City of Draper Tree Committee Meeting - November 4, 2025

The Draper Tree Committee convened on November 4, 2025, to welcome new member David Cloward, approve previous minutes, and review committee updates. The meeting featured discussions on proactive code enforcement, the status of the Timothy Street sycamore removal project, and the adoption of the 2026 meeting schedule. Significant deliberation occurred regarding landscaping standards, specifically the enforcement of plant coverage versus gravel usage, and the potential for community education initiatives to address heat island effects.

Consent Calendar

• The Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting, with a minor factual correction noted regarding the date of the "Localscapes" class.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Cloward: Expressed full support for the committee after applying to join while attending a neighborhood event, stating his motivation was simply "looking for a way to help." He inquired about the role of committee members.
• Marianne Akron: Expressed a strong desire (a petition) for the new city artist to attend future meetings, arguing that the artist should be the "primary voice and eyes" when discussing planting locations. She noted that the artist is currently active in the field rather than the office.
• Brent Morgan & Others: Expressed significant concern regarding the lack of proactive code enforcement for major thoroughfares (specifically citing Walgreens and 138 East), noting that trees die due to delayed municipal response to hazards. They contrasted this with the immediate enforcement seen in residential neighborhoods.
• Brent Johnson: Expressed enthusiasm for the new arborist position but noted the frustration that the committee had previously given up on major projects like city entrances due to budget constraints, despite resident survey data showing 92% support for increased tree funding.

Discussion Items

• Proactive Code Enforcement: Speakers argued that the current system relies too heavily on resident complaints. It was noted that the new arborist can serve as "eyes and ears" to identify issues but possesses no enforcement authority; a formal complaint must still be submitted by someone to trigger action.
• Timothy Street Sycamore Removal: The Committee discussed the ongoing evaluation of sycamore trees on Timothy Street. While a previous broad removal spec (comparing tree diameter to park strip width) was used, the City is now employing a more nuanced on-site evaluation based on hazard, leaning, and root system size to avoid unnecessary removals. No final decisions have been made yet.
• 138 East Treeless Corridors: A member noted the concrete-heavy appearance of new developments on 138 East with no trees. Members clarified that this is not a code violation because trees planted within 15 feet of the right-of-way count toward the requirement, and park strips under five feet wide do not require tree planting.
• Zion's Bank "Zero-Scape" Compliance: Concerns were raised about a commercial property (Zion's Bank) featuring 100% rock landscaping. Members clarified that new code requires 75% plant coverage within five years (or earlier if the ordinance was adopted later), but enforcement relies on when the project was approved. There is no retroactive enforcement for projects approved before the stricter coverage requirements existed.
• Single-Family Enforcement Limitations: The Committee confirmed it does not enforce landscaping codes for single-family residences; enforcement only occurs if a complaint is filed and the project is evaluated against the code standards active at the time of installation.
• Education and "Draper Forward": The Committee discussed using the local newspaper to educate residents on the benefits of native planting over gravel, citing heat island effects and maintenance costs. An idea to feature a high-quality residential landscaping example (from Riverton or Draper) was supported to shift public perception.
• Budget and Planting Strategy: The Committee debated the allocation of a $10,000 private donation and existing reserve funds. There was a consensus to utilize the new arborist to identify specific replacement projects (troubled existing trees) rather than waiting for large-scale, infrequent master plan projects. A potential partnership for the "America 250" tree-planting initiative was also mentioned.
• City Entrance Improvement Projects: The Committee revisited the idea of unifying street trees on major thoroughfares. While members expressed a desire to improve city entrances, they acknowledged previous budget rejections and the need for a fundamental shift in City Council priorities, citing successful planning in neighboring cities like Harriman.

Key Outcomes

• 2026 Meeting Schedule Approved: The Committee unanimously approved the 2026 schedule, establishing six meetings: February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, August 7, September 1, October 6, and November 3. Meetings are scheduled to avoid the summer planting/dry season and holiday periods.
• Follow-Up on Code Enforcement: The Committee will have the new member (David) and leadership meet with Jen (City Department representative) to formulate a strategy for ensuring code adoption happens before Chapter 35, rather than waiting years for the next code cycle.
• Action Item for Education: The Committee will proceed with a feature story for the "Draper Forward" newspaper regarding the benefits of proper landscaping versus gravel, including temperature comparisons and aesthetic value.
• Adjournment: The motion to adjourn was passed; the meeting concluded with a reminder that the $10,000 private donation must be utilized by June 30th.

Additional Agenda Items

• New Member Introductions: David Cloward was formally welcomed. The Committee discussed the potential for future inclusion of the city artist, though his field duties may limit his availability for every meeting. The Committee also noted the absence of the city's new arborist from the meeting, with members expressing a high reliance on his future on-site assessments.