20240328-001 Draft Minutes from October 4, 2023 — original pdf

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1. 2. URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, October 12, 2023 The Urban Forestry Committee convened in a REGULAR meeting on Wednesday, October 12, 2023, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Brimer called the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Brimer Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mariana Krueger, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of June 24, 2021 The minutes from the regular meeting on June 24th, 2021 were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve an annual meeting schedule for 2024 The Urban Forestry meeting schedule for 2024, with changes as discussed for the September 2024 meeting, was approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Schiera’s second on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on tree removal permitting process and public complaints – Jim Dymkowski, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken.  3. Staff briefing on Austin’s Tree Canopy and goals – Emily King, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Schiera requested an opportunity to set goals for the committee. Commissioner Krueger seconded the request. Commissioner Brimer requested a list of the repeat offenders for illegal tree removals and information on how pervasive the problem of repetitive illegal removals is, emphasizing that he is asking for only information that is publicly available. Commissioner Krueger is in interested understanding the accountability mechanisms and the authority the city has for tree removal violators. Commissioner Krueger asked about a presentation on the intersection between tree canopy goals, climate equity, and food plan. Chair Brimer adjourned the meeting at 11:56 a.m. without objection.