2014-10-02 Tree Board MinutesEDMONDS CITIZENS' TREE BOARD
APPROVED MINUTES
October 2, 2014
The Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board Meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. by Board Member Paine in
the Brackett Room, 3 d Floor City Hall, 121 5th Avenue North, Edmonds, WA.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Steve Hatzenbeler
Darcy MacPherson
Roy Smith
Anna Heckman
Rick Zitzmann
Barbara Harrell (arrived 6:06 p.m.)
Susan Paine
Renee Travis (arrived 6:17 p.m.)
1. CALL TO ORDER
STAFF PRESENT
Kernen Lien, Senior Planner
Elizabeth Walker, Consultant
Jeanne McConnell, Engineering Program Mgr. I
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Joan Bloom —City Councilmember
Board Member Paine called the meeting to order.
2. ROLL CALL
All board members were present with the exception of Board Members Harrell and Travis (who
arrived later).
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Board Member MacPherson moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Board Member Zitzmann.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was agreed the notes of the August meeting were not official minutes because there was not a
quorum.
a. July Minutes
b. September Minutes
Board Member MacPherson moved to approve the July and September minutes; seconded by Board
Member Zitzmann. Motion carried unanimously.
5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Jan Bush, Elm Place, Elm & 6th Ave S, explained they are interested in developing a strategic plan
for landscaping and trees in the common area of Elm Place..
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Sandy Gilbert, Elm Place, Elm & 6t" Ave S, explained the homeowners own the property from the
drip line/eaves of their residences in and the remainder is common area for which homeowners share
the cost of maintenance. The development was built in 1989; the landscaping includes many large
Bigleaf Maples. They want to make responsible decisions with regard to the trees.
Board Member Paine explained the Tree Board is not a decision -making body; it is advisory to the
City Council. Mr. Lien described the process for removal of trees on private property, commenting
Elm Place is a PRD that includes an approved landscape plan; tree removal permits to date have
been processed as a landscape modification. Willow Creek also flows through Elm Place and critical
area regulations apply to trees within the creek buffer. He suggested rather than individual requests,
looking at the entire Elm Place property via one permit. He provided his contact information.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Arbor Day Planning
Board Member Paine distributed materials that will be available at the Arbor Day table at the
Summer Market. Board Member MacPherson will bring several potted conifers, Board Members
Heckman and Travis will bring books. Board Members identified their availability to staff the table.
7. DISCUSSION
a. Review of First Draft of Code Revisions
Consultant Elizabeth Walker explained this is a rough first draft to identify the process and
requirements. Definitions refer to items in code; it is not a glossary of terms. She and Mr. Lien
reviewed the proposed code revisions.
Discussion followed regarding definitions, exemption for trees in critical areas, tree removal
permits, when to bring an arborist into tree removal permits, tree removal with new development
versus on existing development, landmark trees, community impact of large trees, educating the
public on options to removing a heritage tree, cost of a tree permit, fee for violation, difficulty
justifying replacement above minimum tree density by zone without an Urban Forestry Plan,
criteria for removing more than 2 trees in 36 months, criteria for approving/denying a tree removal
permit, tree removal to restore views or existing conditions, and private property rights. Ms.
Walker will develop tree permit types based on discussion.
With regard to minimum tree units, Board members and staff discussed providing a lot size range
rather than specifying the zone, when minimum tree units apply, applicability of CAO for trees in
critical areas, definition of tree removal, adding maintenance of previously topped trees as an
exemption to tree removal, including a date in the code for legal reasons, view
easements/covenants to protect views, and adding a definition of tree unit.
Mr. Lien advised he will return with a revised draft that will include ROW trees and reflect tonight's
discussion. The goal is a public hearing in December on the draft code. Information regarding the
tree code update will be included in the City's quarterly email newsletter. He suggested the Board
discuss a location/date for the public hearing at next month's meeting.
Board Member Paine suggested adding trees to the Complete Streets code and making them an
essential part of the transportation infrastructure.
8. NEW BUSINESS — None
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9. TREE BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Board Member Smith announced he does not plan to renew when his term expires at the end of the
year. He has enjoyed serving on the Tree Board.
Board Member Heckman offered to provide materials from the International Society for Horticulture
Science NW Chapter conference that she attended in Vancouver, Washington.
Board Member Paine advised she plans to resign when her term expires in December due to the
travel requirements of her new job. She expressed interest in staying involved as a volunteer. She
relayed the City Attorney's advice that Council action is required for (Alternate) Board Member Travis
to become a board member.
Board Member Paine cautioned board members not to use their home emails at any time as it puts
the City at risk due to the Public Information Act.
10. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Future Meetings:
October 4, 2014 — Arbor Day
November 5, 2014 — Tree Board
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