Interim Meeting Minutes
May 31, 2005
Attendees: Faith Klareich (FK), Doug Beard (DB), Carl Henn (CH), Gerald Leighton (GL), Tolulope Odunlami (TO), Geoff Sanders (GS), and Alicia Hosmer (via telephone) (AH)
Absent: Jaskaran Singh (JS) and Nate Wall (NW)
Agenda:
1. FK touched base on questions for those applying for the City planning positions. GL sent his questions directly to Jim and GS and CH forwarded questions to FK.
2. Tree Removal – Preparation for meeting with M & C.
FK interested in ideas on a good approach to take when presenting the materials to M&C. TO agrees that power point would be a good way to present the materials. It is decided that a power point presentation would be a good way to present the materials.
DB suggests that the presentation should provide some background describing the evolution of the EC’s recommendations. AH agrees that it would be good mention that the EC relaxed their original recommendations based on feedback from the City and from the Parks and Recreation Board. Point out that if we do not see accountability, the EC will take a stronger stance in the future.
Other issues that need to be clearly defined:
Preserves vs marked trails.
Should trees in these areas be off limits to removal because the forest preserves were not intended to have trails. These trails are not managed by the city. Should this be an “enter at your own risk” area?
Rating Plan
The Parks and Recreation Board suggested lowering the threshold for which a tree is removed from 8 to 7. Why? This would result in the removal of more trees. Need to find the evaluation form and review it. It was believed that the standard cut-off for a hazardous tree on the evaluation form was 8.
Providing Notification to Civic Associations.
The EC discussed the Parks and Recreation Board’s recommendation that only those civic associations interested in receiving notification be notified. CH brings up a good point stating that there is often rapid turn over among those who sit on neighborhood civic boards or associations. There is a good possibility that the interests of certain civic associations may change with personnel. GL mentions using the EC web page to disseminate info. GS mentions an e-mail list for all civic associations. AH and TO mention that not all neighborhoods in Rockville will need to receive notification because some will not be associated with a forest preserve. Perhaps the paper should list the areas where this would apply.
FK will work with NW to get the power point going and organize comments.
The meeting with M&C is June 20, 2005. At least three members should be there. GS will be out of town. Others will check schedules and confirm availability.
If there is a question/answer session with M&C different commission members should prepare to answer different questions.
3. Meeting with City Manager
Need to agree on what to present him. AH – describe past work the commission has been involved in and the direction the commission aims to take in the future. Past work includes position papers:
Storm Water Management
Community Gardens
Tree Management
FK mentioned the EC’s initiative to liaison with other boards and commissions as well as with the public (outreach/inreach)
Also should discuss the commission’s interest in sustainability, specifically energy efficiency.
GL will draft a briefing package to present to the City Manager.
4. Commission Vacancy
It was generally accepted that Kris Dighe has shown a lot of interest in the commission by always indicating whether or not he would be able to attend a meeting.
CH recommended selecting Kris Dighe to fill the vacancy but it was decided to wait until the next official commission meeting but it was decided that there does not need to be any more deliberation regarding the vacancy. The commission should be ready to vote at the next meeting.
5. Other issues
CH asked that people give some thought to good topics for issue papers.
