August 11, 2003 MLPA Board Meeting Minutes

Back to minutes and announcements archive

Board members present: Norman McKay, Susan Drake, Alan Perry, Ruth Alexander, Mae Reich, John Schwartz, Joe Giardina, Mike Carew, Martha Hall, Van Hall, Kathy Payne, Barry Berlin, Kerry Brown, Trav Carter.

Pres. McKay called the meeting to order at @ 7:35 pm.  First order of business was the approval of the July minutes.  Motion made to approve, seconded and passed.

Beth Crowther from Council President Woolard’s office recognized.  Handouts available regarding City Council’s energy-saving measures.

President McKay reported on the public hearings to be held on the City’s 2004 budget, the closest one to us being scheduled for the Civic Center (Piedmont Room) on Wednesday September 3rd from 7-9 pm.

Committee reports:

Security/Public Safety: Mike Carew reported.  Increase in July car breakins and reports from 8 different addresses, but representing 15 car breakins.  Cars parked on street or in driveway, not in carport or garage.  Security Patrol lead officer checking crime reports at least weekly to see if there is a pattern.  On one street, 7 cars hit in one night.  On third watch (night shift), officers will spend more time patrolling perimeter streets to see if deterrence improves.  Will also attempt to coordinate with Zone 2.  Reports of house burglaries received in August.  Service vehicles pulling up and burglarizing homes in afternoon.  Major Spillane still in charge of Zone 2 and we’re still in that Zone.

Membership: report given by Joelle Spain through President.  Welcome package is at graphic designer’s.  If anyone has material to add, please get it to her.

Newsletter: Van Hall reported.  Issue should have been received.  Applause from entire Board for excellent issue about efforts of individuals, and MLPA, in stopping I-485.  Next newsletter is the Tour of Homes issue and deadline is at the end of the month, not to be extended.  Tour of Homes will be the Halls’ last issue. 

Parks: Linda Rothermel reported.  City has proposed meeting for discussion of plans at Sunken Garden improvements.  August 17 at 4:30 pm at Sunken Garden Park.  Handout re tree maintenance, contacting arborists, etc.  (Attached to Minutes)  Barry Berlin gave an update on Sidney Marcus Park.  Playscape in place; work still going on at Park.  Fund raising was (and continues to be) a success.  Dawn Davis commended for work done as Chair.  Pres. McKay reported on big tree that fell in Wildwood Gardens park and City is arranging for removal.

Beautification: Kerry Brown reported.  Mowing still taking place.  New sponsors being explored.  Public Works rep. had a conflict which prevented his attendance to discuss solid waste removal issue.  New rep. aware of problems and we are hopeful that we will see improvement.  Anne Fauver’s office recommends continued telephoning if yard waste not picked up.

Schools: Joe Giardina reported.  Sad day for kids -- school’s back in session.  Trailers at Inman and Grady because of construction.  Scheduling problems at Inman.  Grady appeared to run more smoothly.  First CINS meeting will be at Morningside School at noon on August 27th.

Special Events: no report.

Tour of Homes: no report.

Traffic: Bill Ellis reported through Pres. due to illness.  Virginia-Highlands was the largest of any community Night-Out gathering.  Martha Hall reported that our own Bill Ellis and Dianne Olansky were specifically thanked at that gathering.

North MLPA/Sidewalks: Kathy Payne reported.  July only saw 2 repaired sidewalks.  Concern from one resident about algae on sidewalks.  Neighbors reminded about need to keep their sidewalks clean.

South MLPA: Barry Berlin had nothing further to report.

NPU Rep: John Schwartz present but nothing to report.

Treasurer’s Report: Ruth Alexander had nothing written (first day of school).  Question regarding proration of security patrol dues.  Will be explored by president.  Motion made and approved for Terry Kearns’ request for website maintenance and domain name of $195.  Liability insurance still being explored.

Pres. handed out brochure regarding e-commerce services.  Resident referred to Paypal as an option to be explored as well.

Zoning: Trav Carter reported.  Mae Reich and Pam Glotzbach also present.  Synopsis will start being sent to Board members shortly after committee meeting.

V-03-197; 1026 Robin Lane.  Variance sought to reduce front yard setbacks from the required 50 to 37 feet to allow for attic finish with dormers and front porch.  All neighbors signed letter of approval.  Committee approved application as submitted and per site plans dated 8/5/03.  Motion made to follow Committee’s approval and approve application.  Seconded and passed unanimously.

V-03-207; 1132 Zimmer Drive.  Variance sought to reduce west side yard setback from 7 feet to 3 feet and reduce rear yard setback from 15 feet to 7 feet to allow for construction of detached carport.  All affected neighbors approved.  Committee approved application as submitted with a requirement of the carport’s dimensions of 21 feet by 21 feet.  Motion made to follow Committee’s approval and approve application.  Seconded and passed unanimously.

V-03-208; 1112 Zimmer Drive.  Motion to defer application to September meeting.  Seconded and passed unanimously.

V-03-211; 1264 N. Morningside Drive.  Applicant did not show at Committee meeting so deferred.  Motion made to defer to September meeting.  Seconded and passed unanimously.

New Business: Arborguard representative Nick Lecroy present.  Concern over falling trees and what can we do for our trees.  4 years of drought can have a significant impact.  Stressed trees can show a decline.  Indicators of rot and weakness can be seen.  Mulch needs to be done more; grass can be a competitor to the trees.  Rep. commented favorably on handout (copied below) but pointed out that reference to “companies” being certified by the ISA is inaccurate, only individuals can be so certified. Question after representative left meeting regarding whether to pick one company and get signups with discounts available.  Questions regarding fire at antique shops at Cheshire Bridge; no definitive knowledge as to whether they will reopen.

Anne Fauver recognized.  Commended Arborguard for free evaluation done by Company of trees in Piedmont and Grant parks.  Solid waste services problems: City has failed to do analyses of vehicles (true throughout City departments) which has resulted in delays in improving solid waste services.  Consistent improvements have recently been seen, according to Anne, elsewhere in the District.  District 6 problems seem to stem from one particular service division.  Anne suggested dating the trash bags when you put them out so that we have evidence of how long they have sat on the curb.  Extensive discussion regarding how solid waste pickup can be improved, and cost lowered.  References to Alpharetta and Rockdale County.  Privatizing discussed.  City and Council shell-shocked by water privatizing attempts so probably not ripe time for it to happen with solid waste.  City will need to have trash transfer stations.  Strong feeling on Council that all stations should not be on the south side of town.  Industrial-type area could end up with such a transfer station, such as Cheshire Bridge area.  Anne encouraged attendance at budget meeting and only one on close to our neighborhood is the one at the Civic Center on 9/3 from 7 to 9 pm.

Old Business: nothing to report.

President McKay adjourned the meeting at @ 9:00pm.

Tree Maintenance Guidance and Reference Information

Urban trees are subjected to stressful living conditions that often compromise their natural resilience and strength.  The trees suffer because urban activities often harden the soils near the trees or pave over the soil completely.  This reduces the amount of air and water available to the tree roots.  It also often restricts the area where roots can grow, so the tree develops a smaller and weaker root system that will not support the tree.  Weak trees then often become more vulnerable to various diseases that further compromise the strength of the trees.  The combination of the drought over the last 5 years followed by months of excessive rain in 2003 also caused a dangerous mix of shrunken tree roots and saturated soils.  The trees just can’t support themselves.

Homeowners can provide regular maintenance to their young and mature trees that can help prevent some of these conditions.

Regular Maintenance

1.    Mulch:  place mulch around the roots but not next to the trunk.  Extend as far as possible to the drip line.  Apply only 2-4 “ of mulch.

2.    Water:  regular watering schedule in times of drought.  Water mature trees and younger ones.  Water newly planted trees weekly until established.  Mature trees are more variable in their needs, but during long periods of little or no rain, they must be watered at least monthly.  Apply approximately 2 gallons per 1” diameter of your tree.  Draw a circle on the ground that is the same diameter from the trunk as the outermost tips of the branches.  This is the critical root zone that must receive an even distribution of the water.  Apply the water slowly so that it will soak into the ground.

3.    Prune: Trees need regular maintenance as well for trimming of dead and weak limbs.  Never allow your tree to be ‘topped’ –this is illegal.  Do not allow anyone who prunes your trees to climb it with spurs.  If you are not sure what needs trimming or can’t do the pruning yourself, consult an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (see below) to evaluate the tree.  Only hire a tree company to trim the trees if they are certified by the ISA.

4.    Remove vines and groundcover that are growing on the trunk and into the branches.  Most common in Atlanta are English Ivy, Wisteria, and Kudzu.  These vines should not be growing on the trunk or around the base of the tree.  Groundcovers that are maintained around the base but away from the trunk and exposed roots are acceptable.  Consider that these plants will be using moisture from the soil that the tree needs when you calculate your water amounts for the tree.

5.    Observe your tree.  Look for mushroom-like fruiting bodies on the trunks and in the soil around the root zone.  These are indicators of various fungi that can damage the tree.  Look for cankers on the trunk or branches.  Observe the leaves to determine if they are a healthy green color.   Consult with an ISA certified arborist to determine if your tree is suffering from a fungus or other disease.  The arborist will know what kind of treatment to give your tree.

Hiring an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture:  consult the yellow pages of the phone book or consult the web (www.natlarb.com).   You should have your mature trees checked every few years by a certified arborist.

The company that you hire to evaluate your trees may find that a tree is a hazard tree.  Any tree found to be a hazard tree must be permitted for removal by the City of Atlanta.  However, the permit does not require a posting or appeal period.  Therefore, once you have the permit, the tree may be removed.  Call the City Arborist Office (404-330-6874) to request the permit; they will inspect the tree.  The City Arborist can also perform the evaluations of the conditions of your trees.  You may call the city Arborist or hire a tree company with a certified arborist to make the general evaluations of the health of your trees.

Two good web sites for more information about urban tree care:

1.    The Georgia Forestry Commission:   www.gfc.state.ga.us.   This site offers information applicable to Atlanta tree care and environmental conditions.  It also has information for finding certified arborists.
2.    www.treelink.org.  This site has a variety of links to tree related topics.

Back to minutes and announcements archive