03-08-06MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
TREE CONSERVATION BOARD
March 8, 2006
A regular meeting of the Tree Conservation Board was held Wednesday, March 8, 2006
at the Adele Grage Cultural Center. Present were Chair Maureen Shaughnessy, Charles
Carroll, Jim McCue, Carol Varney, Stephanie Catania, Public Works Director Rick
Carper and Recording Secretary Susan Gorman
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Recognition of Visitors
None. Chair Shaughnessy introduced Recording Secretary Susan Gorman to the Board.
3. Aunroval of minutes of Meeting of February 22, 2006
A motion was made by Board Member Carroll to approve the minutes, seconded by
Board Member McCue, and unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of February 22,
*- 2006.
4. New Business
A. Tree Removal Applications
No new tree removal permit applications. Rick Carper informed the Board that the
revised Tree Removal Application will be on the next Agenda. The Board was advised
by the Public Works Director of plans to remove a tree from the City RW on 8th Street
and a palm tree located at the former site of the Texaco Station on Atlantic Blvd.
B. Discussion of Administrative Corrections to the Tree Ordinance.
Rick Carper addressed the Administrative corrections to the Tree Ordinance and the
Board reviewed several items which are subject to revision. Jim McCue motioned to
increase fees, requesting an increase from $2.00 per square foot to $5.00 for clear cutting.
The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Board members discussed their
concerns regarding the responsibilities of Utilities involved with tree clearing. Public
Works Director Carper informed the Board of current policies and stated that only plans
for new construction allow Public Works to totally review utilities. Remodeling projects
don't require a review. The Board discussed the authority of the Code Enforcement
Board to enforce the Tree Ordinance. Board Members discussed guidelines to determine
fines for non compliance. The Board agreed fines might include the cost of enforcement
or administrate fees. Public Works Director Carper suggested the City should send a
letter stating intent of charging administrative and man power fees for non compliance.
Removal of a tree in the RW requires a permit from the Public Work Director and this is
March 8, 2006
p. 2
under consideration by the Commission, and complicated by exterior and interior zones
that are unique to the City of Atlantic Beach. Rick Carper recommended this item
should be addressed in the next batch of corrections. The Commission will give priority
to items that will be referendums on the next election ballot. Community Character
issues will be considered next, and the Tree Ordinance modifications will follow. The
Board was advised to focus on simple administrative issues for the moment. Board
Member Stephanie Catania suggested the City should utilize the services of County
Extension Office's Urban Forrester Larry Figart more frequently and it would be
beneficial to provide his information (phone number) through either the City newsletter
or the local newspaper. Carol Varney referenced the new criteria for protected trees, the
minimum guarantee for new trees, transplanted trees and newly protected trees should all
be eighteen months. Board members discussed the possibility of City funding to retain
an Arborist for consultation.
Rick summarized the Commission proposals to be considered by the Board:
1. Raising fees for clear cutting from $2.00 to $5.00 per sq. foot
2. Permitting of tree removal from Right of Way by private home owners
3. Provide professional Arborist for citizens to consult
4. Limited protection of existing trees and provide new, transplanted and
newly protected trees with an eighteen month guarantee.
5. Encourage xeriscaping, use of native drought tolerant plants
S. Old Business
Carol Varney suggested verbiage for the protection of Oaks, stating that "Protected Oaks
shall be replaced only with Oaks, however only with Tree Board concurrence,
concurrence, hardwood trees yielding a similar canopy may be used". Approved by
Board.
6. Reports & Announcements
Rick Carper has not found an official list of exceptional specimen trees noting that the
current ordinance says a list of designated trees that qualify as special specimens should
be kept by the City Clerk. Chair Shaughnessy says there are no such trees currently listed.
7. Adjournment
Board Member Jim McCue motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm., seconded by
Board Member Carol Varney and unanimously carried.
Maureen Shaughnessy, Chair