HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-03 Tree_MIN
Ashland TreeCommission
Draft Minutes
December 3, 2020
Call to Order
Commission Chair Johncalled the meeting to order at 6:01pm via ZOOM.
Commissioners Present:Council Liaison
Christopher JohnStephen Jensen
Asa Cates
ParkLiaison
Eric Simpson
Cat GouldPeter Baughman
Staff Present:
Aaron Anderson: Associate Planner
Commissioners Not In Attendance:
ALL PRESENT
Approval of Minutes
CommissionersGould /Johnm/s to approve the minutes ofNovember 3, 2020. Voice Vote: All AYES.
Motion passed.
Public Forum
There was no one wishing to speak.
Liaison reports
Council Liaison -Councilor Jensen gave a brief update, including the outcome of the election and the change
in the city charter. He gave an update on the Fire Chief and the City Manager position and mentioned the
approval of the Kendrick annexation.
Parks & Recreation Liaison –Baughman reported that the forestry division is doing fuel reduction above white
rabbit trail. The Japanese garden progress is continuing, and all tree protection fencing is in place.He went on to
say that the ice rink will not be opening this year due to covid restrictions.
Community Development Liaison –Anderson reported that Tree of the year nominations should have started
and wanted feedback on whether to cancel in 2021.
TYPE I REVIEWS
PLANNING ACTION:TREE-2020-00128
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 485 Clinton St.
OWNER/APPLICANT: Dolly Travers for Riverwalk HOA
DESCRIPTION: A request for approval to remove two conifer trees from a common area at the Riverwalk
subdivision. The application materials indicate that the trees are in poor health as indicated by lack of root flare
visible canker wounds and a pronounced lean. The application explains that the HOA feels that these trees pose
a fire hazard as well. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:Single Family Residential; ZONING: R-1-5;
MAP: 39 1E 04 DD;TAX LOT: 1600
Anderson explained that staff had this come before the themagain because the staff advisor wanted the Tree
Commission todiscusspruning to wildfire standards and if that would affect the health of the tree.
The applicants were there to give a brief presentation in support of the application.
Chair John remarked that he did not concur with the health and stability concerns that were presented by the
applicant and therewas discussion about why a removal can’t be approved for aesthetic reason. Anderson
pointed out that the criteria for removal requiresthat the Commissionmake a finding that the tree is a hazard.
Simpson/Cates M/S recommend denial of the application. 4-0
PLANNING ACTION:TREE-2020-00132
th
SUBJECT PROPERTY:265 6Street
APPLICANT: Quality Tree Care
OWNER: LeonardEisenberg
DESCRIPTION:A request for approval to remove two hazard trees, the first is a 36”DBH Catalpa which has
three main stems, the second tree is a 12” DBH blue spruce. The application materials include a report by an ISA
certified arborist as well as completed risk assessment forms. The application materials explain that the root
system ofthe catalpa is damaging the nearby foundation and sewer line. The application explains that due to the
shallow root system of the spruce the removal of the catalpa will expose the spruce to wind loads that may cause
the tree to fall into the neighboring property.COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:Multi Family Residential;
ZONING: R-2; MAP: 39 1E 09 AB;TAX LOT: 4400
Anderson briefly presented the application and stated that the applicant is an ISA certified arborist and did include
a risk assessment form with the application.
There was no one in attendance in support of the application.
There was general agreement that the argument for removal of the spruce tree was not well developed. It was
discussed that therewas not sufficient evidence in the record that the tree was cracking the foundation.
Cates/John M/S to approve the removal of the catalpa with the condition of approval that they provide
photographic evidence of the damage to the foundation, and denial of the removal of the spruce.
application. 4-0
PLANNING ACTION:TREE-2020-00133
SUBJECT PROPERTY:565 B Street
OWNER/APPLICANT: Mary Ellen Wilson
DESCRIPTION:A request for approval to a single native plum tree that is identified as posing a hazard due to a
large section of decay near thebase of the tree. The tree is 18” DBH and approximately thirty-feet in height. The
application materials include a report by an arborist statin that the hazard cannot reasonably be mitigated through
pruning and recommends removal of the tree. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:Multi Family
Residential; ZONING: R-2; MAP: 39 1E 09 AB;TAX LOT: 6200
Anderson presented the application.
There was no one in attendance in support of the application.
Simpson remarked that the tree was in poor form and leaning significantly over the alley.
Simpson/Cates M/S to approve the application as submitted. 4-0
PLANNING ACTION:PA-A-2020-00133
APPLICANT: Birchwood HOA
DESCRIPTION:A request to review and administratively approve an update to the street tree and common area
landscaping plan for the Birchwood HOA. The application includes updated species that are more appropriate to
the site so that in the future should a tree need to be removed due to either death or disease. The application
does not include a request for any tree removals at this time.
Anderson presented the application.
There was no one in attendance in support of the application.
There was general agreement that the species being proposed are appropriate.
Gould/Simpson M/S to approve the application as presented 4-0
TYPE II REVIEWS
Nothing up for review
STREET TREE REMOVAL PERMITS
Nothing up for review
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Wildlife best practices-condition of approval (Gould):
Gould discussed the laws and guidelines that she has collected as a rough draft for consideration as an
attachment for approved street tree removals. There was general agreement that a hand out with this information
is a good resource to include with approved tree removals. There were some suggestions for improvement and
Gould indicated that she would bring back a revised draft at a future meeting.
Tree of the Year:
Anderson suggested skipping Tree of the Year 2020. Gould strongly felt that there should be a Tree of the Year
even if the nomination / voting happen in 2021. Gould suggested that the form could be converted to a flyer
directing people to submit their nominations via email.
ADJOURNMENT:
Meetingadjourned at7:39 pm
Next meeting: January 7, 2021
Respectfully submitted by Regan Trapp