HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-2009 Tree Committee Meeting MinutesThe Tree Committee of the City of Fairhope met Thursday, April 16, 2009 at
3:00 PM at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street.
Present: Bobby Green, Chairman; Members: Tom Ellis, Rick Kingrea, Maria
Gwynn, Skip Jones, Paul Fontenot. Jennifer Fidler, Public Works Director
and Horticulturist. Betty Rivenbark, Secretary. Absent: Jackie Frodsham
Paul Ripp and Jim Horner were present.
The minutes of the January 15, 2009 meeting were duly approved as
presented. Jennifer mentioned that the Tree Committee needed to make a
recommendation to the Planning Commission on their interpretation on
Landscape Buffers, so they knew what to tell developers. Bobby said it
needed to be clarified in several documents. Tom recommended we do this
by sending a memo of what we believe it should be, send to Jean Wilson,
Chairman of Planning Commission. Further discussion was held on whether
we meant untouched or landscaped, there are different interpretations. It
was discussed saying "existing natural undisturbed buffers". Bobby said he
will write something and send it to all to review and then send to the
Planning Commission. Skip Jones moved to do this, Maria Gwynn 2nd the
motion and it carried unanimously
Arbor Day-Jackie Frodsham had sent a report saying it was a great turn
out. The weather was perfect and the rain held off until after the seedling
giveaway. The Mayor gave out three Beautification Awards: Walcott,
Adams & Vernuille; Dr. Peterson's Office on Greeno Road; Jade Consulting
Building at Edwards and Greeno Road. Jackie gave out nine Treasured
Tree Awards. She wrote the program is a combined effort of the City of
Fairhope Tree Committee and the Wisteria Garden Club. Jennifer said it
went well, gave out 1200 native trees. She said there were a couple of
vendors and Chris Francis did a tree seminar. She said the poster awards
were given out to the 5th graders.
Tom reported on the centennial tree program. Jennifer said it is completed
they have planted the last ones behind the library but the mapping is not
complete yet. Tom read a card from Edith Lawson's daughter expressing
her appreciation for the program.
Kudzu Control -Tom reported that Bo Brodbeck will help and he will get in
touch with Auburn. Tom and Jennifer just need to pick a spot, they talked
about doing it down at the warehouse area but Jennifer pointed out that they
were trying to control erosion, needed to be aware of this.
Bobby gave a report on the Johnston complaint about wanting to cut a tree
on Fairhope Avenue across from the Intermediate School. He said the issue
is really the speed of traffic, he suggested Jennifer and Rick look at the tree
and see what they could come up with in possibly slowing down the traffic.
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Organization
Membership and Vice-Chair -Rick Kingrea reported on the number of
members and vice-chair and said that if we have a quorum you can take
action and record vote whether chair or vice-chair.
Ordinance and Procedures -Skip Jones said he and Mariah have set a date
for a meeting, Wednesday the 22nd• and they will assemble changes into a
document and send to everyone.
Ordinance Language -Bobby Green gave a handout that he said he plans
to read to the City Council at the next City Council meeting which said ... The
Tree Committee including former members, councilmen Dan Stankoski and
Bob Gentle, plus current member (Kingrea) have concerns over the
interpretation and enforcement of the tree and landscape ordinance. With
this in mind, the Tree Committee is beginning a process of ordinance
revision to ensure the Planning & Zoning and Council approval of projects,
including specific conditions of approval, are implemented. Discussion
followed, Rick Kingrea made the comment that one set of rules should apply
to all then come back if they want adjustments. Skip Jones said we need to
refine the Tree Ordinance and work with landscaping companies, that
developers want to know. Bobby said if no one had an objection he is going
to read the letter at the City Council meeting.
Plan Review -Bobby asked Jennifer and Paul Fontenot to work together in
reviewing plans before they go to Planning and Zoning Commission.
Jennifer said she could contact him when they come in.
Under old business the Regency -Publix site was discussed as to whether
they have done what required. Jennifer said she had a sketch and amended
their drawing and added requiring six live oaks, that have been planted, on
the property which she feels satisfied the drawing requirement. She has
been out there and walked it and ok'd it. Bobby said that they had ignored
Tom's letter. Tom said he does not feel that way since they have planted
the required six live oaks he feels that they have complied and it is a dead
issue. Paul said he feels they have done what asked of them. Further
discussion led to the suggestion of getting a current tree inventory and
have the Mayor send a letter to all parties, the state, regency, Corte, the
highway department and make sure they understand we have it so no
further removal will be made on the property. Skip Jones moved for this to
be done. Tom Ellis 2 nd the motion and it carried unanimously.
Under new business Earth Day -Tom said he needed some help with a
booth that they are going to have, need some poster board. Jennifer said
she would get some to him.
Paul mentioned to Jennifer that she needed to check on Shellbrook, that it
looked like some of the trees did not make it. She said she would.
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Jennifer Fidler left at 4:00 PM
Mariah Gwynn asked to be heard and passed out to the Tree Committee
what she perceives as violations of the Tree Ordinance at the Publix site.
She said she feels the system is broke, how do we fix it. Discussion followed
on the perceived violations and the copy of a tree inventory that was
attached to the back of her papers. The committee reached a consensus
that it was unclear to them how the city had used or not used the required
tree inventory, which they said they had been told did not exist. Since
Jennifer Fidler had left the meeting there was no one to reply to the
violations stated or discussed. Rick Kingrea said he hopes all appropriate
procedures were followed. The committee voted with one abstention by
Rick Kingrea, to send a letter to Mayor Kant asking him to investigate the
use or lack of use of the tree inventory by the city during preliminary plat
approval of the project.
There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned.
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