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6 <br />lawsuit. She said an easement will be needed for a utility line that is controlled by <br />Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority for McIntire Road Extended. She said that for the <br />interchange, the agreement regarding the MOA must be approved, and after the design <br />public hearing, Council will need to approve the design of the interchange. She said <br />Council could have to condemn property if right of way is not obtained voluntarily. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said it would be helpful to put the schedule on the website. <br /> <br />REPORT <br />: URBAN FORESTRY PLAN <br /> <br /> Ms. Chris Gensic, Park and Trails Planner, presented a history of the City’s urban <br />forest. He said an assessment was completed in 2008 and a canopy analysis done in <br />2008/2009. He said the Comprehensive Plan has a goal of 40% coverage. He said an <br />inventory of trees on public land was done in 2008. He said a leaf or aerial photo <br />analysis showed that the City has a 46% canopy. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brian Daly, Acting Director of Parks and Recreation, said there are six <br />elements of the Urban Forest Management Plan: 1) Preservation and protection of <br />existing forested areas and trees; 2) Enhancement and restoration of forest quality; <br />3) Expansion of planted areas and total number of trees; 4) Monitoring and <br />documentation over time to track progress and needs; 5) Education and outreach to <br />involve the entire community; and 6) Sustainability and maintenance of plan and related <br />codes and guides. He said he would like Council to adopt the plan <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Huja, Mr. Daly said specimen trees have been <br />identified on public land. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja asked if there is a way to protect trees on private property, and would <br />there be a need for a new ordinance to do that. <br /> <br /> Mr. Taliaferro asked if the plan is to work on those neighborhoods that have less <br />of a canopy, and Mr. Daly said yes. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said trees in historic districts cannot be taken down without approval. <br />He asked if there are ideas about how to encourage private tree planting. <br /> <br /> Mr. Daly said there are grant opportunities that would allow trees to be distributed <br />to citizens. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said he would like staff to follow up on that. Dr. Brown asked if State <br />law regarding tree planting is too limiting. <br /> <br /> Mr. Daly said we are doing as much as we can by law at this time. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked if we should push for more legislation. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris said he would like to push the envelope on the requirement side. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown suggested identifying sites where we would welcome proffers from <br />developers regarding trees. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said he would like to explore private donation of trees. <br /> <br />REPORT <br />: SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD <br /> <br /> Ms. Connie Jorgensen, Chair of the Social Services Advisory Board, gave an <br />update on the impact of the recession on the Department. She said the foodstamp <br />caseload was up 14.5% from July to February, and up another 6.5% since February. She <br />said the TANF caseload is up 14.5% over the last year and a half, and Medicaid is up 2% <br />since February. She said the Department is down 2 ½ staff positions in the Benefits <br />division. She said federal stimulus money will be available for child care. She said the <br />One Stop Center is lacking operating funds and its location is not ideal, and putting a <br /> <br />