CITY OF SARASOTA MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE January 16, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers Members Present: Michael Halflants, Chair Michael Gilkey, Jr., Vice Chair Members Mary Fuerst, Chris Gallagher (arrived at 3:20 pm), and Rob Patten Members Absent: Member Trevor Falk City Staff Present: Timothy Litchet, Director of Development Services and Secretary to the Tree Advisory Committee Mark Miller, Senior Arborist Don Ullom, Arborist Joe Mladinich, Legal Counsel Angela McLeod-Wilkins, Development Services I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL TAC Chair Michael Halflants called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Secretary Litchet read the roll call. Secretary Litchet noted that Member Falk had informed the committee that he would not be in attendance. Mr. Litchet stated that he would read Member Falk's recommendations in full. Chair Halflants asked all in attendance to mute or turn off their cell phones and reminded those who would be speaking to speak into the microphones. II. PLEDGE OF CONDUCT Secretary Litchet read the Pledge of Conduct adopted by the City Commission of Sarasota. III. CITIZEN's INPUT 1. Lou Costa Mr. Costa stated that lot by lot approach impedes flexibility and stressed the need for an urban forestry masterplan. Mr. Costa stated that the code should be written in a way that allows landscape architects to use their bestj judgment and suggested delaying a final approval vote on residential property until the mitigation has been addressed. Mr. Costa noted that increased tree protections should be self-imposed by those who desire increased protections for trees in their neighborhoods. 2. Jude Levy - Ms. Levy stated that there is resistance against canopy trees on the streets from City departments and spoke about a book called tbe Hidden Lives ofTres. Ms. Levy also suggested to amending the soil on Lemon Avenue. 3. Jono Miller- -Mr. Miller stated the draft motions provided by the City to the TAC were not online. Mr. Miller stated that some palms are trees and some palms are not and that he agreed with Mr. Costa that the goal is to maintain or increase the canopy. Mr. Miller suggested replacement trees should not be species specific as long as the comparable amount of canopy is provided. Mr. Miller stated that he does Minutes of the Meeting of the Tree. Advisory Committee January 16, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 2 of 8 not understand why there should be greater flexibility on the barrier islands than the mainland. Mr. Miller also stated that palms, pines, and oaks that were living before Sarasota City or Sarasota County werei incorporated should be considered differently than short lived or undesirable trees. Mr. Miller read aj portion of an email he received from Mr. Speck. 4. Norm. Dumaine Mr. Dumaine suggèsted that the TAC discuss how to bring greater flexibility to the ordinance. Mr. Dumaine provided an example of how visibility can be a safety issue and suggested that an urban forestry plan should include programs that incentivize the planting of trees. IV. APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 12TH MEETING MINUTES There was a motion by Member Patten, seconded by Member Fuerst to approve the December 12th meeting minutes. All were in favor. None were opposed. V. DISCUSS MOTIONS ON TOPIC #1-1 How TO BEST ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF CITY RESIDENTS WHO WOULD LIKE TO REMOVE A HEALTHY TREE IN ORDER TO RE- LANDSCAPE THEIR PRIVATELY-OWNED PROPERTIES. Secretary Litchet ask that the record reflect that Member Gallagher was in attendance. Secretary Litchet read the recommendations provided by Member Falk in its entirety. Secretary Litchet stated that all staff recommendations and recommendations provided by Tree Advisory Committee members from the last meeting were posted online before the last meeting and remain posted. Secretary Litchet stated that the final revised recommendation was sent to TAC members and was posted, dated January 14th. Secretary Litchet explained that the new recommendation is similar to the first recommendation but that the Legal Counsel helped to reword it. Secretary Litchet clarified that the staff recommendation for topic #6 stated that palm trées may be replaced with a palm tree but can also be replaced with canopy tree. The TAC discussed right tree, right location philosophy, proposed site evaluation criteria, and species selection criteria. A motion was made by Member Patten and was seconded by Member Fuerst. MOTION #1: A motion to add a new section (5) to VII-320 titled: Landscaping Existing Residential Primary Home Property. That the tree(s) to be removed is for the purpose of landscaping an existing residential primary home property whereby the replacement tree(s) has the following characteristics: 1. A species which is a protected tree under this Chapter. 2. A Florida Department of Agriculture Nursery Grade #1 or better. 3. A minimum height of eight (8) feet at the time of planting and 3-inch caliper. Minutes of the Meeting of the Tree Advisory Committee January 16, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 3 of 8 4. A canopy potential which is equal to or greater than that of the removed tree. 5. A crown potential of at least fifteen (15) feet. 6. Ifthe tree is a palm tree, it may be replaced by another palm tree that is at least 8 feet in clear trunk height. 7. The tree shall meet the right tree, right location site evaluation and species selection criteria, as defined under Section 8. That the tree is not a grand tree. Site evaluation criteria: Hardiness zone Light exposure Salt tolerance Other trees onsite Ovethead/undeground utility conflict Building (proximity to) Root spacing restrictions Compacted soils, poor drainage, low oxygen Irrigation Soil improvements/soil Ph Species Selection Criteria: Mature size Form (open amop/Ppyamida/conia) Function (shade, flower, nesting, etc.) Fertilization Maintenance (prune/drop fruit?) Aggressive/lestructive roots Chair Halflants asked the TAC if they required a discussion. The TAC determined that no further discussion was necessary. Chair Halflants, Vice Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, and Member Patten were in favor. Member Gallagher was opposed. The motion passed 4-1. The Tree Advisory Committee and city staff discussed criteria for the removal of healthy trees, the difference between trees and palms, and the definition, possible categories, and caliper size of! protected trees, as well as canopy diversity. A motion was made by Vice Chair Gilkey and was seconded by Member Patten. MOTION#2: A motion to create a category ofUndesirable Trees. Undesirable Trees -Trees designated as Class 1 & 2 invasive trees per the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, South Region. A tree that negatively impacts the City of Sarasota's vision of healthy, safe and long-term canopy. Minutes of the Meeting of the Tree Advisory Committee January 16, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 4 of 8 A. Australian Pine B. Bischofia C. Bottle Brush D. Brazilian Pepper E. Camphor Tree F. Carrotwood G. China Berry H. Chinese Tallow I. Golden Rain Tree J. Indian Rosewood K. Java Plum L. Mahoe M. Melaleuca N. Mimosa spp O. Norfolk Island Pine P. Schefelera Q. Silk Oak R. Ear/Elephant's Ear (Enterolobium cyclocarpa) S. Earleaf Acacia (Acacia auticuliformis) T. Hong Kong Orchid (Bauhinia blakeana) U. Floss Silk Tree (Chorisia speciosa) V. Woman's Tongue (Albizzia lebbek) W. Monkey Puzzle (Araucaria araucana) X. Goldenrain Tree (Koelreuteria spp) The Tree Advisory Committee discussed the motion. Chair Halflants, Vice Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, and Member Patten were in favor. Member Gallagher was opposed. The motion passed 4-1 The Tree Advisory Committee briefly discussed mitigation fees for residential and commercial sites and discussed incentivizing trees categorized as preferred. The TAC discussed champion tree VS heritage trees and discussed expanding the species of trees that can qualify as grand trees. A motion was made by Member Fuerst and was seconded by Member Patten. MOTION #3: A motion to add to the species eligible to be categorized as grand trees. DBH to be determined. 1. Slash Pine 2. Long Leaf Pine Minutes of the Meeting of the' Tree Advisory Committee January 16, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 5 of 8 3. Southern Red Cedar 4. Sand Live Oak Chair Halflants, Vice Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, and Member Patten were in favor. Member Gallagher was opposed. The motion passed 4-1. The TAC and city staff discussed creating categories for preferred trees. A motion was made by Member Fuerst and was seconded by Member Patten. MOTION #4: A motion to create a category of Preferred Trees. Canopy a. Live Oak b.Slash Pine c. Long Leaf Pine d.Southern Red Cedar e. Gumbo Limbo f. Royal Poinciana g. Red Bay h.Red Maple i. Sycamore j. Magnolia k. Winged Elm Palms a. Cabbage Palm Understory Trees a. Pink Tabebuia b. Gold Tabebuia C. Geiger spp d. Holly spp e. Clusia (Pitch Apple) = tree form f. Crepe Myrtle = tree form g. Buttonwood - tree form h. Sea Grape - tree form i. Spanish Stopper tree form j. Simpson Stopper = tree form k. Pigeon Plum 1. Black Olive "Shady Lady' Minutes of the Meeting of the Tree Advisory Committee January 16, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 6 of 8 m. Chickasaw Plum n. Flatwoods Plum 0. Fringe Tree p. Loquat The TAC discussed the motion. Chair Halflants prompted a vote. Chair Halflants, Vice Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, And Member Patten were in favor. Member Gallagher was opposed. The motion passes 4-1. The TAC briefly discussed nesting habits of Avion species related to dead trees. Chair Halflants proposed that the meeting be extended in order to address the remaining topics on the agenda. All were in favor. VI. DISCUSS MOTIONS ON TOPIC #2 = How TO BEST ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF UNSAFE CONDITIONS CAUSED BY HEALTHY TREES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY. The TAC discussed recommendations related to how best to address the issue of unsafe conditions caused by healthy trees on public property. A motion was made by Member Patten and was seconded by Vice Chair Gilkey. MOTION #1: A motion to add a new section (6) to VII-320 titled: Removal of'Trees in Public Rights-of-way by the City: Ifa tree is shown to cause a public hazard of create an unsafe condition, it can be removed and the unsafe condition corrected. Where practical it will be replaced with a more appropriate tree that: Adheres to the right tree, right location site evaluation and species selection criteria as defined in section Uses planting technologies that have been shown to reduce damage to public infrastructure Uses best management practices for new trees planted in that particular location and situation ) A City Arborist will be consulted on these determinations and that recommendation will be approved by either the Director of Parks and Recreation or Director of Public Works, as may be appropriate, and the Director of Development Services prior to the tree being removed and replaced. The determination should include consideration as Minutes of the Meeting of the Tree. Advisory Committee January 16, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 7 of 8 to whether the hazard can reasonably be mitigated of eliminated without tree removal. The TAC discussed the motion. Chair Halflants prompted a vote. Chair Halflants, Vice Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, and Member Patten were in favor. Member Gallagher was opposed. The motion passed 4-1 VII. DISCUSS MOTIONS ON TOPIC #3 = How TO BEST ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF HEALTHY TREES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY THAT CAUSE DAMAGE TO PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE The TAC discussed recommendations, specifically related to the impact ofimpaired visibility. A motion was made by Vice Chair Gilkey and was seconded by Member Fuerst. MOTION: #1: A motion for the first portion of Issue #3 related to infrastructure damage, utilize the recommendation for Issue #2. Add a new section (6) to VII-320 titled: Removal ofTrees in Public Rights-of-way by the City: Ifa tree is shown to cause a public hazard or create an unsafe condition, it can be removed and the unsafe condition corrected. Where practical it will be replaced with a more appropriate tree that: Adheres to the right tree, right location site evaluation and species selection criteria as defined in section Uses planting technologies that have been shown to reduce damage to public infrastructure Uses best management practices for new trees planted in that particular location and situation ) A City Arborist will be consulted on these determinations and that recommendation will be approved by either the Director of Parks and Recreation of the Director of Public Works as may be appropriate, and the Director of Development Services prior to the tree being removed and replaced. The determination should include consideration as to whether the hazard can reasonably be mitigated or eliminated without tree removal. The TAC briefly discussed the motion. Chair Halflants prompted a vote. Minutes of the Meeting of the Tree. Advisory Committee January 16, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 8 of 8 Chair Halflants, Vice Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, and Member Patten were in favor. Member Gallagher was opposed. The motion passed 4-1 The TAC discussed pruning for the purpose of views versus pruning for the purpose of safety. A motion was made by Vice Chair Gilkey and was seconded by Member Patten. MOTION #2: A motion to add a sentence to the end of new section VII-320(6) that states: Removal of al healthy right-of-way tree for the purpose ofimproving sight view corridors or making signage more visible does not qualify as a criterion for granting a tree removal permit. Chair Halflants asked the TAC if they required a discussion. The TAC determined that a further discussion was not necessary. Chair Halflants, Vice Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, Member Patten, and Member Gallagher were in favor. No member was opposed. The motion passed 5-0. VIII. DISCUSS UPCOMING TOPICS The TAC members briefly mentioned different species of trees and minimum sizes for mitigation. IX. DISCUSS NEXT MEETING DATE The date of following meeting was confirmed for January 30, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 5:18 p.m. Michael Halflants, Chair Timothy Litchg,Becretary