CITY OF SARASOTA MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE March 20, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers Members Present: Michael Gilkey Jr., Vice Chair Members Mary Fuerst, Chris Gallagher, Rob Patten Members Absent: Michael Halflants, Chair Trevor Falk City Staff Present: Timothy Litchet, Director of Development Services and Secretary to the Tree. Advisory Committee Mark Miller, Senior Arborist Donald Ullom, Arborist Joe Mladinich, Legal Counsel Angela McLcod-Wilkins, Development Services I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL TAC Acting Chair Michael Gilkey called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. Secretary Timothy Litchet read the roll call. Secretary Litchet noted that TAC Chair, Michael Halflants, had informed the City that he would be unable to be in attendance. Acting Chair Gilkey 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 asked the Tree. Advisory Committee and city staff to contact him by email before the next meeting if they have any concerns regarding his Pilot Tree Planting Program. 2. Jono Miller - Mr. Miller stated that he finds the undesirable tree list confusing, suggested that the native Strangler Fig be added to the Grand Tree list, and suggested that Red Bay trees be removed from the preferred tree list due to the survivability of the species. Mr. Miller stated that he hopes the TAC will be able to implement Lou Costa's Pilot Tree Planting Program and stated that he is hopeful that the TAC can move toward a system that focuses on canopy size and percentage. The TAC and city staff had a discussion regarding the issue of laurel wilt for the Red Bay tree species and the most appropriate way to address it within the TAC's recommendations. Minutes of thel Meeting of the Tree Advisory Committee March 20, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 2 of 9 Member Patten made a motion and it was seconded by Member Fuerst. Motion No. 1: A motion to enove the Red Bay from the Preferred Tree list. Acting Chair Gilkey prompted a vote. Acting Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, Member Patten, and Member Gallagher were in favor. None were opposed. The motion passed 4-0. IV. APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 27TH MEETING MINUTES Member Fuerst made a motion to approve the minutes and it was seconded by Member Patten. The February 27th meeting minutes were unanimously approved as submitted. V. REVIEW MOTIONS FROM THE FEBRUARY 27TH MEETING The TAC: and city staff discussed the motions from the February 27th meeting as they related to mitigation fees, relocation of trees on site, re-landscaping and tree protections. Acting Chair Gilkey stated that he wanted protection for mitigation trees since they will likely be less than 4" caliper. A motion was made by Member Fuerst and was seconded by Member Patten. Motion No. 2: A motion that trees that are planted in response to zoning requirements or mitigation requirements are considered protected trees regardless of DBH. Secretary Litchet clarified the motion. Acting Chair Gilkey prompted a vote. Acting Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, and Member Patten, were in favor. Member Gallagher was opposed. The motion passed 3-1. The TAC and city staff discussed the height requirements of Cabbage Palms in clear trunk height and overall height and discussed the height requirements of accent trees and understory trees. Member Patten made a motion and it was seconded by Member Fuerst. Minutes of the Meeting of the' Tree Advisory Committee March 20, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 3 of9 Motion No. 3: A motion for an 8-foot minimum height requirement for 2" DBH understory trees. The TAC and City staff discussed the motion. Acting Chair Gilkey prompted a vote. Acting Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, and Member Patten were in favor. Member Gallagher was opposed. The motion passed 3-1. The TAC and city staff discussed Mr. Miller's suggestion to add the Strangler Fig to the Grand Tree list. Arborist Mark Miller expressed concerns related to the canopy, co-ownership, development, and maintenance. Acting Chair Gilkey agreed. The TAC and city staff discussed the Undesirable Tree List and Mr. Miller's suggestions for changes to the list. They also discussed whether Black Mangroves should be removed from the list in order to prevent confusion. Arborist Miller ptesented the benefits of a tree matrix from Tampa and the I-Tree Canopy Assessment sheet he provided. The TAC asked questions related to canopy coverage and how the assessment works. Arborist Miller further explained the I-Tree Canopy Assessment. The TAC and city staff discussed the new Grand Tree definition developed by. Arborist Miller. Member Fuerst made a motion and it was seconded by Member Patten. Motion No.4: A motion to adopt the definition of Grand Tree. A tree may be considered a grand tree ifit has a DBH measurement of 24" of greater, for the following species, Live oak, Sand Live Oak; a DBH measurement of 20" or greater for the following species, Slash Pine, Longleaf Pine or Southern Red Cedar and is determined to have a good or moderate rating. The health of the tree is to be determined by a City Arborist and would be based on the following definitions: Suitability Ratings Good: Trees in this category are in good health and structural stability and have potential for longevity at the site Moderate: Trees in this category are in fair health and/or have structural defects that may be mitigated with treatment. These trees may require more intense management and monitoring, and may have shorter life-spans than those in the "good" category Minutes of the Meeting of the' Tree Advisory Committee March 20, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 4 of9 Poor: Trees in this category are in poor health or have significant defects in structure that cannot be mitigated with treatment. These trees can be expected to decline regardless of management. The new definition should be referenced in the Grand Tree section. The TAC and City staff discussed the motion. Acting Chair Gilkey prompted a vote. Acting Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, and Member Patten were in favor. Member Gallagher was opposed. The motion passed 3-1. The TAC discussed how DBH is measured. Acting Chair Gilkey raised a question related to the provision that does not allow severing of roots larger than 3 inches in diameter and proposed that such roots should not be cut unless a management plan is in place. Member Patten made a motion and it was seconded by Member Fuerst. Motion No.5: A motion that no root larger than 3 inches in diameter shall be severed unless a root management plan by a certified arborist and/or landscape architect has been submitted and approved by the City Arborist. The TAC discussed the motion. Acting Chair Gilkey prompted a vote. Acting Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, Member Patten, and Member Gallagher were in favor. None were opposed. The motion passed 4-0. VI. DISCUSS MOTIONS ON TOPIC #7 = REVIEW PROPOSED CANOPY TREE ORDINANCE AND PROVIDE COMMENTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE. Member Fuerst stated that she is not in favor of the proposed Canopy Tree Ordinance and stated that it was based on concern that trucks were damaging trees. Member Fuerst stated that she would like a canopy tree recognition program, but not a regulatory program. Acting Chair Gilkey stated that trees that are too close to the toad are subject being damaged. Member Patten expressed support for Member Fuerst' S position and suggested a designation program rather than a regulatory program. Member Fuerst made a motion and it was seconded by Member Patten. Minutes oft the Meeting of the Tree Advisory Committee March 20, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 5 of 9 Motion No. 6: A motion to recommend that the City Commission decline adoption of the Canopy Road Ordinance as proposed and instead support a canopy tree recognition program following the parameters based upon the Sarasota County definition of Canopy Road: 1. A Canopy Road shalll have a minimum of approximately 50% upper story coverage (not counting invasive species), per section of roadway as measured by branching, drip line, shadows, and other visual cues. 2. A Canopy Road shall consist of a minimum of approximately 75% native and naturalized species. 3. A Canopy Road shall consist of a minimum length of approximately 1/8 mile (660"). The TAC discussed the motion. Acting Chair Gilkey prompted a vote. Acting Chair Gilkey, Member Fuerst, Member Patten, and Member Gallagher were in favor. None were opposed. The motion passed 4-0. VII. DISCUSS MOTIONS FOR TOPIC # 8-IN ADDITION TO ITEMS: 1THROUGH 7, THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE FURTHER AUTHORIZED TO MAKE OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING POTENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY's TREE PROTECTION ORDINANCE (ARTICLE VII, DIVISION 3.1 OF THE ZONING CODE) AS THE MAJORITY OF ITS MEMBERS DEEM APPROPRIATE. Member Patten read his recommendations: As the Tree Advisory Council (TAC) tackled the seven questions the City Commission asked us to address it became quickly apparent that the only way to protect trees and ensure a truly sustainable tree canopy for the City was to take a proactive approach, and not rely solely on rules, permits and fees for tree removal as outlined in the Zoning Code. The TAC invited Dr. Rob Northrup from the Florida Urban Forestry Institute and principle author of the City of Tampa's Urban Forestry Management Plan to present an overview of Tampa's program mtps//ww.ampagoxaban-fores. management-plan) and to recommend. an approach for the City ofSarasota.. Dr. Northrup gave a detailed presentation to the council on May 9 and offered his recommendations. hp/amsamasmamishalihephahis id=92 Rationale Sarasota is known for its natural beauty and commitment to protecting natural resources. The number one reason people give on why they move to Sarasota is because ofits natural amenities. Along with beautiful beaches, trees are also highly ranked for their beauty and the shade they provide to the urban and residential setting. Minutes of the Meeting of the Tree Advisory Committee March 20, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 6 of 9 The City of Satasota cannot successfully protect and enhance its tree canopy by simply focusing on protecting individual trees or relying on broad statements of goals and objectives as outlined in the comprehensive plan. There needs to be a scientific, systematic, holistic and measurable approach to maintain and hopefully increase our urban canopy footprint. A properly designed Urban Forestry Management Plan can will do that. With the right approach, an Urban Forestry Management Plan can augment the efforts of the City Manager and the Sustainability office to teduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce health costs associated with air quality. Metrics will be developed that can be monitored and revisited on 5-year intervals and show us specifically how we are doing. Measurements of functional values such as: Number of trees Tree cover (canopy) Gross carbon sequestration Pollution removal (Measures reduction in medical costs because of reduced respiratory diseases) PelsupPaam, dgaulfles/paré-and. mmam/PHIAIRPOLLUION_OPDE; Carbon storage Dollar value of energy conservation pePlwppalewl4fanpepankr A/ENECICON: O.PDF) Asset value of the urban forestry (the capital asset vale ofthe urbanj forest in the Cily gfTampa was calculated to be $4.2 BILLION dollars in 2007.) Developing the Urban Forestry Plan The first step is the most important one, namely to develop the plan, which will take some time possibly 2-3 years. Biology and ecology are naturally involved, but it is really a social endeavor and involves the marriage of the living world and engineering. We are bringing nature back into the cities in a formal, systematic way. The end tesult is driven by the values of the people. Success will be measured by how well the values of the residents are gathered, understood and implemented. This is not something done alone, and it is not developed by one department or even a series of city departments. It relies on a dedicated and diverse citizens' council, a committed City Commission and Administration and involves collaborative partnerships with others that have experience in this area, such as local colleges, universities and cooperative extension. It is the marrying of biological systems with engineering, using a different set of skills. No one person will have all the skills to do this successfully. This is a Planning process utilizing adaptive management practices because we're dealing with living systems which are always changing. The knowledge isn't perfect, but the right team can be successful in developing an Urban Forestry Management Plan for the City that will work. Parts oft the Plan Create the Urban Forestry Team consisting of citizens, elected officials, city staff, academic institutions, non-profits and others with specific expertise. Appoint a Citizen's Council with people of diverse backgtounds and expertise. Minutes of the Meeting of the Tree Advisory Committee March 20, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 7of9 An initial inventory of the canopy, and not just individual trees. This could be separated into distinct planning districts such as downtown, barrier islands, residential areas, etc. It could be economical to partner with local educational institutions (USF, New College, etc.) to do the inventory. Developing the plan - This is a collaborative effort that relies on information gathered from the inventory and setting goals and specific performance measures based on agteed upon values developed by the citizens' council. In the end though, and because it is a City Plan, the principle authors of the plan should be the Directors of all oft the Departments of the City sO it is consistent, sustainable and institutionally supported over time. Aligning city departments around the final plan. This can only be determined after the plan is developed and accepted by the City Commission and Administration. Paying for the plan The cost of developing and implementing a useable and successful Urban Forestry Team can be determined after the planning process is completed. The first few years involve mostly planning and will cost the least. Again, it is important to partner with others with subject matter expertise that can contribute to the team in an economical way. Some monies from the tree mitigation fund could be used to offset some start-up costs, such as the initial survey. In summary, the Tree. Advisory Council recommends the Commission begin the process ofa developing a bokistic and. sustainable Urban Tre Forestry Plan for the Cily. We bave listed some of the approaches that bave been successful elsewhere and may have applicability to Sarasota ' plan. Member Patten made a motion and it was seconded by Member Fuerst. Motion No. 7: A motion to recommend to the City Commission the creation of an Urban Forestry Program that is responsible for developing a strategic URBAN FORESTRY PLAN for the City within 2years that relies on community consensus and values to: Develop a well-defined vision and set of measurable goals with citizen input Utilizes partnerships with University of Florida Extension, City ofTampa and others Plan is monitored every 5 years based on measurable criteria A successful plan is measured by how well the values of the community are implemented in the plan The plan needs to be adequately funded and staffed. Funds from tree permits and mitigation fees could be used to greatly offset the cost. It is recommended that the Urban Forestry Plan be included in the Capital Imptovement Plan. The Tree Committee highly recommends the City Commission invite Dr. Robert Northrop (University of Florida Coop. Ext.) to give a 30 minute presentation to the City Commission Minutes of thel Meeting of the Tree. Advisory Committee March 20, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 8 of 9 outlining an Urban Forestry Program for Sarasota and to show the tesidents what it would look like and how it works. Dr. Northrop was instrumental in assisting the City ofTampa in the establishment of their progtam. He is an effective and straight forward speaker and appeared before the committee. The TAC discussed the motion. The motion was tabled by consensus. Member Gallagher suggested that the TAC consider a "street tree master plan" and stated that a street tree master plan should be the focus of any plan. Member Gallagher added that his focus has been on the street trees, not private property. The TAC had a discussion related to the street trees. Mr. Mladinich inquired about one old motion that had been approved and was related to a "purpose statement": The purpose ofthese regulations is to promote a healthy, diverse, and resilient tree canopy while allowing for reasonable flexibility in fulfilling the following objectives: a. Encouraging the use of native and Florida-friendly trees. b. Facilitating the elimination of: invasive species of trees that threaten the native ecosystem. C. Encouraging the use of trees suited to local growing conditions. d. Facilitating the placement of the right tree in the right place through careful consideration of the appropriate tree species for the specific growing space. e. Enhancing the overall appearance of the City of Sarasota. f. Improving air quality through the retention and installation of trees. g. Conserving water by protecting established and native landscaping. h. Increasing property values through the use of trees as a capital asset. i. Providing a reasonable mechanism for the removal of trees and mitigation therefor. The TAC agreed that it should be added. VIII. DISCUSS UPCOMING TOPICS The Tree Advisory Committee will be discussing motions related to Topic #8. The TAC and city staff discussed presenting to the City Commission. IX. DISCUSS NEXT MEETING DATE The date for the next meeting was confirmed for Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Secretary Litchet proposed a brief meeting following the March 27th meeting for the purpose of reviewing the TAC's summaty. Minutes of the Meeting of the Tree Advisory Committee March 20, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers 9 of 9 X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. H Michael Gilkey Acting Chair VTimothy Litclet, Secretary