CITY OF SARASOTA MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE April 18, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers Members Present: Shawn Dressler, Chair Michael Halflants, Vice Chair Members: Mary Fuerst, Chris Gallagher, Trevor Falk, Michael Gilkey, Jr., Rob Patten Members Absent: All members were present. City Staff Present: Timothy Litchet, Director of Development Services and Secretary to the Tree. Advisory Committee Mark Miller, Senior Arborist Don Ullom, Arborist Angela McLeod-Wilkins, Development Services Administrative Assistant Gretchen Schneider, General Manager of Development Services Karin Murphy, Director of the Urban Design Studio Briana Dobbs, Planner at the Urban Design Studio Alexandrea DavisShaw, City Engineer Jim Koenig, Senior Planner Bill Riebe, Director of Utilities Michael DelRossi, General Manager of Public Works Todd Kucharski, General Manager of Public Works Richard Winder, Coordinator of Capital Projects Public Works Jeffrey Vredenburg, Sustainability Program Ed. I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL TAC Chair Dressler called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Secretary Litchet read the roll call. TAC Chair reminded everyone to speak into the microphones for clear audio recordings. II. PLEDGE OF CONDUCT Secretary Litchet read the Pledge of Conduct adopted by the City Commission of Sarasota. III. CITIZEN's INPUT - 3 MINUTE LIMIT (30 MINUTE TOTAL) 1. Lou Costa - Mr. Costa noted that 50% native and 50% Florida friendly plants are required in the areas of the city that are not residential. Mr. Costa stated that this requirement removes the flexibility for landscape architects to plant the right tree in the right place. Mr. Costa requested increased flexibility for landscape architects. Minutes of the Tree Advisory Committee Meeting April 18, 2018, at3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers Page 2 of 6 Mr. Costa stated that benefit associated the most with native plants is that they are low maintenance and added that this is not always the case. 2. Patrick Gannon - Mr. Gannon resides in the downtown area and stated that the committee should take the overarching regulations in the comprehensive plan into account when developing revisions to the code. Mr. Gannon requested a cost review of various tree mitigation options, to include a cost analysis of tree mitigation under the current code, be compared to new options to ensure that the cost related to the new regulations are appropriate and not onerous. 3. Jono Miller - Mr. Miller voiced a concern regarding the length of time it takes for the minutes and materials to become available to the public. Mr. Miller then recommended that the TAChave records regarding tree permits and complaints associated with tree permits prior to approaching the City Commission. Mr. Miller also suggested that the committee hold an evening meeting. IV. APPROVAL OF THE. JANUARY 31ST, FEBRUARY 14TH, AND FEBRUARY 28TH MEETING MINUTES A motion was made to approve the January 31 minutes. All were in favor. None were opposed. A motion was made to approve the February 14 minutes with corrections. All were in favor. None were opposed. A motion was made to approve the February 28 minutes with corrections. All were in favor. None were opposed. V. DEPARTMENTAL ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION Chair Dressler expressed gratitude to city staff for attending the meeting. Secretary Litchet prompted city staffintroductions. Chair Dressler gave a summary oft the responsibilities of1 the TAC per the resolution #017R2649 that enacted the committee and outlined 8 specific areas for which the TAC will review and make recommendations. Chair Dressler then summarized the TAC's productivity, stating that each issue will be reviewed before specific recommendations are to be made, and that at this time 7 ofthe 8 areas have been reviewed by the committee. Chair Dressler added that it was the committee's intention to hear the concerns of various departments regarding trees before deciding on the miscellaneous issues that will be addressed. Chair Dressler commented on the concept of an urban forestry program, stating the general consensus is that some format of urban forestry could potentially address many ofthe concerns on several of the agenda items. Discussion ensued. Minutes of the' Tree Advisory Committee Meeting April 18, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers Page 3 of 6 Chair Dressler noted that the current tree mitigation code focuses on punitive rather than proactive aspects of tree mitigation. Chair Dressler mentioned the inflexibility of the current code and expressed his support for mitigation that will address the different needs for different areas or the city, specifically citing the downtown core and barrier islands. Member Fuerst stated that right tree for the right location is a prominent issue and is continually discussed. Member Gallagher stated that he submitted base-line data and that he would like the data to be delivered to the attending city staff in an effort to gather information regarding the current tree code. Member Gallagher also mentioned that the TAC has discussed the possibility ofthe city developing a permanent tree advisory committee. Member Gallagher added his support to plant in the right-of-way and questioned the impacts to utilities and the zoning requirements regarding root space for canopy trees. Vice Chair Halflants expressed his support for tree lined streets. Member Patten stated his interested in the opinions of city regarding an urban forestry program. Member Falk questioned the process involved in burying powerlines. Chair Dressler prompted a discussion to address how TAC can develop a better tree ordinance. Ms. Murphy was the first to comment and stated that in 2015, the Urban Design Studio was asked to provide comprehensive plan amendments for environmental issues, which included the beneficial use oft trees. Ms. Murphy explained that the coding takes into account the natural environment and built environment. Ms. Murphy prepared a handout which featured portions oft the Form Base Code (FBC) related to trees, tree protection language, current variance language, and landscaping requirements. A copy ofthe handout was provided to each committee member. Ms. Murphy stated that the current protection for trees will be expanded and there will be changes to G zone properties to create more flexibility. Ms. Murphy also stated that the density bonus plan that is currently under development could work in tandem with an urban forestry plan ift that plan is fee based. Ms. Murphy also provided an overview ofthe handout material to include excerpt of special requirement plan, defined zones, the distinguishing features of public and private frontage, metrics for fences, and planting appropriate trees in the right-of-way. Mr. Riebe sated that the FBC is a step in the right direction and supports right tree right place ideology. Mr. Riebe brought awareness to the health safety issues of tree roots penetrating sewer mains and sewer laterals, as well as encompassing fire hydrants and meter boxes. Chair Dressler asked if future utilities could be located under roadways. Mr. Riebe stated that there are competing interests which can prohibit other infrastructure from placement under the roadways. Member Gallagher asked Mr. Riebe's opinion on the most favorable placement ofutilities when replaced or installed as new infrastructure. Member Patten stated that Sarasota has an aging infrastructure that will need to be replaced in the future, suggested better coordination between city departments, and coordination between an urban forestry program and the CIP program. Ms. DavisShaw responded stating that monthly CIP meetings are held to attempt coordination among different departments. Ms. DavisShaw also stated there are times when infrastructure requires replacement due to a deteriorating condition and the planning for other projects in the Minutes of the' Tree. Advisory Committee Meeting April 18, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers Page 4 of 6 vicinity may not be complete. Mr. DelRossi stated that he informs departments regarding which roads will be repaved sO ifthere is a conflict, he can be informed and delay repaving until the projects can be coordinated. Chair Dressler asked Mr. DelRossi whether information regarding canopy street development would be valuable at CIP meetings. Ms. DavisShaw stated that the Parks and Recreation Department is working on a parks master plan, and city engineers are working on a corridor plan. Ms. DavisShaw questioned whether the urban forestry plan should be managed by Parks and Recreation. Chair Dressler differentiated between parks and an urban forestry plan. Ms. Murphy mentioned reports that the trees at the School Avenue park are too plentiful in the park but lack shade along the edge of the park. Chair Dressler stated that he has heard that there is limited space to plant trees in the parks and the TAC would like to be proactive by allocating funds into urban tree canopy. Ms. DavisShaw stated that the EDCM is currently being updated and that the city engineers are waiting for recommendations from the tree advisory committee before adding information on landscaping. Ms. DavisShaw acknowledged that the EDCM information presently states the prescribed appearance of streets in the downtown core but does not extend to the residential neighborhoods. Ms. DavisShaw added that the updates will modify the current addition SO that the tree planting specifications are appropriate. Member Gallagher expressed his desire to become informed on the most prominent tree issues. Ms. Schneider stated that issues are created in her department when architects are unwilling to be creative and build around trees. Ms. Schneider explained that often times, when an architect is willing to be more creative to find a solution, the new solution does not meet the zoning code and may require the architect to apply for an adjustment or variance. Ms. Schneider also stated that the downtown core. has an adjustment process that incorporates an administrative process that allows some relief from zoning code standards. Chair Dressler summarized the issue and noted that the current tree ordinance does not completely align with zoning code and that the variance process is costly. Chair Dressler suggested allowance be made where the zoning code conflicts with other areas of the code. Ms. Schneider suggested duplicating some ofthe language in the downtown code to allow from more flexibility with projects beyond downtown. Secretary Litchet added that the last time the code was amended the same issue was addressed and did not receive very much support. Mr. DelRossi stated that exposed tree roots create trip and fall hazards and push rain water into the establishment entrances causing merchants to issue complaints. To alleviate this issue, Mr. DelRossi explained that the city will grind a sidewalk ifthe concrete is thick enough. Mr. DelRossi also explained that there is currently no prescribed protocol for dealing with buckled sidewalks that are too thin to grind. Mr. DelRossi added that tree roots also intrude on city streets. Discussion ensued. Chair Dressler stated that trees with exposed roots should be removable and replaced with technology that is available to avoid that issue. Mr. Koenig stated that he previously worked in a city that did not have a tree ordinance and relied on the county to handle tree related issues. Mr. Koenig noted issues that have Minutes of the' Tree. Advisory Committee Meeting April 18, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers Page 5 of 6 been brought to his attention to include root damage to sidewalks and driveways, and trees that are too close to homes. Mr. Winder stated that he digs up intersections and roads and agreed with the installation ofutilities under the roadway, but states there are pipes, lines, and duct banks that would require major removal and relocation. Mr. Winder stated that there would have to be a cost initiative associated with such a project. Mr. Vredenburg stated that the sustainability goal is to have 100% renewable energy in for city operations by 2030, and citywide by 2045. Mr. Vredenburg explained that there will be a steep increase in solar panels due to the initiative and that energy would not be produced for shaded buildings. Mr. Vredenburg noted that residential properties would be most affected. Mr. Vredenburg added that he met with Newtown Nation and the group mentioned that many fruit trees used to grow in the area. Mr. Vredenburg suggested that equity issues and food issues be considered as those issues relate to tree policy. Mr. Kucharski stated that his current tree concern is clearance for the vehicles. Mr. Kucharski explained that at one time he and 4 other arborists managed over 72,000 trees in the city and that it was not plausible. Mr. Kucharski noted that it is very important to include the need for staff and maintenance funds in the committee's recommendation. Mr. Kucharski also stated that the recent hurricane showed the reality of not properly maintain an urban forest. Mr. Kucharski suggested identifying canopy tree types and planting a variety of trees to prevent the future loss of many trees due a tree-specific disease. Mr. Kucharski also advised against planting only native trees, stating that they will not provide full canopy variety and that some do not survive well when reclaimed water is used as a water source. Mr. Kucharski again cautioned against planting trees in the right-of-way without maintenance stating that they should be maintained by the city and that lack of maintenance can create liability issues. Mr. Kucharski explained that trees are infrastructure and should be treated as such. Mr. Kucharski stated that creating zones for utilities makes sense, though it's implementation is more appropriate when developing a new city rather than maintain an existing city. Mr. Kucharski added that he supports landscape designers' creativity when designing, and that restrictions should be limited to use ofFlorida-friendly plants. Chair Dressler talked about the hurricane and trees that due not do well in high winds and suggested that trees that may endanger property should be able to be removed. Mr. Kucharski mentioned the high cost oft technology. VI. DISCUSSION OF UPCOMING TOPICS It was decided that local developers will be invited to provide case study presentations at the next TAC meeting. It was decided that a spokesperson from the Florida Urban Forestry Council would be contacted to give a presentation for the next TAC meeting. Minutes of the Tree. Advisory Committee Meeting April 18, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers Page 6 of 6 It was suggested that miscellaneous topics will appear on the meeting date following the next meeting. It was suggested that the structure of the way recommendations will be presented should be a future agenda item. VII. DISCUSSION OF NEXT MEETING DATES It was decided that May gth at 3:00pm will be the next meeting date. It was decided that May 231d will be the following meeting date and will be held in the evening. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 5:10 PM. Shawn Dressler, Chair imothy Litchet, Secretary