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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-05 Tree Board Packet1 Citizens’ Tree Board Agenda BRACKETT ROOM 121 5TH AVE N, CITY HALL – 3RD FLOOR, EDMONDS, WA 98020 SEPTEMBER 5, 2024, 6:00 PM MEETING INFORMATION The Public may join in-person or on-line. The physical location of the meeting is at 121 5th Ave N. City Hall, Brackett Room, 3rd Floor. This is a Hybrid meeting. Join Remote Meeting by using the URL: https://edmondswa- gov.zoom.us/j/81670819481?pwd=EQRLgw1zlc7HOWJq90NLujZ7iFRQle.1 The virtual Meeting ID: 816 7081 9481, Passcode: 442461. You may call in to the meeting by dialing (253) 321-5878. Those commenting using a computer or smart phone are instructed to raise a virtual hand to be recognized. Persons wishing to provide audience comments by dial-up phone are instructed to press *9 to raise a hand. When prompted, press *6 to unmute. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. APPROVAL OF DRAFT MINUTES A. June 6, 2024 Draft Tree Board Meeting Minutes B. August 1, 2024 Draft Tree Board Meeting Minutes 4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Tree App Project Update (Mark) 2 7. NEW BUSINESS A. 2024 Work Plan Review and Planning 8. STAFF COMMENTS/UPDATES 9. TREE BOARD CHAIR AND MEMBER COMMENTS 10. ADJOURNMENT Next Tree Board meetings: October 3, 2024, and November 7, 2024 Tree Board Meeting Minutes June 6, 2024 Page 1 of 5 DRAFT CITY OF EDMONDS TREE BOARD Summary Minutes of Regular Meeting June 6, 2024 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Board Member Dimmick read the Land Acknowledgement. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL Chair Kliment called the Tree Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members Present Wendy Kliment, Chair Bill Phipps, Vice Chair Janelle Cass (online) Ian Higgins Ben Mark Crane Stavig Ray White Ross Dimmick (alternate) Board Members Absent None Staff Present Angie Feser, Parks, Recreation & Human Services Director Others Present MINUTES: 1. Approval of May 2, 2024 Tree Board Minutes The May 2, 2024 Tree Board minutes were approved as presented. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Vice Chair Phipps recommended adding a discussion about a letter from Dennis about designating Big Red as a Heritage Tree. The agenda was approved as amended. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Tree Board Meeting Minutes June 6, 2024 Page 2 of 5 There were no audience comments. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Watershed Fun Fair (May 18th) Report - Vice Chair Phipps noted they gave away about 60 trees. Thanks to Board Members Cass and Kliment for helping out. He commended Jen from Parks who organized the event. There was some discussion about changing the timing in the future to avoid conflicting with concurrent events. 2. Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour Tree ID update – Board Member Mark reported on gardens he has visited and progress made with identification information. He will continue with the rest of the gardens and send the information to Board Member Kliment. 3. Tree App Project Update – Board Member Mark 4. Tree Board’s Tree Code Recommendations: Planning Board’s Request: Director Feser reviewed the background on this topic. She recommended that the Tree Board leadership meet with the Planning Board leadership and staff to talk about how to approach the Tree Code over the remainder of the year. She pointed out that the Planning Board’s recommendations are not yet formalized, and the process is a bit convoluted. Board Member Mark summarized the Tree Board’s work and the document he had created. Board Member Cass spoke to the value of the process and commended Board Member Mark’s work. Chair Kliment was supportive of meeting with the Planning Board or their subcommittee. Vice Chair Phipps expressed frustration that this has been going on for years, and the City keeps putting up roadblocks to stop the process. He thinks the Tree Board’s recommendation should go directly to the Council. Board Member Mark noted that there are a lot of nuances to the topic, and codes take a long time to create. Board Members Higgins and Kliment thought that if they sent it to Council now, the recommendation would just be filed. They thought it made more sense to send it forward to the Planning Board who would be making the actual recommendation to the City Council. There was debate among the group about the appropriate process moving forward and the best timing. Board Member Cass suggested the Tree Board could make a comment as part of the public process on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Comprehensive Plan. Director Feser indicated she would do some research on this and bring back information for the August meeting. Motion made by Chair Cass, seconded by Board Member Mark, to have Tree Board leadership meet with Planning Board leadership about getting on the agenda to make a presentation in the future. Motion passed 6-1. • Ayes: Kliment, Cass, Higgins, Mark, Stavig, White • Noes: Phipps March 7 Interim Ordinance Motion: Director Feser referred to the Interim Tree Code recommendation made by the Board on March 7 and asked the Board: • Does the Board want the memo to go to Council now? • Is this what they want the memo to say? Tree Board Meeting Minutes June 6, 2024 Page 3 of 5 The group debated if the memo should go now or later to Council. Chair Kliment thought it made sense to wait until after the meeting with the Planning Board. Vice Chair Phipps stressed that the point of the Interim Ordinance is to motivate the Council to finish the Tree Code and halt removal of landmark trees until the Tree Code is finished. He thought it should go to Council now. Board Member Mark concurred. There was some discussion about the purpose of a tree code; definitions of landmark, heritage, and exceptional trees; and how to wordsmith the original motion. Original motion: The Tree Board advise[s] the City Council to add an interim amendment to the Tree Code to temporarily halt the removal of landmark trees, viable trees over 30” in diameter, until the Tree Code is finalized. There are certain exemptions including nuisance/hazard trees and certain species. It was noted that this wouldn’t apply to the private property tree code because that code doesn’t exist. The current Tree Code only applies to development. What they would actually be doing is asking the Council to create new interim emergency moratorium related to removing trees on private property. It was noted that there was an emergency moratorium done in the past, and it could be done again, but there are legal ramifications. Director Feser reviewed the purpose and serious implications of emergency moratoriums. It was noted that this would not apply to Big Red because it is on a multifamily property which would come under the development code. Also, since a permit has already been applied for, any changes to the code would not apply to that situation. The group expressed their desire to make their recommendation apply to both residential and commercial development. The Board discussed the duties of the Tree Board to preserve and protect existing trees but also concerns about stirring up public concerns unnecessarily. There was some discussion about a recent letter that went out. Chair Kliment spoke in favor of the revised language but encouraged the Board to consider the timing of when the Council would be able to actually work on this. She thought it would be better to wait to send it forward. Vice Chair Phipps disagreed and thought that the vast majority of Edmonds residents would celebrate this interim code. Board Member Kliment thought that most people in Edmonds want their trees, and there are some for whatever reasons don’t want their trees. He pointed out that Edmonds has gone for 130 years without a residential tree code. Board Member Cass remarked that when the emergency moratorium was in place she witnessed people rush to cut down their large trees. For that reason, she noted that she would again be voting against the motion because it puts undo fear into people. Board Member Mark suggested including a description of who the Tree Board is at the beginning of the motion to clarify who they are and what their role is. After some discussion, there was consensus to include the following information elsewhere in the memo, but not in the main motion: The Citizens Tree Board actively encourages the planting, protecting, and proper maintenance of trees for long-term community benefit: Provide advisory recommendations on draft tree codes to the City Council and/or Planning Board to help preserve and protect existing tree, encourage planting of additional trees, and protect trees with development. Tree Board Meeting Minutes June 6, 2024 Page 4 of 5 Motion made by Board Member Mark, seconded by Board Member Higgins, to approve the amended motion for the memo as follows: The Tree Board advise[s] the City Council to legislate an ordinance which would halt removal of all landmark trees, defined as viable trees 30” DBH and larger, with exemptions for nuisance and hazard trees, on private property not subject to current Tree Code. Motion passed 6-1 • Ayes: Kliment, Phipps, Higgins, Mark, Stavig, White • Noes: Cass The group debated when to forward this to City Council. There was discussion about waiting to send memo until after they speak with the Planning Board as a courtesy to them. Vice Chair Phipps thought they could notify the Planning Board about this without meeting with them because it would extend the process. Motion made by Chair Kliment, seconded by Board Member Higgins, to wait until after speaking with the Planning Board to forward this recommendation to the City Council. Motion died 3-3. Motion made by Board Member Stavig, seconded by Vice Chair Phipps, that the revised motion/memo be sent post haste to City Council with an FYI as a courtesy distribution to the Planning Board. Motion passed 5-2. • Ayes: Phipps, Higgins, Mark, Stavig, White • Noes: Kliment, Cass Director Feser asked if the Board wanted her to forward the memo immediately after she drafts it to the Council Liaison or if they wanted to review it first (at the August meeting). Motion made by Vice Chair Phipps, seconded by Board Member Stavig, to send the memo as soon as possible. Motion passed 5-2. • Ayes: Phipps, Higgins, Mark, Stavig, White • Noes: Kliment, Cass Director Feser indicated she would email the memo and cc both the Tree Board and the Planning Board. NEW BUSINESS 1. Climate Action Group – There was some discussion about whether the Tree Board wanted to be involved with this. Director Feser clarified that the Hazel Miller Foundation applied for grant money to run the event, but they were not successful in that grant application. 2. Discussion about adding Big Red as a Heritage Tree – Vice Chair Phipps referred to a letter submitted by Dennis in reference to this. Board Member Mark was supportive of having a heritage tree program so they can identify a few trees around town that have some significance, and people can learn about them and trees in general. He wasn’t so sure it would be appropriate in this situation, especially since Tree Board Meeting Minutes June 6, 2024 Page 5 of 5 heritage tree is currently a nebulous term. Director Feser noted that the Board could make a recommendation for a definition. The group debated the merits of making a recommendation about Big Red. Board Member Stavig suggested presenting the idea of a heritage tree program in time for the Arbor celebration in October. Board Member Cass recalled previous discussions about this. She noted that there can be a lot of controversy around a heritage tree program. Because of this, they had discussed calling it something else to indicate that they were noteworthy trees. At the time they had decided not to do a heritage tree program, especially on private property because of liability concerns, but they had considered acknowledging special trees on public property. Director Feser referred to the Exceptional Tree Program project listed on the approved work plan. She noted that the Heritage Tree Program had been discussed but was not on the work plan. Board Member Mark wondered if the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) would want to collaborate on including the history of some of the trees. Board Member White suggested letting the HPC handle it as a historic feature. There was mention of the expense of plaques to identify certain trees and how the app could make it much more affordable. There was consensus to recommend contacting the HPC to nominate Big Red for the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. STAFF COMMENTS/UPDATES Director Feser explained she would respond to any emails that come into the Tree Board with questions about permits. She will also modify the website related to the Tree Board. TREE BOARD CHAIR, MEMBER COMMENTS Board Member Cass thanked the group for bearing with her spotty internet connection. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m. Next meeting: August 1 Tree Board Meeting Minutes August 1, 2024 Page 1 of 3 DRAFT CITY OF EDMONDS TREE BOARD Summary Minutes of Regular Meeting August 1, 2024 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Board Member Cass read the Land Acknowledgement. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL Vice Chair Phipps called the Tree Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members Present Wendy Kliment, Chair (online) Bill Phipps, Vice Chair Janelle Cass Ben Mark (online) Board Members Absent Ian Higgins Crane Stavig Ray White Ross Dimmick (alternate) Staff Present Angie Feser, Parks, Recreation & Human Services Director Others Present Jenna Nand, City Council Liaison MINUTES: 1. Approval of June 6, 2024 Tree Board Minutes (Continued) It was noted that on Page 2 of 5, Chair Cass should be Board Member Cass. There was also a question about one of the vote counts and consensus to wait to approve minutes to check with Board Member Higgins. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as presented. AUDIENCE COMMENTS There were no audience comments. Tree Board Meeting Minutes August 1, 2024 Page 2 of 3 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour Tree ID Report (Kliment/Mark) • Chair Kliment reported that she and Board Member Mark got all the signs made and put together. It appears that the event went well. 2. Tree App Project Update (Mark) • Board Member Mark explained there are already existing apps that work well. He suggested having a club of people who are interested in observing trees using one of the existing apps instead of creating a new one specific to Edmonds. There was some discussion about a subcommittee working on this project to come up with a plan to present to the Board and to determine staff impacts. Board Members Mark, Cass, and Higgins will pursue this. 3. Tree Board’s Tree Code Recommendations (Feser) • Director Feser reported that the formal motion that the Board revised, crafted, and adopted at the last meeting was emailed to the entire City Council on July 12. Councilmembers Eck and Chen responded with their appreciation for the work and consideration of the motion. There was some discussion about the process. • Director Feser apologized that she had not distributed another memo but will do that tomorrow morning. 4. Planning Board Joint Meeting Update • Director Feser noted that the Planning Board had picked July 10 as a date for a joint meeting but realized they needed to postpone due to a very full agenda. She also reported that Acting Planning Manager Mike Clugston has resigned, and his last day will be August 9. Planning and Development is down quite a few employees right now which may impact the Tree Board’s ability to meet with the Planning Board. It is unknown how this will impact the Tree Code work. • Board Member Cass suggested that it might be helpful for the Tree Board to focus on reviewing any relevant subsections of the Draft EIS when it comes out. • Councilmember Nand suggested they might pursue a meeting with the Mayor’s Climate Protection Committee; she feels the two groups have great synergy. Vice Chair Phipps is a member of that Committee; he thinks it is a great idea for the two groups to do joint projects. • Councilmember Nand said she will see if the Council can host a volunteer recognition event where all the boards and committee members are invited to get together. There was some discussion about the last volunteer appreciation event. NEW BUSINESS 1. Climate Action Group – September Event • Vice Chair Phipps said this event fell through because they didn’t get the grant. He explained that the group is pretty demoralized, and three members quit. He noted that they will still be hosting a booth at the August 3 market. • Board Member Cass suggested inviting them to join the Tree Board at the Arbor Day booth. She noted that the groups can save a lot of staff time and funding by doing joint activities and Tree Board Meeting Minutes August 1, 2024 Page 3 of 3 streamlining events. She suggested they could perhaps cooperate on the Tsunami Evacuation event in September. • There was some discussion about a sea rise art project that the Climate Action Group had commissioned an artist for that also fell through. Board Member Cass suggested seeing if this could be incorporated into the Port’s sea wall project or perhaps privately funded. STAFF COMMENTS/UPDATES Director Feser reiterated her apology about not getting the memo sent out and noted she would get it out first thing in the morning. TREE BOARD CHAIR, MEMBER COMMENTS Vice Chair Phipps suggested it might be time to come up with some new projects for the Tree Board. He referred to the Tree Maintenance fund to help those who might be economically challenged maintain trees on their property. Another idea he was interested in pursuing is the tree voucher program such as Lynnwood has. Director Feser suggested reviewing the Tree Board’s work plan at the next meeting. Councilmember Nand suggested looking into a carbon sequestration program in Edmonds so that when people buy carbon offsets, companies like Forterra can plant trees for free in the city. Vice Chair Phipps agreed and spoke to the need to get the City involved and to have staff reach out to Forterra. Councilmember Nand commented that some of the Heritage Tree program advocates are coming to her office hours next week. She invited a sub-quorum level of Tree Board members to join them. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m. Next Meeting: September 6 Project Name Date Project Type Grouping Description TB Lead Status Staff Impact/ Partners Budget Shared file storage for documents, photos, etc Administrative Administrative Currently using FTP for file sharing. Consider shifting to One Drive or Sharepoint for ease of collaboration/ modernization. City staff inquiring with IT department (2/6/2024) Tree Board Handbook Administrative Administrative Develop guide consistent with City boards/commissions with: new member orientation, history, mission, guiding principles/policies, primary responsibilities, budget info, staff role, etc. adopted 2/1/24 Webpage update Administrative Administrative Revise content, imagery and graphics for greater advocacy and outreach (within City web content standards). Research other city’s TB webpages. Info update 1/25/24 Annual Presentation to City Council (required)* 26-Mar Ongoing Annual Event Approved 2023 Events & Projects Create PPT and give presentation. Check PPTs in file server for examples. Council packet submittal deadline is one week prior to meeting. Wendy Completed 3/26/24 Parks Earth Day Event* (UFMP Goal 2E, 2I) 20-Apr Ongoing Annual Event Approved 2023 Events & Projects Concurrent restoration projects @ Yost and Pine Ridge (TB) and 2 beach locations (others). TB members host sign-in tables and provide TB info materials. 10:00 - 12:00 Wendy Completed 4/20/24 Parks Contact: Jenn Leach $60 Watershed Fun Fair 18-May New Project Approved 3/7/2024 Ongoing SSS/Parks Dept. event at Salmon Hatchery, approx. 200 attendees. Tasks: secure table, provide kids activity. Bill Completed 5/18/24 Staff to order tree seedlings. Parks Contact: Angie Feser $200 for soil and tree plugs Adopted 03/ 07/24, Updated 08/19/2024 Tree Laminated Signs 1-Jul New Project Individual laminated signs for trees that share environmental benefits, info City - will laminate signs (1 week), provide zip ties. TB - ID Trees, develop and email signs to City, afix to and remove (30 days) from the trees. Seek permission if private property. Bill Angie Feser Angie.Feser@ed mondswa.gov Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour 1-Jul Ongoing Annual Event Approved 2023 Events & Projects TB - work with EIB to identify and approve trees on private property. Assemble tree ID signs and deliver. City - unlike previous years, no staff needed if TB members ID trees. ?? Assist with tree ID signs? Wendy Completed Contact: EIB/Tia Scarce digdig@mac.co m, Carol Murray (EIB Pres.) Public Tree Walking Tour 5-Oct New Project Tenative Informative tour featuring tree factoids, history, etc. featuring significant public trees. Was performed very Successfully in 2023 Crane Parks Contact: Angie Feser Arbor Day Event and Farmer's Market Tree Giveaway 5-Oct Ongoing Annual Event Approved 2023 Events & Projects Concurrent with Edmonds Farmers Market event. Tree/seedling give-away and public information campaign with interactive City of Edmonds map showing critical areas. City: copies of handouts/materials (1 week),order trees/seedlings and deliver to FM morning of event. TB: provide wish list of trees to City by ??, provide people at FM booth, select booth materials, TBD: booth reservation Angie Feser Angie.Feser@ed mondswa.gov $1,050 Arbor Day Proclamation Proclamation (required)* Note: celebrating Arbor Day is required to maintain Tree City USA 1-Oct Ongoing Annual Event Approved 2023 Events & Projects At October 1 City Council meeting. City staff to develop proclamation/provide for city council agenda packet. Chair Staff develop Proclamation, organize for Council presentation. $0 Update Street/ Suggest Homeowner Trees List New Project Approved 2023 Events & Projects Help update recommended tree list for for streets; neighborhoods Crane/Bill Public outreach about Critical Areas New Project Approved 2023 Events & Projects Create public education plan to educate residents on where their homes are relative to critical areas. (at Farmers Market booth). Possibly on city website. Janelle In process Planning Dept Exceptional Trees on public property New Project Approved 2023 Events & Projects Goal this year to idenify and provide plaques for exceptional trees. We would like to keep this more informal. Ben Mark $500 Tree Code Update Project* (UFMP Goal 1A, Stage 2) 7-Mar Ongoing Approved 2023 Events & Projects Tree Board provides a written recommendation to City Council and Planning Board Bill, Ben and Ian N/A Tree Maintenance Assistance Proposed Tree fund funding. Develop criteria and program (city finance and legal department) Sign Replacement, Restoration & Tree Planting at Sierra Park (UFMP Goal 4A) Arbor Day Event? Future Project On Hold Site restoration. Plant site-specific trees/understory and replace interpretive signs at Sierra Park. Parks contact: Angie Feser Angie.Feser@ed mondswa.gov Lion’s Club contact: Deandra? Public Education/Advocacy (UFMP Goals 1Ei, Goals 4A- C) Public Education/Advocacy Potential Project PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED BUT NOT APPROVED AS 2023 PROJECTS Anti-topping campaign or other positive tree messaging such as Trees Are the Answer! Trees are Good! Healthy Trees/Healthy Cities, etc. Create a Tree Owner’s Manual Handbook (see DNR example). Tree voucher program (UFMP Goal 3A) Potential Project PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED BUT NOT APPROVED AS 2023 PROJECTS See Lynnwood/Kirkland examples of City-run voucher programs, adapt to TB-run program? Organize one-time tree giveaway event to incentivize street tree or private property trees. Award program or event (UFMP Goal 3C) Potential Project PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED BUT NOT APPROVED AS 2023 PROJECTS Develop a certification/awards program recognizing developers/property owners for superior tree care or preservation. Earn TCUSA Growth Awards Potential Project PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED BUT NOT APPROVED AS 2023 PROJECTS Beyond TCUSA Arbor Day* requirements. Need 10 points to receive Growth Award. Complete by Dec 1. Contact: Parks & Recreation Dept Heritage Tree Program (UFMP Goal 1D, Goal 3C) Potential Project PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED BUT NOT APPROVED AS 2023 PROJECTS Establish program to designate Heritage Trees in Edmonds. Develop nomination process, tree criteria, selection committee. Create signage/plaque. Schedule celebration, invite dignitaries? Consider mapping on City website for greater public education, advocacy. Tree planting or pruning class (UFMP Goals 2G, 2I, 4Biii) Potential Project PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED BUT NOT APPROVED AS 2023 PROJECTS Could be one-time or ongoing annual event. Pruning instruction could be provided by expert (PlantAmensty?), planting could promote species diversity. For public or private property trees. Contact: Parks