HomeMy WebLinkAboutMilton Tree Preservation Committee Meeting 08 13 08Minutes
The Milton Tree Preservation Committee
August 13, 2008, 3:30 p.m.
MEETING LOCATION:
Milton City Hall
Executive Conference Room
Suite 107-G
COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
Roger Festa
Diane Palmer
Zack Middlebrooks
Scott Gronholm
COMMITTEE MEMBERS NOT IN ATTENDANCE
Q Cherilyn Allen
David Holcomb
GUEST ATTENDEES
Joe Padilla
MILTON STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
Mark Law, City Arborist
Alice Wakefield, Community Development Director
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Introduction(s)
2. Continued discussion on Section 1 Tree Ordinance
3. Discussion:
a. Permit Procedure
b. Removal of Trees
4. Public Comment
5. Adjournment
Minutes
Milton Tree Preservation Committee
August 13, 2008
Page 2 of 4
CALL TO ORDER
➢ Meeting called to order by City Arborist, Mark Law
DISCUSSION ON TREE REMOVAL PERMITS
➢ Discussed that tree removal permits shall be required for tree removals of up to six
(6) trees per acre or not more than 40% of trees per year.
➢ Recommendation was made by Mr. Festa and agreed by all that the 40% should be
left out and keep current requirement that tree density units must be maintained for
the site.
➢ 2" - 3" trees give you 1.2 units.
➢ Mr. Gronholm raised the question of how we will address working farms and such
true agriculture operation with little or no existing trees.
➢ Mr. Gronholm stated he would like to see some type of incentives given to save trees
such as a higher unit value credited to specimen trees that are saved.
➢ Discussion about importance of spelling things out and making a reference like
saying subject to the stream buffer guidelines and other ordinances.
➢ Brief discussion regarding increasing the density unit requirements.
➢ Adam Orkin commented regarding tree removals within building setbacks.
Y Comments generated were that we should not prohibit removals but encourage
conserving or replanting within the setbacks (boundary trees).
y Need to have a letter or verification that specifies that a tree is being cut down
because it is dead so we know that before it is removed.
➢ A permit is required to take a tree down.
➢ Discussion about permit process.
➢ Lengthy Committee discussion about the cutting down of trees.
Minutes
Milton Tree Preservation Committee
August 13, 2008
Page 3 of 4
➢ Discussion about enforcing tree recompense.
➢ Discussion about having incentive to save the bigger trees.
➢ Diane Palmer stated she went out and talked to her neighbors about their feelings,
and they feel strongly about protecting their trees whether in a covenant or tree
ordinance.
➢ Rules should apply for everyone whether a developer or someone wanting to have a
horse farm with some flexibility.
➢ Needs to keep the trees for the air quality and to control the heat and pollution.
➢ Need to have balance and let people know Milton stands for saving trees.
➢ It is difficult telling people what they can or cannot do.
➢ Hope we can draft something that will act as a guideline.
➢ Cannot undue the damage that has already been done, but going forward can try to
prevent it.
➢ Trying to make improvements through the ordinance so as not to have the same
problems Fulton County has had.
➢ Alice Wakefield said Fulton County has had good tree protection in most places,
except perhaps in South Fulton, but it can be improved upon.
➢ Mark Law said making some changes will help with enforcement by specifying what
can and cannot be done.
➢ This will help everyone understand the importance of keeping the trees for oxygen
and for green spaces.
➢ Discussion about removing a dead tree on your property - permit or not?
Mark Law stated if it is a hazardous tree, it needs to be immediately removed.
➢ Mark Law asked Committee to continue review the document and make any
suggestions and comments to be discussed at the next meeting.
Minutes
Milton Tree Preservation Committee
August 13, 2008
Page 4 of 4
NEXT MEETING DATE
➢ Alice Wakefield confirmed future meeting dates, the 2nd ad , ednesdays of the
month.
Next meeting is Wednesday, August 27, 20o8 at 3:30 p.m.
Alice Wakefield stated we will confer in October regarding the rescheduling or
cancelling the meeting dates scheduled the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
ADJOURNMENT
➢ There was no further business.
➢ The Milton Tree Preservation Committee meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Date Approved: K " 2 %' O
Mart Law, City Arborist