+ URBAN FORESTRY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, June 17, 2015, - 5:30 p.m. Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Austin, Texas URBAN FORESTRY BOARD MEMBERS: APPOINTMENT : Christopher Kite, Chair Council Member Laura Morrison, Place 4 Peggy Maceo (Vice-Chair) Council Member Kathie Tovo, Place 3 Len Newsom Council Member Bill Spelman, Place 5 Patrick Brewer Mayor Lee Leffingwell Nicholas Classen Mayor Pro-Tem Sheryl Cole, Place 6 Ryan Fleming Council Member Mike Martinez, Place 2 Keith Brown Council Member Chris Riley, Place 1 URBAN FORESTRY EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS : Michael Embesi, City Arborist, Development Services Department Pat Fuller, Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department – Director Designee Vacant, Urban Forester, Development Services Department John Clement, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department – Director Designee AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Board meeting of May 20, 2015. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The first 4 (four) speakers signed up prior to the calling of the meeting to order are allowed a three-minute allotment each to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. D. ANNOUNCEMENTS E. URBAN FORESTER EXECUTIVE LIAISON REPORT – Emily King, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department, including: • Austin Urban Forest Plan Implementation Monthly Update F. ACTION ITEM BRIEFINGS 1. Recommendations to Council for allocation of resources to implement Austin’s Urban Forest Plan. Presenter: Chris Kite, Urban Forestry Board Chair. 2. Draft Cemetery Master Plan – Update of annual levels of funding for full implementation of recommendations. Presenter: Lara Schuman, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. G. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to Council for allocation of resources to implement Austin’s Urban Forest Plan. Presenter: Board Chair Chris Kite 2. Discussion and possible action on update of annual levels of funding for full implementation of Cemetery Master Plan recommendations. Presenter: Board Chair Chris Kite H. BRIEFINGS – 10 Minute Limit For Each Briefing 1. Austin Energy Line Clearance Monthly Update – May 2015. Ray Henning, Line Clearance Superintendent, Austin Energy. 2. City Arborist Program Tree Preservation and Replenishment Monthly Update May 2015. Presenter: Keith Mars, Environmental Program Coordinator, City Arborist Office, Development Services Department. 3. City Arborist Program Heritage Tree Report – May 2015. Presenter: Keith Mars, Environmental Program Coordinator, City Arborist Office, Development Services Department. 4. Public Works Department Urban Forestry Program Monthly Update. Presenter: Rob Grotty, Urban Forestry Program …
MAY '15APR '15MAR '15FEB '15JAN '15DEC '14NOV '14OCT '14SEP '14AUG '14JUL '14JUN '1412-Month TOTALTree Permits12762772161812141671692902282472432492,757Native Inches Removed6843965007761972764884625905044584895,819Inches Mitigated187165350374123146932002664762074153,001Percentage Mitigated27%42%70%48%62%53%19%43%45%94%45%85%52%Poor Condition or High Risk4,3053,1522,8951,7341,6211,3581,6073,5183,6193,0153,4713,50233,797Tree Permits2181612131112142120403337247Trees PlantedNRNR553,9755,40044257123NRNRNRNR9,854Trees Removed36284816150161617418823440Native Protected Removed367220120000020Inches Removed38131,035898765602198243177421971102835,363Trees DistributedNR54102771310131311046090942Site Plans Approved4243116161828182429191718258Caliper Inches Surveyed15,73618,4729,0569,93814,78511,23227,9655,39030,9586,4553,137117153,240Caliper Inches Preserved8,68510,7876,8625,1147,3647,48512,4603,64118,3254,4848903586,132Percentage Preserved55%58%76%51%50%67%45%68%59%69%28%30%56%Native Inches Removed6762.57361.5179045327,3983,74715,5051,74912,6331,9712,2478265,778Inches Planted/Mitigated3,3553,2185741,5072,3631,8616,8271,0665,0611,7731,3058228,991Percentage Replanted50%44%32%33%32%50%44%61%40%90%58%100%44%Subdivisions Approved16131417149331820122416206Funds ReceivedNR$38,152$238,261$22,000$154,150$25,400$69,238$80,498$66,945$39,980$88,650$25,100$848,374Fund Amount (Per Inch)NR1911,191110771127346402335200443126$4,242Grants Appropriated$3,470$30,000$0$782$0$0$15,000$6,000$0$12,000$0$610$67,862City Arborists (5)4525885364023103113354894374804675535,360Oak Wilt Arborist (1)586723122014132742295439398Environmental Inspectors (12)NR4,0774,4375,4084,4664,3003,9873,9983,1893,3613,5893,87644,688Landscape Inspectors (2)NR3570384537424429614743491General Permit Inspectors (4)NR955711751668190157411401381441374,0321 - Tree Ordinance Review Applications (mostly protected size trees on proposed single family construction lots or protected size trees which are diseased/dying)17-Jun-152 - High-risk trees within parks and right-of-ways3 - Trees with trunks greater than 8" in diameter (dead and invasive species not included)4 - Site Plan Corrections, Extensions, and Boat Docks not includedNR - Not ReportedMonthly Report"May 2015"InspectionsUrban Forest Replenishment FundPermitting and ReplenishmentTree PermitsPublic PropertyElectric UtilityCommercial Site Plans
+ URBAN FORESTRY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, May 20, 2015 - 5:30 p.m. Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Austin, Texas Board Members in Attendance: Board Chair Chris Kite, Board Vice-Chair Peggy Maceo, Board Members Patrick Brewer, Nick Classen, Ryan Fleming, Len Newsom, Keith Brown. Staff in Attendance: Parks and Recreation Department Lara Schuman, Urban Forestry Program Manager Development Services Department Michael Embesi, City Arborist Emily King, Environmental Program Coordinator, Urban Forestry Lynn Tozser, Program Specialist, UFB Liaison Public Works Department Rob Grotty, Urban Forestry Program Manager Austin Energy Ray Henning, Line Clearance Supervisor MEETING MINUTES MAY 20, 2015 A. CALL TO ORDER Board Chair Kite called the meeting to order at 5:42 pm. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Board meeting of April 15, 2015. Motion made by Board Member Newsom, Seconded by Board Member Brewer to approve the meeting minutes of April 15, 2015. Approved by Board Chair Kite, Board Vice-Chair Maceo, and Board Members Brewer, Classen, Newsom and Brown. Board Member Fleming abstained. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The first 4 (four) speakers signed up prior to the calling of the meeting to order are allowed a three-minute allotment each to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Sharon Blythe F2-G2: Approve cemetery plan with conditions as explained by Nick Classen. Sharon Blythe F4: Comments on PARD 2016 budget. D. ANNOUNCEMENTS • Urban Forestry Work Day program for mulching and pruning is planned for Thursday, May 28th at Butler Park. • Forester position available in PARD. • Several staff members will be attending a Certified Arborist Prep Course which is being offered by PARD Urban Forestry, Tree Folks, and the Texas A&M Forest Service. • Development Services Urban Forestry employee, Alan Halter, has submitted a Public Land Classification project proposal to the ATX Hack 4 Change Hackathon event for June 5-7. • The State legislative bill filing deadline has passed with no specific anti-tree bills coming out of committee. E. URBAN FORESTER EXECUTIVE LIAISON REPORT – Emily King, Interim Urban Forester, Development Services Department, including: • Austin Urban Forest Plan Implementation Monthly Update. Presentation given. F. ACTION ITEM BRIEFINGS 1. Urban Forestry Board 2014 Annual Internal Review. Presenter: Chris Kite, Urban Forestry Board Chair. Presentation given. 2. Draft Cemetery Master Plan - Presenter: Kim McKnight, Project Coordinator, Park Planning and Design Unit, Parks and Recreation Department (PARD). Additional information provided by Lara …
06-17-2015 DRAFT Resolution Austin Urban Forest Plan: A Master Plan for Public Property Re: City Manager Support for Implementation of Austin Urban Forest Plan WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Code, sections § 6-3 and ordinances 031023-10 and 031211-11, mandate the establishment of the Comprehensive Urban Forest Plan, hereinafter referred to as the Austin Urban Forest Plan. WHEREAS, the development of the Austin Urban Forest Plan is a direct implementation of ImagineAustin via the Green Infrastructure Priority Program and 20 Priority Actions, including Priority Action CE A22 which directs the City to create an urban forest plan. WHEREAS, in February 2011 the Urban Forestry Board and City Urban Forester initiated the development of the Austin Urban Forest Plan. WHEREAS, Austin’s City Council adopted the Austin Urban Forest Plan: A Master Plan for Public Property on March 6th, 2014. WHEREAS, the functions of the City Urban Forester have recently been transferred from the Parks and Recreation Department to the Development Services Department. WHEREAS, implementation of the Austin Urban Forest Plan has been initiated by the City Urban Forester with an eighteen-month timeline to develop operational plans for fourteen departments involved with managing and regulating public lands. WHEREAS, it is critical that the following key departments are involved in the development of these Departmental Operational Plans: Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Development Services, Austin Water Utility, Austin Transportation, Austin Energy, and Watershed Protection. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: City Council directs the City Manager to delineate clear lines of responsibility within the Development Services Department so that the City Urban Forester has the necessary authority to fully implement the Austin Urban Forest Plan as adopted by the City Council. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: City Council directs the City Manager to identify executive level sponsors and direct staff from the following key departments to work with the City Urban Forester to implement the Austin Urban Forest Plan: Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Development Services, Austin Water Utility, Austin Transportation, Austin Energy, and Watershed Protection.
+ URBAN FORESTRY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - 5:30 p.m. Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Austin, Texas Board Members in Attendance: Board Chair Chris Kite, Board Vice-Chair Peggy Maceo, Board Members Nick Classen, Ryan Fleming and Len Newsom. Board Members Patrick Brewer and Keith Brown absent. Staff in Attendance: Parks and Recreation Department Lara Schuman, Urban Forestry Program Manager Development Services Department Keith Mars, Environmental Program Coordinator, City Arborist Program Emily King, Environmental Program Coordinator, Urban Forestry Lynn Tozser, Program Specialist, UFB Liaison Public Works Department Rob Grotty, Urban Forestry Program Manager Austin Energy Ray Henning, Line Clearance Supervisor MEETING MINUTES JUNE 17, 2015 A. CALL TO ORDER Board Chair Kite called the meeting to order at 5:45 pm. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Board meeting of May 20, 2015. Motion made by Board Member Newsom, seconded by Board Member Fleming. Approved by Board Chair Kite, Board Vice Chair Maceo and Board Members Classen, Fleming and Newsom. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The first 4 (four) speakers signed up prior to the calling of the meeting to order are allowed a three-minute allotment each to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None. D. ANNOUNCEMENTS The Urban Forestry Manager position within the Development Services Department has been posted. PARD maintenance crews have been temporarily reassigned to the Resource Recovery Department to assist with cleanup of debris from the Memorial Day flood. The legal department has permitted PARD to start repair to damages to Zilker Park from the Cyclo-Cross event. C3 Presents has contributed $100,000 to PARD to put towards mitigation of use at Zilker Park. E. URBAN FORESTER EXECUTIVE LIAISON REPORT – Emily King, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department, including: Austin Urban Forest Plan Implementation Monthly Update. Presentation given. F. ACTION ITEM BRIEFINGS 1. Recommendations to Council for allocation of resources to implement Austin’s Urban Forest Plan. Presenter: Chris Kite, Urban Forestry Board Chair. Presentation given. 2. Draft Cemetery Master Plan – Update of annual levels of funding for full implementation of recommendations. Presenter: Lara Schuman, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation given. G. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to Council for allocation of resources to implement Austin’s Urban Forest Plan. Presenter: Board Chair Chris Kite. Motion made by Board Member Newsom, seconded by …
+ URBAN FORESTRY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, May 20, 2015, - 5:30 p.m. Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Austin, Texas URBAN FORESTRY BOARD MEMBERS: APPOINTMENT : Christopher Kite, Chair Council Member Laura Morrison, Place 4 Peggy Maceo (Vice-Chair) Council Member Kathie Tovo, Place 3 Len Newsom Council Member Bill Spelman, Place 5 Patrick Brewer Mayor Lee Leffingwell Nicholas Classen Mayor Pro-Tem Sheryl Cole, Place 6 Ryan Fleming Council Member Mike Martinez, Place 2 Keith Brown Council Member Chris Riley, Place 1 URBAN FORESTRY EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS : Michael Embesi, City Arborist, Development Services Department Pat Fuller, Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department – Director Designee Vacant, Urban Forester, Development Services Department John Clement, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department – Director Designee AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Board meeting of April 15, 2015. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The first 4 (four) speakers signed up prior to the calling of the meeting to order are allowed a three-minute allotment each to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. D. ANNOUNCEMENTS E. URBAN FORESTER EXECUTIVE LIAISON REPORT – Emily King, Interim Urban Forester, Development Services Department, including: • Austin Urban Forest Plan Implementation Monthly Update F. ACTION ITEM BRIEFINGS 1. Urban Forestry Board 2014 Annual Internal Review. Presenter: Chris Kite, Urban Forestry Board Chair. 2. Draft Cemetery Master Plan - Presenter: Kim McKnight, Project Coordinator, Park Planning and Design Unit, Parks and Recreation Department (PARD). 3. Briefing on possible recommendations for transition of Urban Forestry Board functions to the Environmental Commission. Presenter: Board Chair Chris Kite. 4. Briefing on PARD 2016 Fiscal Year Financial Forecast. Presenter: Angela Means, PARD Financial Services Division Manager. G. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation regarding the Urban Forestry Board 2014 Annual Internal Review. Presenter: Chris Kite, Urban Forestry Board Chair. 2. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to the City Council on the Draft Cemetery Master Plan. Presenter: Urban Forestry Board Member Nicholas Classen. 3. Discussion and possible action on recommendations for transition of Urban Forestry Board functions to the Environmental Commission. Presenter: Board Chair Chris Kite. 4. Discussion and possible action on PARD 2016 Fiscal Year Financial Forecast. Presenter: Angela Means, PARD Financial Services Division Manager. H. BRIEFINGS – 10 Minute Limit For Each Briefing 1. Austin Energy Line Clearance Monthly Update – April 2015. Ray …
+ URBAN FORESTRY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, May 20, 2015 - 5:30 p.m. Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Austin, Texas Board Members in Attendance: Board Chair Chris Kite, Board Vice-Chair Peggy Maceo, Board Members Patrick Brewer, Nick Classen, Ryan Fleming, Len Newsom, Keith Brown. Staff in Attendance: Parks and Recreation Department Lara Schuman, Urban Forestry Program Manager Development Services Department Michael Embesi, City Arborist Emily King, Environmental Program Coordinator, Urban Forestry Lynn Tozser, Program Specialist, UFB Liaison Public Works Department Rob Grotty, Urban Forestry Program Manager Austin Energy Ray Henning, Line Clearance Supervisor MEETING MINUTES MAY 20, 2015 A. CALL TO ORDER Board Chair Kite called the meeting to order at 5:42 pm. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Board meeting of April 15, 2015. Motion made by Board Member Newsom, Seconded by Board Member Brewer to approve the meeting minutes of April 15, 2015. Approved by Board Chair Kite, Board Vice-Chair Maceo, and Board Members Brewer, Classen, Newsom and Brown. Board Member Fleming abstained. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The first 4 (four) speakers signed up prior to the calling of the meeting to order are allowed a three-minute allotment each to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Sharon Blythe F2-G2: Approve cemetery plan with conditions as explained by Nick Classen. Sharon Blythe F4: Comments on PARD 2016 budget. D. ANNOUNCEMENTS Urban Forestry Work Day program for mulching and pruning is planned for Thursday, May 28th at Butler Park. Forester position available in PARD. Several staff members will be attending a Certified Arborist Prep Course which is being offered by PARD Urban Forestry, Tree Folks, and the Texas A&M Forest Service. Development Services Urban Forestry employee, Alan Halter, has submitted a Public Land Classification project proposal to the ATX Hack 4 Change Hackathon event for June 5-7. The State legislative bill filing deadline has passed with no specific anti-tree bills coming out of committee. E. URBAN FORESTER EXECUTIVE LIAISON REPORT – Emily King, Interim Urban Forester, Development Services Department, including: Austin Urban Forest Plan Implementation Monthly Update. Presentation given. F. ACTION ITEM BRIEFINGS 1. Urban Forestry Board 2014 Annual Internal Review. Presenter: Chris Kite, Urban Forestry Board Chair. Presentation given. 2. Draft Cemetery Master Plan - Presenter: Kim McKnight, Project Coordinator, Park Planning and Design Unit, Parks and Recreation Department (PARD). Additional information provided by Lara …
Implementation ElementImplementation ActivitiesAUFP TimelineStatus as of 5‐20‐2015Update status and trend of Performance Report Card2015DeferredUpdate on progress of Departmental Urban Forest Plans2015DeferredGather data for updating/improving Performance Report Card2015Planned (2016)Share urban forest data with departments for creation of DUFPs 2015In progressAnnual report to Urban Forestry Board and City Council via State of the Urban Forest Report 2015Planned (2016)Establish standardized data collection and formats2015In progressDevelop Departmental Urban Forest Plans2015In progress (deferred timeline)Use action matrix to facilitate DUFPs2015DeferredUrban Foresty Board hold annual public meeting to review and comment2015DeferredEstablish process to include public comments from AUFP into DUFPs2015PlannedReport annually to Urban Forestry Board on AUFP implementation status2015PlannedIdentify/compile all existing operational/regulatory items related to urban forest management 2015In progressFacilitate working group to develop Austin specific SoC 2014In progressUpdate Standards of Care, brief Urban Forestry Board 2016DeferredIncorporate SoC into codeDeferredEducate the public on SoCDeferredInterdepartmental work group to coordinate urban forest policy changes, BMPs2014PlannedCity Manager recommends changes 2016DeferredCompile organizational structure and funding from all city departments, obtain benchmark data from other municipalities2015In progressCity Manager recommends changes to organization and structure/funding2016PlannedAustin's Urban Forest Plan Implementation BenchmarksAnnual State of the Urban Forest ReportUrban Forest Annual Performance Report Card Departmental Urban Forest PlansAustin Standard of Care Coordination
+ URBAN FORESTRY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, April 15, 2015, - 5:30 p.m. Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Austin, Texas Board Members in Attendance: Board Chair Chris Kite, Board Vice-Chair Peggy Maceo, Board Members Patrick Brewer, Len Newsom, Keith Brown. Board members Ryan Fleming and Nick Classen absent. Staff in Attendance: Parks and Recreation Department Pat Fuller, Division Manager, Director Designee Lara Schuman, Urban Forestry Program Manager Development Services Department Michael Embesi, City Arborist Lynn Tozser, Program Specialist, UFB Liaison Public Works Department Rob Grotty, Urban Forestry Program Manager Watershed Protection Department John Clement, Environmental Program Coordinator MEETING MINUTES A. CALL TO ORDER Board Chair Kite called the meeting to order at 5:40 pm B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Board meeting of March 18, 2015. Motion made by Board Member Brewer, Seconded by Board Member Brown to approve the meeting minutes of March 18, 2015. Approved by Board Chair Kite, Board Vice-Chair Maceo, and Board Members Brewer, Newsom and Brown. Board Members Classen and Fleming absent. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The first 4 (four) speakers signed up prior to the calling of the meeting to order are allowed a three-minute allotment each to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. • Sharon Blythe, Item F2 • Jim Mallicote, Item F2 D. ANNOUNCEMENTS • Lara Schuman’s new title is Urban Forestry Program Manager • Forklift Danceworks Trees of Govalle performances this past weekend. Both were very successful. Educational events included: o Root collar clearing – APF o Firewise – AFD/WPD o Invasives – WPD o Girdling roots – Texas Forest Service o Ask an arborist and general tree info – TreeFolks o Tree tags – appraisals and benefits of trees – PARD UF o Critical Root Zones – PARD UF o NeighborWoods – TreeFolks o Mulching – TreeFolks • Upcoming work at Deep Eddy Pool/Eilers Park: o Raising some low limbs o Clearing volunteer hackberries and paper mulberries from fence o Vine removal from trees o Crown cleaning of trees • Combining the Urban Forestry Program with the City Arborist Program (from Parks and Recreation Department to the Development Services Department) will be completed on October 1, 2015. • A celebratory, end of the planting year and potluck will occur at Tree Folks this Saturday. See their website for more information. • Texas Forest Service has a one day seminar (April 30th) in …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 1/1/2014 to 12/31/2014 _Urban Forestry Board_ The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: May study, investigate, plan, advise, report, and recommend any action, program, plan, or legislation which the board determines necessary or advisable for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal, or disposition of trees and shrubs and other landscaping in public parks, along streets, and in other public areas. Develop and establish a comprehensive urban forest plan for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees in parks, along streets, and in other public areas, and submit it to city council for adoption before implementation. See Section 2-1-183 of the City Code for additional duties. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. • Actions related to Austin’s Urban Forest Plan: o Received approval in January from the Environmental Board. o Presented it to City Council in February, and received final approval in March. o Recommended that City Council increase the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Urban Forestry annual budget by $500,000 for staff support to implement the plan. o Recommended that City Council direct the City Manager to have seven key departments work closely with the Urban Forester on implementation of the plan: PARD, Public Works, Planning and Development Review, Austin Water Utility, Austin Transportation, Austin Energy, and Watershed Protection. o City staff provided updates about implementation of the plan at monthly Urban Forestry Board (UFB) meetings in 2014. Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # • We made the following recommendations to the City Council and/or the City Manager: o Recommended that City Council increase annual funding for the care, maintenance, and planting of public trees by $12.5 million from the current $3.8 million to the $16.3 million level need for the recommended level of service in a July 2014 report by staff to City Council in response to Resolution #20130627-070. o Developed and recommended a process for implementation of a pilot program for the care and maintenance of prominent trees in the urban core in response to City Council Resolution #20120426-076. o Recommended requiring the use of green infrastructure and sustainability incentives within the development of CodeNext. o Recommended that an appropriate board be allowed to review and comment on …
