Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-22-26 ESC Tree-Subcommittee Adopted MinutesMINUTES Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Meeting r Tree Subcommittee Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - 6:00 PM City Hall, Commission Chamber 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 Present: Amy Palmer, ESC Member 2 Sarah Boren, ESC Member 4 Matthew Mattila, ESC Member 5 Daniele Giovannucci, ESC Member 7 Christina Kelcourse, ESC Member 8 Amy Franqui, ESC Member 9 Absent: Anastasia Houston, ESC Member 1 Todd Miner, ESC Member 3 Bruce Andrews, ESC Member 6 Also Present: Chris Delk, City Arborist 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (5 MINS.) Lisa Herrold, a candidate for City Commission Seat 4, addressed the Committee. She introduced herself and noted her decade-long history as co-chair of Atlantic Beach Preservation, from which she resigned upon deciding to run for office. Ms. Herrold expressed strong support for the ESC's work and emphasized the importance of preserving green spaces and the city's tree canopy. She observed that Atlantic Beach streets have lost significant shade in recent decades, referencing a resident's recollection of walking barefoot on cool asphalt in the 1980s and the historical canopy that once lined streets such as Penman Road. 3. CHAIR REMARKS Chair Giovannucci acknowledged his recent absence and noted that the new landmark tree ordinance had passed since the previous meeting. He expressed general satisfaction with the quality of the ordinance while acknowledging that certain implementation details remained to be worked out. He indicated that time would be reserved later in the agenda to solicit ESC input on outstanding matters related to the ordinance. 4. STAFF REPORTS A. Heritage Tree -1885 Live Oak Lane City Arborist Chris Delk presented three heritage tree nominations for Committee consideration: 1885 Live Oak Lane, 1800 Sevilla Boulevard, and 1880 Live Oak Lane. Environmental Ste"ardship Committee (ESC) July 22, 2026 City Arborist Delk provided brief notes on the property at 1880 Live Oak Lane, observing that a golden pothos - an invasive vine - was growing on the tree and recommending that the property owner be advised not to allow it to continue climbing, as it could add weight and stress to the tree. He noted the tree was otherwise well cared for, with an accumulation of organic leaf matter at the base rather than problematic mulching, and that the tree's proximity to the house should be highlighted as an example of coexistence with a protected tree. No structural concerns regarding the root flare were raised, as the apparent coverage was attributed to natural leaf accumulation over many years. MOTION: To RECOMMEND to the City Commission the nomination of three heritage trees — 1885 Live Oak Lane, 1800 Sevilla Boulevard, and 1880 Live Oak Lane. Motion: Sarah Boren Second: Amy Palmer Motion passed 6 to 0. A procedural discussion followed regarding whether the Tree Subcommittee had quorum to vote on this item separately, as several subcommittee members were absent. Sarah Boren clarified that heritage tree nominations have historically been voted on by the full ESC, with the Tree Subcommittee's voting role limited to appeals. B. Heritage Tree -1800 Sevilla Boulevard Addressed jointly with Item 4.A above. C. Heritage Tree -1880 Live Oak Lane Addressed jointly with Item 4.A above. D. Tree Data Summary City Arborist Delk reported that the June tree data had been entered and the summary was current. He noted that a new city tree dashboard, developed by the IT department (credited to staff member Ron), was now live and allows the public to view tree planting locations, sign-up data, and information on heritage trees. City Arborist Delk indicated that proposed mitigation payments and a running total would also be incorporated into the dashboard in the near future. Sarah Boren suggested that the dashboard might reduce the need for duplicative data entry in separate summary documents and encouraged coordination with IT to streamline reporting. She also flagged a labeling issue on the existing data summary, noting that seasonal columns still reflected 2025 dates rather than 2026, and queried a data point showing six arborist letters associated with 80 tree removals, which City Arborist Delk confirmed was attributable to a single large project on Levy Road. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 22, 2026 City Arborist Delk further reported that he had begun offering three-hour weekly site visits — available by email appointment — for residents wishing to have a city arborist assess their trees. This was characterized as an ongoing, accessible alternative to a one- time "free arborist day." He also confirmed he is in the process of building out a data collection system for public tree removals (right-of-way and parks), including working with department supervisors to obtain historical data. Amy Palmer noted that the City of Jacksonville is developing an urban forestry management plan and that an update meeting is planned for August. She indicated she would share relevant information and raised the question of whether Atlantic Beach would be included in Jacksonville's plan. City Arborist Delk confirmed he has existing contacts within Jacksonville's Office of Resiliency. Regarding the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) standards, City Arborist Delk reported that the ISA has released a third edition of its assessment standards. Although state statute still references the second edition, City Arborist Delk stated he is applying third -edition standards as best practice and that all arborists he has worked with thus far have agreed. He noted the third edition explicitly addresses pre -assessment bias, stating that an arborist who approaches a tree with a predetermined conclusion is already in violation of ethics standards. A broader discussion addressed concerns about substandard or potentially fraudulent arborist letters. Amy Palmer observed that the language in many such letters appears to reflect bias toward removal. City Arborist Delk acknowledged the enforcement challenge, noting that filing an ethics complaint with the ISA is time-consuming and potentially difficult to sustain. The Committee discussed a graduated response approach — providing warnings and requiring compliance before escalating — and emphasized the importance of maintaining collaborative rather than adversarial relationships with working arborists. City Arborist Delk indicated he has already declined several insufficient letters and that he will be more explicit about the minimum content requirements he expects arborists to include. 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Semi-annual tree permit report to the commission to include in the commission agendas as follows: • it was submitted to Amanda on Monday, June 29. The CM had concerns and questions. A revised version is attached to the agenda. Also attached is an email from Sarah Boren to Amanda Askew re: this topic. • the report for the second half of the year is due to Amanda by Monday, Nov. 30, for the Dec. 14 commission meeting Sarah Boren reported that the revised semiannual tree permit report had been updated following feedback from the City Manager and staff, with corrections to titles, removal of redundant slides, and refinement of messaging. She confirmed that the substantive content and conclusions were not materially changed. Amy Palmer conveyed feedback from staff (Director Askew) regarding two specific slides. On slide 14, it was requested that a notation be added indicating that the statistical Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 22, 2026 figures presented are based on informed estimates, with a cross-reference to slide 24, which sets out the underlying assumptions and methodology. On slide 24, it was requested that numerical values be expressed more plainly — for example, replacing abbreviations and precise decimal figures with rounded language such as "more than 9,800 inches" or "nearly 10,000 inches" - to more accurately convey that these are estimates rather than precisely measured figures. Chair Giovannucci noted that the conservative estimation methodology - including the assumption that 15% of tree removals occur without permits and the use of typical tree size ranges for arborist letter removals and acts of nature — was developed collaboratively with members of the Tree Subcommittee and was considered defensible. Sarah Boren proposed a presentation format consisting of three primary public -facing slides, with the remaining detailed slides included in the commission packet as supplemental background material. The three thematic buckets discussed were: (1) understanding the state and inventory of the tree canopy; (2) understanding trends and the direction of change in the canopy; and (3) internal data processes that inform city management of the canopy. Committee Member Matt Mattila suggested that the visual comparison - noting that the community mobilized over the loss of a single large tree, while data indicate the equivalent of 73 such trees were lost in the prior year — would be highly effective as a summary slide. Sarah Boren agreed to incorporate this framing. The Committee reached consensus that Sarah Boren would finalize the presentation, incorporating the requested changes and the three -slide executive summary format, and that Committee Member Bruce would present the report to the City Commission at the second commission meeting in August. A formal vote was deferred to the August 12th ESC meeting, pending final review of the document. The biannual State of the Canopy Report was also discussed briefly. Chair Giovannucci noted that a framework for the report had previously been circulated to staff and members. Amy Palmer emphasized that members rolling off the Committee possess significant institutional knowledge and should be prioritized in the drafting process. Chair Giovannucci offered to circulate a proposed chapter outline prior to the next meeting and to assign sections. A final date for the report's presentation to commission was noted as being subject to direction from staff, with the public tree inventory (beginning in September via a formal RFP process) potentially informing the timeline. B. Current status of possible Chapter 23 changes Chair Giovannucci noted that the acceleration of chapter 23 revisions — now prompted in part by the passage of the landmark tree ordinance — makes it timely to schedule a working session between City Arborist Delk and staff to review all proposed changes in light of the new ordinance. City Arborist Delk was asked to provide three available dates in early August so that a meeting could be arranged. Brief discussion was also held regarding the mitigation ratio table. Several members clarified that the table voted on by the Commission at the July 13th meeting appeared to reflect current chapter 23 rates rather than the updated rates previously recommended by the ESC and staff. Chair Giovannucci indicated that the correct, updated table — which Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 22, 2026 simplifies the rate structure and applies moderately increased mitigation requirements, particularly for new construction and vacant lots — should be presented at the upcoming chapter 23 review. C. Tree fund budget still needs approval from Commission Sarah Boren presented an updated version of the tree trust fund budget spreadsheet, which she had reformatted for clarity without changing any previously approved figures. She noted a structural concern: while tree trust funds are generated from tree removals on private property, the current budget allocates only approximately 24% to public plantings and 11 % to private/community plantings, with the committee having not yet acted on several line items including private tree inventory, tracking software, and tree establishment watering. The Committee discussed the need to bring the budget to commission in the form of a resolution. Two motions were approved: MOTION: To add funding from the tree trust fund for a private property tree inventory and for software to track and analyze the city's tree canopy, in an amount to be determined. Motion: Sarah Boren Second. Am v Palmer Motion passed 6 to 0. MOTION: To add a line item to the tree trust fund budget for tree establishment watering - to be competitively bid (three bids required), implemented twice per year (fall and spring planting seasons), funded as a one-year stop -gap measure from the tree trust fund, with the amount to be determined based on scope. Motion: Sarah Boren Second: Daniele Giovannucci Motion passed 6 to 0. Sarah Boren noted her philosophical reservation about using the tree trust fund for what is operationally a public works maintenance function and stated a preference for eventually returning this responsibility to the city's operating budget or exploring creative alternatives such as volunteer programs or partnerships with organizations like Greenscapes. The Committee agreed that a notation should be included in the budget transmittal to commission reflecting that tree establishment watering is appropriately a public works function and that the tree trust fund contribution is intended as a temporary measure. City Arborist Delk was also asked to investigate the availability of an underground utility map and right-of-way map to support future street -by -street tree planting planning. Members agreed to individually survey potential planting locations on significant streets in their respective areas of the city and report back. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 22, 2026 D. Status of free arborist day City Arborist Delk reported that the weekly three-hour community site visit program — described above under Item 4.0 — effectively replaces the previously planned single "free arborist day" format with a more accessible ongoing alternative. The Committee expressed support for this new model. E. Tree plantings in required drainage swales - follo" up from last meeting City Arborist Delk reported that he is still researching this matter, noting that other counties are planting trees in bioswales and rain gardens. He was asked to follow up with City Engineer Steve Swann regarding the applicable policy and the science underlying whether tree placement in drainage swales reduces or affects stormwater storage volume. This item was carried forward to the next meeting. 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Landmark tree protection ordinance (Ordinance No. 95-26-128) passed at the July 13 Commission meeting • Several amendments to the first reading version were included • Commission had some requests for follow-up by staff that ESC should address The Committee reviewed the amendments made by the Commission at first reading and the Commission's requests for follow-up by staff and the ESC. The following four items were identified for ESC response: 1. Mitigation ratios: The Commission voted on the existing chapter 23 mitigation rate table rather than the ESC's previously recommended updated rates. The Committee agreed that the correct updated rates — refined through prior ESC and staff work sessions — should be brought forward in the context of the chapter 23 review and presented to the Commission for proper consideration. 2. Setback doubling: The Commission approved doubled mitigation rates for landmark trees removed within setback areas. Amy Franqui and Sarah Boren raised the question of whether the doubling applies to all setbacks, including front setbacks. The Committee agreed that the language should read "within setback areas" without limiting the provision to side and rear setbacks only, and that this clarification should be communicated to staff. 3. CDB approval process: The Commission revised the approval pathway so that final approval for removal of a landmark tree is granted by the Community Development Board (CDB), with appeals allowed to the Commission, rather than through an automatic two-step approval process. The Committee found this approach reasonable and raised no objection. 4. Tree relocation option: The ordinance retains the option for an applicant to relocate a landmark tree as an alternative to removal, at the applicant's expense. The Committee discussed the practical and cost considerations involved, including the complexity of on - Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 22, 2026 site versus off-site relocation and the potential need to temporarily bring down utilities for large trees. Amy Palmer noted that palm tree relocation in particular has a high success rate. The Committee recommended that the ordinance language be strengthened to require that a determination of infeasibility — such as whether design cannot be modified to preserve the tree — be supported by documentation from a licensed professional (e.g., a licensed architect or engineer), rather than resting solely on the applicant's assertion. The Committee additionally recommended that the city arborist be incorporated into the process at the earliest stage of any landmark tree application, so that the arborist can provide an educational site visit regarding options for tree protection, pruning, or root zone management before the matter proceeds to the CDB. This was characterized as providing expert guidance to applicants without imposing significant costs, and as a meaningful form of procedural friction that encourages design -around -the -tree solutions. Sarah Boren suggested that the ESC develop, on an ongoing basis, a resource guide — potentially including photographs of local and regional examples — illustrating how architects and builders have successfully designed homes around protected trees. Amy Franqui agreed to take on the initial compilation of this material. 7. MEMBERS CLOSING REMARKS Matt Mattila expressed enthusiasm for the forthcoming integration of public and private tree canopy data. Amy Franqui reported that a camphor tree on Skate Road had been removed during the prior week. She acknowledged the loss of shade and sight -line canopy but confirmed the removal was the appropriate course of action. City Arborist Delk reaffirmed his commitment to building rapport within the community and among working arborists, and expressed appreciation for the Committee's continued advocacy. A brief discussion was held regarding the Minecraft design challenge for youth. It was agreed that the submission deadline would be extended to mid-September to allow adequate time following the start of the school year. 8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:20 p.m. Attest: awit-VI A IiL Amanda Askew, Neighborhoods Director Bruce Andrews, Chair Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 22, 2026