Tree Advisory Committee

Tree Advisory Committee — January 17, 2024

This was a regular meeting of Petaluma's Tree Advisory Committee, held at City Hall. All seven members were present, though Chair Formby departed early, with Vice Chair McErlane taking over to complete the session.

Public Comment – Wendy Jacobs / ReLeaf

Wendy Jacobs spoke during the public comment period representing ReLeaf, a tree advocacy organization. The minutes do not detail the substance of her remarks, but she also returned to comment during the discussion of the draft tree preservation ordinance update (Item 2).

Draft Update to Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17 (Tree Preservation)

City planner Heather Hines presented proposed updates to Chapter 17 of the Implementing Zoning Ordinance, which governs tree preservation in Petaluma. Ben Anderson was also in attendance to support the presentation. The committee received written public comments submitted both before and after the agenda was posted, from Charles Little, Bill Rinehart, and Margaret Henderson.

Each committee member — Ewing, Racusen, Obaid, McErlane, Cover, and Bertuccelli — asked questions of staff and shared individual comments and concerns. The minutes do not capture the specific substance of those exchanges, but the item was listed as a discussion and feedback session rather than an action item, meaning no formal vote or approval was required. Public comment was then opened, with Charles Little and Wendy Jacobs speaking before comment was closed.

This item is part of an ongoing effort to update the city's tree protection rules, which will ultimately affect how development projects handle the removal, replacement, and preservation of trees on both public and private property.

Draft Blueprint for Carbon Neutrality (Climate Action Commission Item)

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on the City of Petaluma's Draft Blueprint for Carbon Neutrality, intended for consideration by the Climate Action Commission. However, due to time constraints — likely a result of the lengthy discussion on Item 2 — the committee voted to defer this item to the next meeting.

Vote: 6–0 (Chair Formby not present). Moved by Racusen, seconded by Cover.

Approval of Minutes – November 15, 2023

The committee approved the minutes from its November 15, 2023 meeting without discussion.

Vote: 6–0 (Chair Formby not present). Moved by Racusen, seconded by Cover.

Key Takeaways