorney on where the ordinance should go would be a good idea. Eastin confirmed this would be a good idea. Madison made a motion that the chair or his designate meet with the city attorney to begin drafting an ordinance to encourage use of native plants and to discourage invasive, exotic plants. LeVois seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote 6-0-0. Lipinski said he has done some research and there are many good examples of similar ordinances out there. And that approaches out there range from friendly recommendation to fines for using noxious plants. Linn encouraged the board to think about connecting with potential partners, such as the Environmental Action Committee. He noted as reminder that a representative from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board came as a guest recently to UFAB to discuss his concern with invasive plants. Eastin noted research being done by UA graduate students regarding approaches to invasive plant management and control—including approach from a policy perspective. He said their report should be consulted. Eastin added that the recent Strike Team report through the Arkansas Forestry Commission exercise may be referenced as well. Steinkraus added that having great photos in the presentation would be ideal. Eastin asked the board to review the past presentation further and note any changes to be made. 7. Other Business or Announcements Madison reminded staff to purchase the Vascular Plants atlas book for the office. Madison asked about tree clearing that has recently occurred at 18th and S. Futrall Drive. Eastin said he talked to the people doing the clearing; they are not clearing below the minimum preservation requirement or within the streamside protection corridor. He said that preservation is technically not reviewed until the applicant/developer seeks development or permit review. Steelman, Guest, suggested ways to improve the City's tree certification program. He noted it would be helpful if certified companies were required to put a sign on their truck so this could be easily known if they were certified or not. Madison added that connecting the certification program with the city's business license program could be beneficial. 4 Regarding the truck signs, Steinkraus added that bumper stickers could be used. 8. Adjournment Time: 5:24pm 9. Submitted by: Derek Linn 5 Urban Forestry Advisory Board OR I EN TAT ION IN FORMAT ION The Oban Forestry Advisory Board, fanned y lam as the Tree and Landscape Advisory Co 7mttee, was created by Ordinance I\b. 5426 on August 2, 2011. The Tree and Lampe Advisory Corm&ee was originally created by Ordinance Ivb. 3699 on April 20, 1993 and amended on June 16, 1998 by Ordinance I\b. 4099 which redefined the composition,powers and duties of the camittee. Purpose and Intent It is the purpose and intent of the City Council of the City of Fayetteville to have the Urban Forestry Advisory Board advise the City Council on urban forestry and arboricultural related issues as an integral part of the City's green infrastructure. ➢ Oban Forestry. The art,science and technology of sustained planning and managing trees,greenspaces and forest resources in and around urban community ecosystems for the physiological,sociological,economic,and aesthetic benefits trees provide society. It is also the purpose and intent of the City Council of the City of Fayetteville to have the Urban Forestry Advisory Board sit as the 1Mldland-Urban Interface: Frewise AcMsory Board to advise the City Council on wildland and urban development related issues as an integral part of the C ib/s fire protection program and green infrastructure. ➢ FireWse.The process of asking a structure,developed parcel,subdivision or community within or on the edge of the WIdland-urban interface less at risk for wildfire. Composition and Tears The Urban Forestry Advisory Board shall meet at least once each month and may call special meetings if necessary to carry out its duties.The Urban Forestry Advisory Board sitting as the Wfldland-Urban Interface: Frewise Advisory Board shall meet at least twice each year.Special meetings may be called as needed to carry out the board's duties.A majority of the voting membership of the board shall constitute a quorum Board members will serve on staggered two-year terms,and each member must attend a minimum of 701/6 of each year's meetings. Membership The Board shall be composed of seven(7)members: ➢ One(1)representative of the land development community ➢ One(1)representative of the tree service community ➢ One(1)representative from the University of Arkansas with knMedge of urban forestry or arboriculture practices ➢ Four(4)at-large citizens with an interest in urban forestry or arboriculture Meeting Times Regular meetings are held on the 21d Wednesday of each month at 4:OOPM in Room 111 in the City Administration Building. Powers And Duties (A) The committee shall adopt and amend rules and govern the conduct of its business.Such shall be consistent with the provisions of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act,AGA'25-19-101 et seq. (1) Robert's Rules of Order adopted for regular meetings(May 12,2010 minutes). (B) Urban Forestry Advisory Board, in cooperation with the Urban Forester shall: 1 (1) Advise the mayor,city council,and the director(s)of the department(s)managing the urban forestry program in issues related to urban forestry and arboriculture. (2) Organize and administer an ongoing program of public education designed to increase public awareness of urban forestry and arboriculture. (3) Advise the Urban Forester on all city tree planting projects on city rights-of--ways and/or medians. (4) Review and recommend revisions to the Unified Development Code Chapter 167 Tree Preservation and Protection Technical Manual at least every three years to reflect changes in Chapter 167,city polices or arboricultural and horticultural practices With a focus on improvements in plant science, arboricultural practices,technology,oa-druction methods and long range planning. (5) Plan and administer an annual Artxor Day celebration. (The Qty currently focuses its energy on the annual Celebration of Trees event,which is held in the autumn). (6) Advise the Urban Forester on expenditures from the Tree Escrow Funds. (7) Develop and administer a recognition program for individuals, businesses, institutions or norFprofits who have demonstrated exceptional efforts in tree preservation, protection and/or tree planting. (8) The Urban Forestry Advisory Board may create an action plan to accorroish the objectives of the Board. (C) The Urban Forestry Advisory Board/Fremse Advisory Board in cooperation With the Fre Department shall: (1) Advise the mayor,city council,and the director(s)of the department(s)involved in managing the Frewise Community program on issues related to fire-safe building practices and WUldland fire mmagement• (2) Assist the Fre Department With an ongoing program of public education designed to increase public awareness of FreWse practices. (3) Plan and administer an annual Frewise Project. (4) Plan and administer an annual Frewise Day. 2 Organization of pada and Recra dion Department PeMS uq Rtveaam b FnanclalC kajreb Senior Secretary RecreaGm Parks Mantenance Parks Planning Supermt nt Sulermtenaem Superintendent Organization of park pYonng& Urban Forestry Division Perk Manning SunerNteMmt Park Planner II Orman Forssle's Urban Forestry on the Web htlo/bdrenlaesM.m�aavateUllearo What is an Urban Forest? Urban bresa are made up of pudic end private beaks,praides,wetlands,and other ecolo iml communities drat proAds environmental esMoes to the urian and'or suburban community of Fayoussile. Urian Forks"is the management of trees and other vegetation on pudic and private and.Community trees make up the urian forest and gen be found Wong streas,in parks,on pudic property,and on private property. Landscaping requiredof new dmdoplesnteisalmacommunityeeestandcanbebundin teeelespimm. Itistrecomdnatonoftlesetressand 3 landscapes which create the urban forest. Asa community,we receive multiple benefits from trees and plantings within the urban forest. The urban forest provides benefits that are fundarrental to our citys livability and vitality,such as dean air and water, cooler streets and homes,enhanced retail sales, beauty,and wildlife habitat. These elements are essential to the prosperity, health and confort of any city. Benefits of Trees Not only do trees add to the aesthetics of our city,shade our trails,and give good homes to wildlife;trees also provide economical,environmental,and behavioral benefits. Using trees as wind blocks or as shade producers will decrease utility bills.Trees also remove pollutants from the air,aid in erosion control and decrease stonTmater peak flow runoff. It has been proven that given a green shady area to relax or play in,a person will stay calmer and remain longer.Trees planted where they can be observed from residential dwellings, hospitals rooms or school classrooms can reduce crime rates,quicken patient recovery rates and increase child productivity. In-House Training Urban Forestry staff conducts in house training for City staff that work with trees. Recent trainings conducted include Aerial and Root Pruning, Ground Operations: Limbing and Bucking,Chainsaw Safety and Professional Protective Equipment(PPE). Urban Forestry Management MbingerrentType ible Body Tree Preservation&Protection plan review for Urban Forester development and earth works Street trees Transportation Department Park and Trail property trees Parks&Recreation Department's Oban Forestry SOMbes Crew Residential lot/ vatetrees y Qmier—tree service connpanies must be certified cry with the Qty of Fayetteville As representatives of the people of Fayetteville,the citys managerrent practices focus on providing an urban forest that is safe, healthy,diverse,and able to provide the greatest benefit to the people,wildlife and environment of our city. Tree Escrow Planting The City's Unified Development Code,Chapter 167: Tree PYeseivation and Protection requires developers to replace trees removed below the required percentage on their construction projects.VVhen replacenw t(mitigation)trees are required they must be planted prior to receiving final plat approval or a certificate of occupancy depending on the type of project.VVhen trees can't be planted in the timeframe required,the developer may be allowed to plant mitigation trees on other property owned by them or deposit the amount equal to the cost of purchasing and installing the trees with the city. These funds are placed into an escrow account which is used to plant trees in the project's rights-0f-way after the project is built out. If it is not feasible to plant the trees in the subdivision,they may be planted in other areas as designated by Chapter 167. 4 Planting projects from escrow funds began in 2010. Past and current projects are listed below.. ➢ In 2010,241 trees were planted in nine(9)subdivisions. ➢ In 2011,312 trees were planted in thirteen(13)locations. ➢ In 2012, 162 trees were planted in four(4)locations. ➢ In 2013, 193 trees were planted in three(3)locations. ➢ In 2014,approAmately 500 previously planted esc-owtrees were watered and maintained throughout the Qty through a contract 2014 city Forestry Budget 1)Escrow$62,000 2)Sales Tax:$31,000[Forestry,Safety,and ADA] ($9,000 for Celebration of Trees;$3,000 for tree replacements; remainder for equipment/supplies✓motorpod for city forestry) 3)Sales Tax:$55,000[Urban Forestry Analysis] Urban Fasters 1. Administer and enforce Chapter 167 Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance 2. Administer and enforce Chapter 177 Landscape Ordinance 3. Coordinate tree removal and planting on public grounds 4. Celebration of Trees event 5. Administer Tree Escrow fund 6. Tree pruner certification program 7. Tree Qty USA 8. Urban Forestry Advisory Board Resources Oban Tree CanopyAssessment http://mAw.gccessfayetteNAlle.org/govemmeryUpgrks and recreation/parkalanning and urban_forestry/urban eoosyste m ardysis.cfm (follow link or navigate via: urbanforestry.aocessfayetteville.org>Urban Tree Canopy Assessment) Chapter 167. Tree Preservation and Protection 14a7r-ation http://wAw.accessfayette\ille.org//govemmenUpgrks and recreation/UrbanForestry Development Informatiorffree Pr eservation - Chapter 167.cfm (follow link or navigate via: urbanforestry.accessfayetteville.org>Park Planning and Urban Forestry>Tree Preservation) Chapter 177.'Landscape Requirements IrA ration http://wAw.accessfayette\ille.org//govemmenUpgrks and recreation/UrbanForestry Development InformatiorVI-andsca Pe Requirements.cfm (follow link or navigate via: urbanforestry.accessfayetteville.org>Park Planning and Urban Forestry>Landscape Requirements) 5