It could have been the Lorax, speaking for the trees at the BOC (Board of Commissioners) special meeting tonight (3.22.18) at City Hall.
“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues.” ― Dr. Seuss, the Lorax
Much of the special called meeting discussion revolved around recent tree-cutting incidents in the City with the most recent in the Cool Springs neighborhood at 4310 Cool Springs Cove.
A homeowner sought permission from the HOA (homeowners association) to remove trees in his back yard for a garage, pool and play yard for his children. As advised by the HOA, he submitted his plan created by a certified arborist to the City for approval, which was granted. When all was said and done, the arborist/tree cutter had disturbed the Scenic Corridor along Seed Tick Road and perhaps removed more trees than outlined in the plan.
And thus the meeting began, after removing the first item on the agenda: a resolution to conduct a benefit analysis on the relocation of City Hall. Vice Mayor Josh Roman asked to remove the item, citing other projects and expenses in the City at this time.
Cory Brady, PLA, AICP, city planner, explained the Cool Springs cuttings in a series of slides. Mr. Brady said based on the data received, the homeowner would not be removing too many trees. In fact, he exceeded the requirement of keeping a certain number of trees by four times. The arborist was told not to disturb the Scenic Corridor along Seed Tick. However, the equipment entered the property via Seed Tick and the 50’ natural corridor.
Mayor Wyatt Bunker said he counted 15 stumps beyond the magnolia trees on the Cool Springs property. “I contend they’ve cut more than we allowed.” He said City staff needs to inspect the property to verity if more trees were cut than outlined on the plan and permitted.
Mr. Roman suggested there be new language in the tree ordinance dealing with tree cutting and disturbances along a Scenic Corridor.
Commissioner Matt Wright said how does the City notify residents along Scenic Corridors, like Memphis Arlington Road and Seed Tick Road? “You can’t just cut without going through the process.”
Mr. Brady said a public service announcement about tree cutting and permitting was posted on the Lakeland Currents website. https://lakelandcurrents.com/lakeland-residents-permit-required-to-remove-10-diameter-trees/
Mr. Wright added, “The general homeowner doesn’t have a clue. It is our duty to educate them.”
Two citizens spoke to commissioners about trees and the ordinance: Richard Gonzalez asked about cutting dead trees in his neighborhood common area and Lou Melton commended the Commissioners for their proactive stance about the trees. But, she said, there is a major loophole — weekends. Two of the recent tree cuttings (Mobil gas station and Long Landing) have been on weekends when City staff was not on duty.
Mayor Bunker said maybe cutting on weekends should not be permitted.
Recent code violations
The Mobil station is replanting according to a plan approved by the City, said the Mayor. “They are ready to go. They will start in the next week so we have some movement on that. The vegetation will be replaced. I feel good about that one.”
At Cool Springs, the lot is to be inspected by the City with more information going forward.
Regarding Long Landing, a new subdivision off Seed Tick Road, the Mayor noted the tree debris has been removed but, “We’re coming up on the end of the season,” he said,” to plant trees.” He added the City will not issue building permits on the remaining lots until there is movement on the mitigation suggestions. Mike Long, developer of the subdivision, said he has tried to reach out to Eric Bridges, arborist who contracts with the City. The Mayor said there is an easy fix. The City will help Mr. Long get the process going.
Gillespie Cemetery on Seed Tick Road
The property in question is on the west side of Seed Tick between Cool Springs Boulevard and Lakeland Elementary School. Jim Atkinson, city manager, said a caretaker has lived on the property since 1972 in a trailer. “It’s a mess out there with trash, trailers and no services.”
He said John Highsmith, code enforcement, is working to get it cleaned up. The property is owned by a family corporation and all the members are deceased. A brother of the caretaker was located, but he has now died. “It is an eyesore,” said Mr. Atkinson.
The Mayor questioned the concept of cleaning the site and said the next steps should be to help the caretaker move out. City Attorney Chris Patterson said it is a unique situation with the caretaker residing permanently without facilities.
Goals and directions for the City
The Mayor introduced the next topic by saying, “This conversation is going to be a little heavier than the others.”
He then discussed new neighborhood Oakwood Grove – curvature of the streets and tree removal); the soon-to-be open Regions Bank (Corner Shops) – much more green than expected; and Gateway Tire request to develop a parcel behind their building for vehicle queuing and parking – the facility should use earth tone colors and a privacy fence should be a given.
“Generally I’m frustrated,” said the Mayor. “We’ve been given bad information by staff and we’ve acted on that. It’s the reason we have things that are less than desirable. I want to set expectations for you guys. We’re going to find a way.”
Commissioner Matt Wright agreed about having a consistent look, noting it helps with property values. “We can all do better,” he said. An example he cited was the Mobil gas station. “They put in a lot of effort but it’s not what I was hoping for.”
Commissioner Wesley Wright said he would bring a visual presentation of architecturally and aesthetically pleasing venues from other cities to a future BOC meeting.
The Mayor said there needs to be a plan in place for an overall concept, instead of a red building one place, a green one another. The City should put these requests on hold until a decision can be made. “At Motel 6, it’s putting lipstick on a pig and it’s not gonna work,” he exclaimed. The property is in code violation because of recent paint work and was in Shelby County Environment Court last week.
Commissioner Matt Wright ended the session by saying the City is set up for tremendous growth. “There is too much hodge podge. We need to take responsibility. We have great City staff. I know they can handle this.”
“I’ll second that,” said the Mayor.
Link to the City video of the meeting: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/8123332/videos/172158692
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents.
(The special called meeting of the Beer Board for 4:30 p.m. was cancelled earlier in the day.)
