HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-15-23 CDC MinutesDUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, August 15, 2023 — 4:30 p.m.
5555 Perimeter Drive
Council Chamber
Meeting Minutes
Mr. Reiner called the August 15, 2023 Community Development Committee meeting to
order at 4:30 p.m.
Members present: Ms. Amorose Groomes, Mr. Keeler, and Mr. Reiner
Staff present: Taylor Mullinax, Matt Earman, Robert Ranc, Mitch Ament, Bassem Bitar,
Jennifer Rauch, Michael Hiatt
Mr. Reiner welcomed Bassem Bitar, the new Deputy Planning Director.
Minutes of the May 23, 2023 Meeting
Ms. Amorose Groomes moved to approve the minutes of the May 23, 2023 Community
Development Committee meeting. Mr. Keeler seconded the motion.
Vote: Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Amorose Groomes, yes;, Mr. Keeler, yes.
Fall Beautify Your Neighborhood Grant Application
Ms. Mullinax reviewed the request for recommendation to City Council of the 2023 Fall
Beautify Your Neighborhood Grant application. The City received one application from
Corbins Mill. She shared a map indicating the neighborhood requesting the grant. The
total budget dedicated to the Beautify Your Neighborhood Grants is $32,000 for two
grant cycles. $17,000 of the budget remains unutilized for the 2023 Grant Program.
• Villas at Corbins Mill (VCM) — Request: $5,000
Ms. Mullinax stated that the proposed project areas are located in front of the
condominium units and the entryway along Corbins Mill Drive, which the condominium
association owns and maintains. The neighborhood is proposing to remove and replace
overgrown shrubs with unified plantings in front of the units. Additionally, three rock
gardens are proposed to be installed, which will include water tolerant plantings and
address poor drainage. The project meets the scope of the program and the Grant
Review Team recommends three conditions of approval.
Conditions of Approval:
1. Revising the funding details on the application;
2. Removing and replacing a dying tree; and
3. Modifying the rock garden bed lines to avoid mowing difficulties.
Community Development Committee
August 15, 2023
Page 2
Planning recommends the Community Development Committee review and make a
recommendation of approval to City Council with conditions for the fall 2023 Beautify
Your Neighborhood Grant application.
Ms. Amorose Groomes cautioned the neighborhood on the use of Birdsnest Spruce and
suggested in lieu of the Itea, maybe a Willow Shrub because they do well in wet soil
and do not have an aggressive root system. This is a lovely design and a beautiful
neighborhood. She expressed appreciation for their investment.
The residents expressed appreciation for the grant opportunity, which will help
accomplish these projects.
Mr. Keeler moved to recommend Council approval of this application with conditions
and the suggestion to work with staff on plant options. Ms. Amorose Groomes seconded
the motion.
Vote on the motion: Mr. Keeler, yes; Ms. Amorose Groomes, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes.
US 33/I270 Interchange Planting Beds Renovation
Mr. Earman stated this planting bed renovation plan was brought to City Council May
221 2023 and was referred to the Community Development Committee for further
discussion. This project is for the renovation of the existing I-270/US 33 interchange
landscape planting. The site conditions have not been optimal due to excessive rain,
draining issues, and poor soil conditions. That combination has posed a challenge to
keep the area to the status originally intended. The proposed landscaping concept
includes a variety of species of shrubs, trees and fescues. The plan also proposes
installing French drains. The species proposed are more tolerant of the environment
there. As you gain elevation driving over the overpass, you will be able to see the
platted concrete identifiers throughout the system. Renderings were shared of the
proposed concept.
Staff provided discussion questions for the Committee's feedback.
1. Does the CDC have feedback regarding the selection of trees and shrubs in the
proposed new landscaping concept for the I-270/U.S. 33 Interchange Planting
Beds?
2. Would the CDC prefer to see alternative landscape concept renderings?
3. Does the CDC recommend approval of the proposed new landscaping concept to
City Council?
Mr. Reiner asked about Nine Bark Shrubs. There are some new hybrids with orange in
them. Sweet Bay Magnolias get so tall that they may not work in mass. Red Buds have
a limited lifespan. Mr. Hiatt stated that this represents the first options put forward.