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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10042007 BSC Agenda item 2 • City of West University Place A Neighborhood City SJ Recycled Paper Building & Standards Commission Located in the Bill Watson Conference Room, 3800 University Blvd, West University Place, Texas 77005 a/4 Meeting Minutes W September 6, 2007 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bryant Slimp, David Flame, J. Denis Powers, Dave Miller and Muddy McDaniel MEMBERS ABSENT: Brian Hoogendam and Dr. Peter Benjamin STAFF PRESENT: Chief Building Official Sean Landis, City Planner Debbie Scarcella, Permit Technician Josie Orosco, James L. Dougherty and Urban Forester Craig Koehl GUESTS PRESENT: Councilman Michael Talianchich and Helen Talianchich [Call to Order] Bryant Slimp called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. 1. Notices,Rules, Etc. Bryant Slimp welcomed the visitors and staff members to the meeting. Bryant Slimp stated that Dave Miller and Muddy McDaniel are voting members. Bryant Slimp gave an update on the condition of Brian Hoogendam's newly born son. David Flame asked that James Dougherty look into the possibility of having conference call meetings. 2. Meeting Minutes. J. Denis Powers made a motion to approve the August 2, 2007 minutes. Muddy McDaniel seconded the motion. AYES: Bryant Slimp, David Flame, J. Denis Powers, Dave Miller and Muddy McDaniel. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting minutes passed. 3. Urban Forest Code Amendments. Michael Talianchich apologized for not getting involved in the urban forest code amendments earlier; he understands the BSC board is pretty far along with some changes. He would like to see the City get more involved in the right-of-way areas and less in private property areas. Mr. Talianchich asked why not give property owners and builders an incentive or discount for cutting down trees. If a 40"or two 20"trees are removed, make the contractors/homeowners only replace 40%of those inches, which would be 16"; but those inches must be planted in the right-of-way area, not on private property. Mr. Talianchich's idea is that the City would select blocks that lack trees in the right-of-way and have them planted in those areas. Mr. Talianchich stated that there is not any consistency within the City as to what types of trees are planted in the right-of-way areas. He stated there should be volunteers who take care of the trees that are planted in the right-of-way areas for a year or two to make sure they don't die. Mr. Talianchich also stated that 6"trees are very hard to acquire, very expensive and are traumatized when they get moved. Helen Talianchich stated she attended a master gardening class and they stated in the class that over a long time, often, small trees will outgrow a large tree because it adapts to the soil conditions better. The type of trees that are planted also need/to be taken into account. Mr. Talianchich also stated that there should be large fines to contractors/homeowners who cut trees down in the right-of-way areas. Bryant Slimp asked that 3800 University Boulevard • West University Place, Texas 77005-2899 • 713.668.4441 • www.westu.org Building and Standards Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2007 Michael Talianchich send his comments via email to Debbie Scarcella so his thoughts would be captured. Dave Miller created a spreadsheet from previous BSC discussions regarding the urban forest amendment changes. A copy was passed out to each BSC and staff member for discussion. The possible amendment changes that were discussed are as follows: • Requirements for landowners/builders removing a tree in right of way area or on private property • Whether a permit is required to remove a tree depending in location, size and class of tree • Replacement requirements depending on the type of tree removed • Fees that should or should not be assessed depending on type and location of tree removed • Minimum planting standards for different sizes of lots Bryant Slimp asked that Dave Miller make the urban forest code amendment changes discussed and forward them to Josie M. Orosco. [Adjournment] Dave Miller made a motion to adjourn. J. Denis Powers seconded the motion. AYES: Bryant Slimp, David Flame, J. Denis Powers, Dave Miller and Muddy McDaniel. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m. PASSED THIS DAY OF , 2007 Bryant Slimp, Chairman ATTEST: Ms. Josie M. Orosco, Permit Technician Attachments: Dave Miller's spreadsheet dated September 6, 2007 Page 2 of 2