HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSC 02-11-2026 Meeting MinutesDublin City Council
Public Services Committee
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
4:00 p.m.
5555 Perimeter Drive
Council Chamber
Meeting Minutes
Ms. Kramb called the February 11, 2026 Public Services Committee meeting to order at 4:00
p.m.
Committee Members Present: Vice Mayor De Rosa, Dr. Lam and Ms. Kramb (Chair).
Staff Present: Mr. Barker, Mr. Earman, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Ament, Ms. Hunter, Ms. Rauch, Mr.
Myers and Mr. Hiatt
Approval of Minutes
Ms. Kramb moved to approve the minutes of the October 8, 2025 Public Services Committee
meeting. Vice Mayor De Rosa seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Ms. Kramb, yes; Dr. Lam, yes; Vice Mayor De Rosa, yes.
Discussion Items:
Greenway Corridor Screening Program
Mr. Earman presented the Greenway Screening Corridor Program based on references from a
previous council meeting. He provided background that the pilot program was located in the
Indian Run Meadows subdivision along the Avery- Muirfield corridor. The program was based on
screening requirements established in 1978, which had proven very difficult to enforce due to
linear footage and other factors incorporated into those requirements. He explained that the
City decided to identify screening gaps, many of which were due to dying and decaying trees
and shrubs over the years.
The project was initiated in 2020, and plantings were finished just a couple of years ago, with
ongoing maintenance continuing to improve those areas. Mr. Earman specified that the pilot
corridor extends from Valley Spring Drive to Scottish Corners.
He explained that the easements acquired allowed the City to assume responsibility for trees
and shrubs along that corridor. The City's responsibilities in those easements include continuing
to maintain, replace, and manage the trees and shrubs. Property owners would be responsible
for all lawn care including mowing, mulching, watering, and fertilization - essentially everything
not directly associated with the trees, though they could mulch if they preferred.
Mr. Earman noted that property owners who elected not to participate in the program remained
responsible for their own trees and shrubs to ensure compliance with code requirements. He
confirmed that to date, those property owners were within code compliance with no current
issues.
Public Services Committee
February 11, 2026 Minutes
Page 2 of 11
The corridors discussed for future consideration included Frantz Road, Emerald Parkway, Dublin
Road, and Coffman Road. Regarding pilot program details, Mr. Earman reported there were 31
properties along the Avery-Muirfield corridor section, with 25 participating. As part of the
Greenway Corridor Screening Program, the City removed 84 dead or decaying trees and
replanted 124 new trees and shrubs at a cost of approximately $92,000. This initial cost did not
include ongoing maintenance, replacements, or recording fees in the county office for
easements.
Vice Mayor DeRosa asked about other trees in the area that would die soon due to aging. She
wanted confirmation that if trees within the easement area died, the City would take
responsibility to remove them, not just trees that were replaced. Mr. Earman confirmed that the
City would take care of all trees within the easement area regardless of whether they existed
before or after the program implementation. He noted he would work with the forestry team to
continue assessments.
Mr. Earman credited landscape architect Michael Hiatt and Code Enforcement's Josh Britt for
conducting extensive drive-throughs of each requested corridor to identify opportunities for
additional screening. He clarified this did not mean screening would cover every square foot of
the corridors. Parameters were established such as focusing on back-facing or side-facing
properties to roads, while front-facing residences were not considered necessary for screening,
though it remained an option.
Areas of greatest concern were identified including Coffman High School, the post office,
businesses, and undeveloped properties. Mr. Earman suggested the City should work with
schools to potentially share responsibility. The Emerald Parkway post office location showed a
fairly wide-open section leaving the building exposed. Incorporating trees could help screen the
post office, though Mr. Earman noted businesses often operate expecting visibility, so voluntary
compliance would be important to find middle ground.
An undeveloped property at Frantz Road and Rings Road was currently farmed. Mr. Earman
noted that during growing seasons, corn or soybean crops might provide aesthetic value as part
of Dublin's history, making screening less necessary.
Multiple residential properties along Frantz Road, Monterey Drive, Corbins Mill, Long Branch
Road, and Turkey Run were shown as screening opportunities. At Coffman Road on the west
side of Coffman High School's parking lot, additional low hedge-type shrubbery was suggested
for safety reasons without completely blocking sight lines.
Estimated costs for each corridor were:
e Emerald Parkway corridor $24,000,
e Frantz Road $51,000, and
e Coffman Road $14,250, totaling $89,250.
Mr. Earman emphasized these were estimates for initial tree planting investment only, with
ongoing maintenance costs being additional. He noted the estimated cost for these four areas
was less than the Avery-Muirfield pilot alone, largely because Avery-Muirfield included
significant dead tree removal costs while these would primarily involve new plantings.
Public Services Committee
February 11, 2026 Minutes
Page 3 of 11
Dr. Lam asked whether the Frantz Road corridor would include the entire road or just parts. Mr.
Earman confirmed it would be the entire corridor, but only areas with screening deficiencies
based on the criteria of backyards or side yards of residences, or buildings like the post office.
He confirmed that Michael Hiatt and Josh Britt's assessment found all properties currently
compliant with code, so participation would be voluntary.
Dr. Lam asked how this would coincide with planned infrastructure development on Frantz
Road. Mr. Earman stated that none of the proposed treatments would interfere with planned
improvements, as they purposely avoided conflict areas. Ms. Rauch confirmed that Metro Center
development plans already included required screening.
Ms. Kramb asked about the status of compliance. Mr. Earman confirmed none were out of
compliance. When asked if all identified locations were shown, Mr. Earman confirmed these
were all opportunities identified based on the same criteria used for the Avery-Muirfield pilot.
Ms. Kramb noted that some parcels shown were undeveloped and questioned whether property
owners would want to screen vacant parcels they hope to develop. She specifically mentioned
the Emerald Parkway parcel and expressed doubt that economic development would support
screening developable land.
Regarding the post office, Ms. Kramb asked about ownership of the land between the sidewalk
and parking lot along Emerald Parkway. Mr. Earman stated that he believes it is owned by the
post office. Ms. Kramb expressed skepticism that the federal government would participate,
noting her past unsuccessful experiences working with post offices. She emphasized that unlike
the residential pilot, this program would include non-residential properties.
Mr. Earman acknowledged there were some non-residential properties in the original pilot
including a church and medical facility. Ms. Kramb questioned why the City had not installed
screening along Emerald Parkway when it was built, particularly where it created new school
frontage. She drove past that area daily and observed students hopping the fence to cut
through the field. She also noted the marching band used every inch of space up to Coffman
Road.
Vice Mayor DeRosa recalled extreme resident unhappiness when trees were torn down for the
practice field along Roscommon Road. She received multiple requests from residents wanting
trees replaced. Residents were livid about the tree removal, with rumors the trees were pruned
then removed. The noise levels increased significantly for residents after tree removal. Vice
Mayor De Rosa stated there was resident support for replacement in that area and that staff
had reached out to schools who indicated they would plant trees.
Vice Mayor De Rosa asked why the west side of Coffman Road was not included, noting aging
trees there. She emphasized that code compliance could not be the only criteria since none of
these recommendations were for code compliance issues. She stressed the need for clear
criteria, noting the original pilot addressed aging trees proactively. She felt the west side of
Coffman fit this criterion due to aging trees throughout that area.
Ms. Kramb asked about the program's genesis. Vice Mayor De Rosa explained that previous
council members noted beautifully screened areas where trees had aged out. Responsibility
became expensive and confusing for newer residents. Over time, trees died without
replacement, creating issues. The broader discussion focused on protecting greenways and
Public Services Committee
February 11, 2026 Minutes
Page 4 of 11
streetscapes. The genesis was about the City's responsibility to maintain greenways after 30
years, determining ongoing responsibilities.
Vice Mayor De Rosa emphasized there had been some communication issues early in the pilot
about voluntariness and objectives. Now with pictures showing results, the question was
whether to make this available to others on a voluntary basis. With trees aging after 30 years,
particularly in core city areas near schools, the cost for residents to replace would be high. The
discussion aligned with the next agenda item about having a comprehensive greenway program
alongside waterway and wooded lot programs.
Mr. Earman confirmed that staff would reassess gaps once Avery-Muirfield trees reached certain
points. While currently meeting code, gaps might remain requiring additional trees. They would
maintain staggered planting rather than replacing everything at once.
Dr. Lam asked about the six properties that did not participate in the pilot and whether there
were compliance issues. Mr. Earman explained that non-participants understood they were
responsible for maintaining their property to code standards. All were currently compliant and in
healthy condition with no immediate concerns, though future issues might require welcoming
them to the program or asking for replacements.
Ms. Kramb asked about using tree fund money since they were obtaining easements. Mr.
Earman confirmed the tree fund was used for Avery-Muirfield and was intended for use for this
program. Ms. Kramb confirmed the $89,250 cost could come from the tree fund. When asked
about the current fund balance, Mr. Earman believed it was about $400,000 based on his last
conversation with finance.
Ms. Kramb explained the tree fund came from developers who could not meet code
requirements for tree installation on their property and could pay the cost of those trees into a
city fund usable only on city land. Mr. Earman noted part of the fund was also designated for
reforesting the Riverside Crossing Park west side staging area after path system completion.
Vice Mayor De Rosa discussed concerns about changing environmental conditions causing tree
stress. Trees planted under previous conditions might not thrive as conditions warmed. The City
needs to proactively address tree replacement needs. She stated that this fits well with Dublin's
tree city goals and suggested establishing criteria for a funded program similar to sidewalk and
road maintenance budgets.
Committee members discussed additional areas to consider. Vice Mayor DeRosa suggested Sells
Mill, the west side of Coffman Road, and potentially Brand Road. Mr. Earman confirmed they
had not done a city-wide assessment, only reviewing the originally requested corridors.
Dr. Lam liked the current options as major thoroughfares into and out of Dublin. He noted
visitors frequently comment on Dublin's beauty and greenery. Vice Mayor De Rosa added they
should consider routes to and from schools, community areas, and parks. She mentioned Hard
Road was already well-screened with newer trees.
Mr. Earman offered to research additional suggestions if the Committee desired, or to establish
criteria first. Vice Mayor De Rosa suggested criteria might include whether areas were
thoroughfares, heavily trafficked, had aging trees, or species known to be at risk.
Public Services Committee
February 11, 2026 Minutes
Page 5 of 11
Mr. Barker asked about prioritizing residential areas first while addressing identified commercial
area issues. Vice Mayor De Rosa suggested prioritizing areas around schools, parks, and
community areas.
Ms. Kramb suggested staff look at older neighborhoods since Dublin exploded in growth during
the 1990s. Those 1980s and 1990s subdivisions would have trees starting to die. She noted
newer western areas had younger trees and were previously farm fields without many existing
trees. Vice Mayor De Rosa added they should be proactive about areas with tree species known
to be at risk due to environmental changes.
When asked what additional information would be helpful, Ms. Kramb wanted to know about
commercial properties, particularly vacant ones she doubted they would screen. She also
wanted information about school interest in collaborating, noting safety concerns. She recalled
principals opposing dense vegetation along walking routes to maintain visibility of students.
Dr. Lam noted the Coffman High School area had significant pedestrian traffic with people
parking and walking across. He expressed concern about potential damage and lifecycle costs if
trees were planted in high-traffic areas. He agreed about businesses like the post office likely
not wanting screening that would block visibility and frustrate customers.
For the last question about prioritizing corridors, Vice Mayor De Rosa suggested that since this
was a voluntary program, they could be broader in scope than if the program were mandatory.
Mr. Earman agreed. Implementation would take time for getting people on board and
establishing easements, similar to Avery-Muirfield. Funds would be expended strategically over
time rather than all at once.
Mr. Earman suggested combining all corridors to determine participation, taking successful
applications to City Council quarterly for easement approval through ordinance. He offered
flexibility on focusing on one corridor or pursuing all four, noting limited work areas would not
overburden staff regardless of approach.
Ms. Kramb saw these more as sites than corridors due to their spread-out nature, unlike Avery-
Muirfield's adjacent properties. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that with additional areas like the
west side of Coffman Road, they would achieve more of a corridor feel. Ms. Kramb saw nothing
wrong with spot projects, suggesting annual work on handful of locations.
Vice Mayor De Rosa emphasized that because the program was voluntary and based on lessons
learned, they should not limit scope too much or risk accomplishing little over three years. The
goal of keeping greenways healthy requires a larger scope given the time for residents to
decide, volunteer, order, and plant.
Mr. Earman recommended starting with establishing criteria, then exploring different areas
based on those criteria before returning to the Committee. Ms. Kramb agreed with this
approach to figure out criteria, broaden identification of locations including 1980s-1990s
developments, create a full list of potential sites, then proceed.
Vice Mayor De Rosa looked forward to the Community Services Advisory Committee’s (CSAC's)
input at their March meeting, with results brought back to this committee.
Public Services Committee
February 11, 2026 Minutes
Page 6 of 11
HOA Maintenance of Woodlots and Woodlot Maintenance Grant Program
Mr. Ament presented an overview of homeowners’ association (HOA) maintenance
responsibilities for woodlots followed by the proposed woodlot grant program for discussion and
feedback.
Mr. Ament provided background that Council discussed this topic during the 2025 goal setting
retreat. Staff had outlined the City's current woodlot maintenance program established in 2023,
intentionally focused on city-owned woodlots prioritizing sites with greatest ecological value. At
that retreat, discussion shifted to HOA maintained woodlots prompted by requests from
neighborhoods like Wyandotte Woods seeking support for woodlots in HOA maintained reserve
areas. These areas were assigned to HOAs through plat restrictions resulting in varying
responsibilities across neighborhoods.
Mr. Ament showed citywide mapping illustrating woodlots within HOA maintained areas,
highlighting how many significant woodlots fell under HOA maintenance responsibility. These
included areas where invasive species, aging tree stands, or potential waterway blockages
created increasingly complex maintenance challenges.
HOAs had previously requested consultation and technical guidance from the City, but as
acknowledged at the council retreat, full woodlot restoration was often financially prohibitive for
HOAs to perform.
Regarding tree preservation funding background, Mr. Ament explained fees went into a
dedicated account within the General Fund for eligible tree-related purposes. Replacement is
required when trees are removed from locations, with on-site replacement or appropriate fees
paid to the City. Replacement ratios are determined based on location and size of removed
trees. Community engagement encouraged members to report tree issues and engage in
planting programs. The initiative contributed to expanding urban canopy, mitigating heat island
effects, enhancing stormwater management, and aligning with sustainability objectives
including zero waste and carbon neutrality goals. These funds might appropriately support a
future woodlot maintenance grant program given alignment with broader urban canopy and
sustainability goals.
Dr. Lam asked about tree preservation fund details, specifically whether developers paid once
or continuously. Ms. Rauch clarified it was a one-time fee in lieu of replacement only when trees
could not be replaced on-site. The current $400,000-plus balance would only be replenished
through new developments.
Mr. Ament explained that following retreat feedback, Council directed staff to explore separate
purpose-specific grant programs including one for woodlot maintenance, contemplate potential
tree preservation funding use, continue offering HOA consultation, and refer the topic to Public
Services Committee.
Staff proposed creating a woodlot maintenance grant program modeled on two existing
successful programs - the Stormwater Maintenance Grant and Beautify Your Neighborhood
Grant (BYNG). The goal is to create an additional grant program exhibiting consistency,
usability, and alignment with established processes HOAs already know. The purpose is
providing financial assistance and technical guidance to Dublin homeowners and civic
associations for maintaining city-owned woodlots they were responsible for maintaining,
Public Services Committee
February 11, 2026 Minutes
Page 7 of 11
supporting neighborhoods in keeping ecologically significant spaces resilient, safe, and
sustainable.
Under proposed guidelines, projects involving tree removal must include like-for-like
replacement plans with no debate. Grant awards would range from $2,000 to $15,000 with
required one-to-one matches from applicants. HOAs or civic associations could receive one
grant annually. The recommended $15,000 maximum reflected real-world costs of
approximately $5,000 for full-grown tree removal and $160 for replacement.
Applications would be evaluated using a 30-point scoring system. This structure highlights the
importance of hazard reduction aligning with City woodlot maintenance program priorities and
ecological benefits. Categories address key tree removal considerations while accommodating
projects involving removal with specific species control or broader restoration efforts.
Applications would require the same information as BYNG and Stormwater Maintenance Grants:
applicant association information, project details, location, existing conditions, specific needs,
hazard concerns, removal and restoration details, relevant PID numbers, quotes, scopes,
estimates, and financial information regarding association budgets and reserves. These
components ensure transparency, accountability, and position HOAs for continuing long-term
maintenance after grant funding use.
For implementation, staff recommends leveraging the existing BYNG framework with slight
modifications. Under the revised structure, the current BYNG would become the entryway
beautification grant program. Stormwater and Woodlot Maintenance grants would sit under one
Beautify Your Neighborhood Grant umbrella. This approach aims to simplify resident
experience, provide branding continuity, and leverage familiar, trusted structure.
Mr. Ament posed the following four questions for Committee members to respond:
e Does the Committee support implementing the proposed program?
e Are $2,000 minimum and $15,000 maximum matching amounts appropriate?
e Does the Committee support using tree preservation funding?
e What total annual allocation does PSC recommend?
Vice Mayor DeRosa raised concerns about the stormwater maintenance program's limited
uptake despite being called successful, with only three applicants in its history. Mr. Ament
explained the program was created based on resident contacts similar to current discussions.
Initial traction occurred but guidelines stipulated HOAs could only receive awards every five
years. The proposed program would allow annual awards following BYNG's twice-yearly
application cycle.
Vice Mayor De Rosa identified two barriers from HOA conversations: the City requiring money
up front when HOAs lack full amounts, and the onerous application process. She expressed
concern that HOAs with annual fees as low as $90 per month would never have funding to
apply. She questioned whether requiring expertise to assess decay and invasive species would
necessitate hiring someone or if the City would help.
Public Services Committee
February 11, 2026 Minutes
Page 8 of 11
Mr. Ament explained that the evaluation criteria on applications were for Jeff Myers and his
team to evaluate, including site visits. Mr. Myers confirmed they would assess sites based on
application criteria in specified areas.
Ms. Kramb clarified that HOAs lack skills to identify dead trees, invasive species, or costs
without hiring arborists. They struggle with basic requirements like drawings and finding parcel
maps. She had witnessed groups abandoning projects due to complexity, having to help them
with simple tasks like drawing on printed aerials with markers.
Vice Mayor De Rosa asked if the City could help since these were city-owned properties under
HOA maintenance. She believed more participation would result if people could call for
assessment help. She emphasized wanting to make the program effective given staffing
considerations.
Mr. Myers expressed willingness to visit sites and make recommendations, identifying high-risk
areas. While his passion was trees focusing on risk protection first, he would discuss options
including replacing dead trees with shade-tolerant species like Ohio Buckeye for better mixed
species profiles.
Ms. Kramb opened a broader discussion about potentially including private property owners
along Riverside Drive, Dublin Road, Martin Road, and Summit View Road who owned woodlots
that could impact streams and roads. Vice Mayor De Rosa distinguished this from the HOA-
focused grant programs, suggesting it might fit better with the Greenway program discussed
earlier dealing with individual property maintenance. Committee members agreed to keep
programs separate to avoid complexity.
Dr. Lam suggested prioritizing hazard mitigation over aesthetics, particularly for trees
threatening houses or roads. He recommended clearly stating priorities in applications. Mr.
Ament noted staff attempted this through weighted evaluation criteria giving hazard mitigation
10 points versus 5 for other categories.
Vice Mayor De Rosa suggested being more explicit, potentially launching the program funding
only hazardous tree removal and erosion control initially. She recommended clearly stating the
limited scope rather than creating criteria that would frustrate applicants with denials. Ms.
Kramb added that trees blocking creeks should be prioritized equally with hazard trees,
particularly in areas like Wyandotte Woods with current stream mitigation projects.
Mr. Barker clarified the intent focused on city-owned reserve areas maintained by HOAs, not
residential homes or private property. He acknowledged legitimate concerns about HOAs'
financial barriers to participation. While staff expected active involvement facilitating
applications, the financial barrier of a 50% match for a $10,000 project costing HOAs $5,000
remained.
Vice Mayor De Rosa asked if payment could be simultaneous rather than reimbursement to
ensure project completion without HOAs fronting money. Mr. Barker agreed to discuss with the
City Manager and Chief Financial Officer creative support methods while ensuring investment
delivery certainty. He confirmed staff support would be better communicated and memorialized.
Mr. Barker also noted trees along waterways provided value by anchoring soil, preventing
sediment loading, and providing beneficial shade. He found this consideration very compatible
with the program.
Public Services Committee
February 11, 2026 Minutes
Page 9 of 11
Dr. Lam raised concerns about administrative complexity including scoring, site visits,
compliance verification, and maintenance requirements. He worried about HOAs applying
without specialist knowledge potentially implementing projects incorrectly, requiring significant
City oversight. He asked about expected application volume.
Mr. Ament outlined a tentative administrative process that would begin with applicants
accessing online surveys or forms on the BYNG website indicating interest in one of three grant
buckets. Mr. Ament or Ms. Hunter would meet with individuals to confirm appropriate program
fit and connect them with staff liaisons. After coordination with expert staff to ensure an
understating of requirements, full applications would follow typical board, commission, and
council review paths.
Mr. Barker expected considerable early interest based on numerous contacts about noise issues
from lost tree buffers. Many scenarios involve diseased or fallen large older trees. Interest
existed for expanding tree canopy, maintaining park-like aesthetics in reserve areas, and noise
mitigation. The program is proposed with once yearly participation.
Mr. Barker distinguished this from the Greenways corridor pilot where the City assumed
perpetual maintenance on private property. This program involved private improvements with
HOAs contracting work directly, with warranty provisions between HOAs and vendors providing
ongoing maintenance. The City would not assume additional long-term maintenance
responsibilities.
Dr. Lam clarified his concern was about oversight ensuring grant money was used appropriately
without overcrowding or other issues. Mr. Barker confirmed Mr. Myers would diligently ensure
appropriate site plans and species selection. They would confirm field implementation matched
approved components.
Dr. Lam then raised sustainability concerns about the limited tree fund with no ongoing
developer payments. With annual reapplication potential, he worried about funding depletion.
Mr. Ament explained one discussion goal was determining appropriate annual allocation limits
from the tree fund.
Mr. Myers provided expertise on woodlot maintenance methodology. Current practice avoided
removing dead material as carbon sources to prevent atmospheric release. Standing dead trees
near edges risking property were prioritized for removal, but interior dead trees provided
important habitat for species like Indiana Brown Bats. Tree removal was restricted between
April 15 and October 15 for bat and migratory bird protection.
Priority for removal focused on hazard mitigation to specific targets - highest risk being people,
then people in cars and buildings, then structures. Edge dead trees would be prioritized while
discouraging interior removal to further habitat and carbon sequestration goals. Balance was
needed to avoid fire risk buildup while keeping carbon in place.
In response to Vice Mayor De Rosa’s questions regarding how to help people successfully use
the program, Mr. Myers confirmed his willingness to visit sites like Wyandotte Woods where he
had spoken with HOAs. He would identify high-risk areas and make recommendations about
invasive species control while prioritizing tree-related risks.
Public Services Committee
February 11, 2026 Minutes
Page 10 of 11
Regarding dead tree replacement in shaded areas, Mr. Myers suggested shade-tolerant species
creating mixed profiles rather than uniform climax species. He emphasized intermediate variety
benefits for woodlot health.
Committee members discussed not requiring inch-for-inch dead tree replacement since it would
discourage participation when residents could simply let trees fall naturally. Mr. Myers explained
the methodology of leaving fallen trees for carbon sequestration and habitat while prioritizing
edge hazards.
Vice Mayor De Rosa brought up HOA feedback about fronting money, application complexity,
and annual fees varying from $90 yearly to hundreds monthly. She emphasized removing
barriers for program success since goals included spending money for tree growth and
maintenance. She suggested reconsidering waiting periods and simplifying processes.
Ms. Rauch noted that in all years administering Beautify Your Neighborhood grants, applications
meeting criteria had never been disapproved by Council. She suggested treating applications
less formally to simplify the process.
Mr. Barker appreciated feedback about simplification. He noted government funding
requirements created some unavoidable barriers but agreed to work on improvements. Ms.
Kramb suggested learning from bed tax grant simplification where staff received administrative
approval authority for certain amounts, wondering if similar approaches could apply.
Ms. Kramb asked about specific dollar amounts but acknowledged they could not determine
that today. She suggested bringing back stormwater grant funding removed from previous CIP
due to non-use and calculating potential use based on expected applications.
Vice Mayor De Rosa emphasized wanting money spent on intended purposes, suggesting
removing barriers identified through experience. She appreciated consolidating programs under
one umbrella for simplification but noted inconsistent requirements needed alignment.
Ms. Rauch supported examining which approvals were truly necessary versus automatic,
reducing intimidating requirements for volunteer HOA leaders. The Committee agreed staff
should return with revised proposals incorporating feedback about payment timing, application
simplification, criteria clarification, and funding recommendations.
2026 PSC Meeting Schedule
The Committee discussed moving meeting start times from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM to
accommodate Dr. Lam's schedule. Dr. Lam offered to maintain 4:00 PM if it burdened others,
but committee members agreed 5:00 PM worked well, noting they previously started at 5:00 PM
when a former member required that time.
Ms. Kramb moved to amend the PSC Meeting Schedule to have a 5:00 PM start time moving
forward.
Vice Mayor De Rosa seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Dr. Lam, yes; Vice Mayor De Rosa, yes; Ms. Kramb, yes.
Public Services Committee
February 11, 2026 Minutes
Page 11 of 11
There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at
5:47 p.m. Ay AE
Chair, Public Seefices Committee
d
Clérk of Cguncil