minpws 01-09-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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David Sangree, TEAB board member, gave an overview of the group's recommendations for 2023. He stated that the recommendations should help the city achieve it's goal of increasing the tree canopy to 33%. One of the recommendations included hiring an urban forester who can meet with residents, implement a city tree strategy, and apply for grants. Others include building a robust funding portfolio using Lakewood's status as a Tree City USA, increasing private tree planting through promotional offers of free backyard trees, continuing the public tree planting program with increased focus on watering seasonally, and implementing a large tree protection ordinance that requires permitting for the removal of trees and instituting replacement requirements. Rita Stevens, TEAB board member, gave a summary and closing statements. She encouraged the city to think big, don't do the work alone, and build on other successes; all principles she learned while serving on a tree board for Abington Township, Pennsylvania. She stated critical success factors that include: hiring an urban forester, implementing standard procedures for tree protection, and reaching out to key partners/applying for environmental grants. She highlighted how Abington's increased involvement and use of the Tree City USA growth menu laid out a pathway to increased tree canopy and opened doors to all sorts of funding from the state level of government. Chair Rader inquired if the urban forester position was budgeted for in 2023. Mayor George indicated that it was budgeted for in 2022 and that interviews were conducted, however the selected candidate turned down the city's offer due to the structure of the Public Works Department. The mayor indicated that has prompted them to study department structure and that there are plans to hire this year or promote an arborist internally if they express interest in more education to take on the role of urban forester. The Streets and Forestry Division Manager recently retired so the administration is examining department operations prior to hiring. Councilmember Baker inquired if any cities in Ohio have a tree protection ordinance, noting that they are typical on the coasts. Mr. Sangree stated that no cities in Ohio have one, but there are multiple examples on the eastern shore of the country. Mayor George noted that this issue arose while she was on Council and that it sounded like a good idea initially. Her administration came across issues with the city being open to liability in scenarios where dangerous trees with falling limbs were awaiting permit approval for removal. She expressed hope that her administration could find a midway point that makes sense for Lakewood. Councilmembers suggested studying how building and housing permits are handled in the cases of dangerous condition of property and applying a similar process to potential tree permitting. Councilmember Kepple sought clarification for those not familiar on what the group meant by a 33% canopy. Ms. Stevens indicated that meant the city was fully "leafed out" and that 33% of the surface area in Lakewood would be covered by tree canopy. It was specified that the target is for a level coverage and not a specific number of trees. Ms. Kepple surmised that the urban forester could conduct their work in concert with the upcoming release of the city's climate action plan, while also navigating the natural tension between the work of streets and forestry. Chair Rader asked how the city was doing tree diversity wise. Mr. Krems indicated that TEAB has gone over the city's list multiple times to make suggestions on tree species, focusing on ones