1. Bexley Tree and Public Gardens Commission Retreat
Thursday, May 3, 2018
11:00 to 1:30
Bexley City Hall, City Council Chambers

2. Two Decades of Planting Roots
First meeting of Bexley Tree Commission was April 8, 1998 at 10:30 AM. Carolyn Schmidt was appointed acting chair.
The meeting concluded at 11:45 on the news that a tree had fallen across Clifton Avenue and knocked out the power lines that serve North Bexley.

3. Looking at outcomes!
In the twenty years of Tree Commission, this is what we’ve done brilliantly:
a. Creating gateways with a consistent look
b. Improving the urban forest
c. Raising $ for installations, flowers, trees
d. Serving as an incubator for new ideas
e. Being the first USA municipal ARBORETUM

4. Here’s what we haven’t done brilliantly
a. Having consistent review processes and standards to review landscape plans; b. Staying current and being pro-active with policies and procedures to undergird our Landscape reviews; c. Having consistent information forms and required information from all applicants.

5. So why are we here today?
To understand the current circumstances we have presently for reviewing landscape designs; and
to devise a plan to make changes where needed.

6. What is our goal(s)?
To make sure the landscape review process we use gives us the best possible outcomes for both the City and the applicants.
To pinpoint weaknesses in the review process and make changes to address those areas.
To remove the frustration from reviewing plans

7. What landscape plans do we presently review?
Main Street Commercial Properties
Institutional campuses
Street Tree plantings and removals in ROW
City Owned land development projects
Residential demotion and new builds

8. At request of ARB or BZAP, we can:
Review residential ARB cases and/or variance request having landscape impacts or needs
Special requests from Mayor, City Boards, Parks and Rec

9. Let’s review the process and forms:
Draft of Joint Unified Planning Commission form
Tree Preservation booklet and construction requirements

10. What are the expectations for having staff review the information?
Turn around time between getting plans and Commission meeting;
Information from staff prior to our meeting
Other

11. We’re not staff, but what are our obligations prior to T&PGC meeting?
On Site Visit
Questions to ask ourselves:
a: purpose of design
b. context
c. composition
d. sustainability

12. What policies to we have in place to help with the review process?
Policies on caliper lost; caliper to be replaced; donation in lieu of caliper
Tree preservation plan in place
Approval procedures for tree removals in ROW
List of criteria adopted for submitting landscape plans
Policy for installation of markers, monuments in ROW

13. What can make our reviews stronger and more consistent?
Defining who can present landscape plans
Who can draw plans?
Have we settled on an answer to the irrigation question?
What are the expectations for turn around for information to be in hand and decision making?

14. Thoughts from Elena
In the first few months of reviewing plans, do you have insights and observations about the: a. Plans received
b. Additional information that should be added to checklist
C. Communication with applicant before and after review
D. Timeline for receiving, reviewing, sending

15. What happens after we approve plan?
Installation oversight
Review of final installation
Review of maintenance
Continued review of plan
Decisions to be left with staff

16. Conducting better meetings
Rules and Regulations used by ARB and BZAP
Please add as attachment

17. Changes in current Laws/policies
Do we need additional ordinances?
Do we need additional policies?

18. Next Steps What needs to be done? Who will do it?
What resources do we need?
When will it be done?

19. Treemondous Facts!
In May, 2002 approved policy to remove all ivy from trunks and limbs of City Street Trees.
First discussion about improving Havenwood was 2002.
On March 6, 2002 ordinance passed that directed all funds from trees damaged in City to go to Bexley Beautification Fund.
January 15, 2003 –BZAP requires a Tree Preservation Plan for all new construction.

20. Evaluation
Did today’s get together help identify issues to be addressed for a more consistent review process?
What would you change?
Were there enough positive outcomes from today to warrant “doing this again?”

21. Thank you!
For sharing so much of your day with the City of Bexley – and for your support of the City through attendance at Commission meetings and philanthropic support of the work of the Commission.

22. Treemendous Facts!
First street “Trees for Bexley” completely underwrote the cost of replanting was Main Street in $22,500 was spent on 102 London Planes and Five maples.
London planes were declared the Main Street tree in 1968.

23. Treemendous Facts!
The “Bexley as an Arboretum” idea came to Larry Helman during a Bexley Commission retreat at Capital University.
Ginny Salamy did the credentialing paperwork which was sent to Morton Arboretum.

24. Treemendous Facts!
The first gateway in the City was at St. Charles on Broad Street. It was underwritten by the Jeffrey Company, the Columbus Foundation and a private donor.
Pump House Park was leased from the City of Columbus for $1.00 and received over $500, worth of grants for improvements.

25. Treemendous Facts In 1998, there were 6,500 street trees.
In 2001, a software program developed by Bexley called “StreetTreemendous” was submitted for copyright.
Stones placed on north side of Delmar were from the Foundation of the Broad St bridge.