A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion about the urban forestry management plan. The plan is aimed at increasing the tree canopy cover in the city, particularly for multifamily complexes, with a proposed requirement of 25% tree canopy coverage. This initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate environmental concerns such as stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and reduce urban temperatures.

The public expressed support for the initiative, with residents advocating for the amendment of the tree protection ordinance. The Commission was urged to recommend this change to the city council. Additionally, there was a motion to resurrect the tree canopy ordinance and prioritize it in the next meeting’s agenda, which passed unanimously. The public also voiced concerns regarding the critical root zone, which affects tree preservation, and suggested that the Commission work with the council to address these concerns.

Another topic of discussion was the native Municipal tree canopy and Landscape Management trust fund. Opinions among the Commission members were mixed regarding the feasibility of imposing mitigation fees on developers to fund the trust. There was no consensus reached.

The Commission also considered incentives for developers and landscapers to use more native plants in their landscaping, which could be more easily implemented than assessing fees on developers. A suggestion was made to recommend that the city council address flaws in the canopy ordinance to save trees at apartment complexes.

Public comments included a suggestion to provide funding for an urban forestry program, promote native plants, and implement low impact development. Concerns about the $2 per capita for tree planting were raised, with suggestions for incremental steps to incentivize native plantings and improve the tree canopy.

The Commission debated proposed amendments to their powers and duties, specifically related to environmental sustainability and the Tree City USA program. A report on the expenditures for tree planting and maintenance was presented, showing that some years had zero spending on tree planting. A motion was made and passed unanimously to ask the City Council to allocate the full $2 per capita for urban forestry, which includes tree planting and initial care. Members called for transparency and accountability in the use of funds for urban forestry.

During public comments, Elizabeth Adams expressed gratitude to the Commission for their dedication to environmental issues and their efforts to educate young people at the Youth Environmental Summit. The Commission’s involvement in nonviolence in the context of environmental issues was also highlighted.

The Commission received an update on the urban forestry grant, with concerns about lethal bronzing disease affecting palm trees. A recommendation was proposed for an ordinance requiring the use of certified disease-free palm trees by developers and landscapers. Additionally, a project at Manzo Park to address oyster traps funded by the Indian River Lagoon half-penny sales tax was mentioned. The Commission discussed with a representative from the St. John’s River Water Management District the distribution of resources for the protection of the Indian River Lagoon and the need for more projects in Titusville.