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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 12 02 Arbor Ordinance Review Advisory Committee Minutes CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS M1NUTES TREE (ARBOR) ORDINANCE REVIEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING DECEMBER 2, 2002 I. CALL TO ORDER The Tree (Arbor) Ordinance Review Advisory Committee Meeting was called to order on Monday, December 2, 2002 at 5 :00 p.m. in the East Training Room of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). Roll Call: Committee Member Marshall Allen, present Committee Member Gary G. Diller, absent Committee Member Carol Fottler, present Committee Member Byron Giltz, present Committee Member Darcy Meagher, absent Committee Member Brian 1. Oliver, arrived at 5:03 p.m. Committee Member Roger Owen, present Committee Member William Reischmann, present Ms. Marilyn Crotty, University of Central Florida, Florida Institute of Government, 35 West Pine Street, Orlando, Florida: referring to Agenda Changes, Ms. Crotty requested that future Meetings be discussed by the conclusion of tonight's Meeting. Committee Member Brian J Oliver arrived at 5:03 p.m. II. CONSENT CONSENT A. Approval Of The November 4, 2002 Meeting Minutes. Ms. Crotty inquired if there were any cOlTections to the Minutes. With no corrections noted, by consensus, the Committee Members approved the Minutes of the November 4, 2002 Meeting. III. REGULAR REGULAR A. Overview Of Urban Forest Management. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES TREE (ARBOR) ORDINANCE REVIEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING - DECEMBER 2, 2002 PAGE20F4 Ms. Yvonne Froscher, Environmental Consultant, Post Office Box 195305, Winter Springs, Florida: spoke of whether the Ordinance's goal addresses the management of urban forests; and described various aspects of urban forests. City Attorney Anthony Garganese arrived at 5:05 p.m. .:..:. AGENDA NOTE: THE FOLLOWING REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS \VERE DISCUSSED TOGETHER AS DOCUMENTED. .:..:. III. REGULAR REGULAR B. Overview Of Current Ordinance (Number 2002-08). REGULAR Bl. Strengths Of Current Ordinance. REGULAR B2. Weaknesses Of Current Ordinance. Ms. Froscher reviewed the strengths of the current Arbor Ordinance and suggested goals that the Committee should accomplish if the Arbor Ordinance is amended. Ms. Froscher suggested that the areas that need to be addressed in the Ordinance are: What are the goals of the Ordinance; delegating responsibilities to someone to enforce and carry out the objectives of the Ordinance; maintaining the canopies in existing neighborhoods; enforcement; and carrying out the objectives of the Ordinance. Ms. Froscher then spoke of basic performance standards; addressed specific points on attaining these goals; and stated that the purpose of the Committee is to determine what the needs are of the citizens of the City of the Winter Springs. Additionally Ms. Froscher spoke of a Comprehensive Management Strategy; and that whatever is adopted must have the backing of the citizens of the City. Next, the goals of the Ordinance were reviewed. Ms. Froscher explained that preserving native vegetation, native trees "Is an important aspect of the Ordinance" and "It may be an area that you may want to give some thought to." Appendix "A" was then discussed and Ms. Froscher stated, "I think one of the things that might be considered as far as management of the urban forest is to perhaps expand the language to try to control or eradicate some trees, and explaining why we would want to do this." Discussion. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES TREE (ARBOR) ORDINANCE REVIEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING - DECEMBER 2, 2002 PAGE30F4 Attorney Garganese was asked if in the definition of "Primary Tree Protection Zone", whether areas around "Retention ponds, and other drainage facilities and other features outside of a typical commercial lot" were included. Attorney Garganese explained, "The intent was to tie into the definition of front, side, and rear yard Zoning Code and I believe it includes practically everything, the whole entire lot." Further discussion. Ms. Froscher continued reviewing definitions and recommend that Cabbage Palms should be included as native plants as they are valuable trees for wildlife, and part of our ecosystem. Ms. Froscher then spoke of all the aspects involved in replacing a tree and suggested, "The dollar amount of fines to a tree credit perhaps shouldn't just be the cost of the tree; perhaps it should also include an installation and maintenance charge." Considering to allow homeowners to remove one (1) tree in five (5) years if certain requirements were met was next suggested by Ms. Froscher. The removal of undesirable trees was also discussed. With discussion, the need to educate residents and City Staff with Arbor Laws and managing our urban forests was reviewed. Tape I/Side B Ms. Froscher recommended removing some trees from the desired specimen list, such as Sandpines, and Laurel Oaks. Ms. Froscher spoke of the replacement standard of one (1) inch for each one (1) inch removed; to consider power line easement height language; that the amount .of Cabbage Palms in "Landscaped planted setting" should be minimized; limiting the amount of any one (1) species; and whether replacements should only be native plants. Discussion. Ms. Froscher reviewed a handout related to tree replacement credit and tree replacement standards. With discussion, it was suggested by Ms. Froscher that since fines cannot exceed amounts set in the Florida Statutes that each "Violation be split up" into categories; and to "Kick that penalty up one more notch and have a per day fine while people are shut down and out of compliance with the Ordinance". Discussion. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES TREE (ARBOR) ORDINANCE REVIEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING - DECEMBER 2, 2002 PAGE40F4 IV. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Crotty informed the Members of the Committee that their final recommendations are scheduled to be submitted to the City Commission at the March 10, 2003 Regular Meeting. With consensus of the Committee, the next Meeting will be held January 6, 2002, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. V. REPORTS No Reports were given. VI. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Crotty adjourned the Meeting at 6:25 p.m. RESPECTFULLYSUBA1ITTED: DEBBIE GILLESPIE AND ~h~~ PALLADINO Boards and Committees\Arbor (Tree) Ordinance Review Advisory Committee\alll\Minutes\I 20202 MEETING.doc NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the January 6, 2003 Tree (Arbor) Ordinance Review Advisory Committee.