Summer Zoning Board amends resolution to waive tree-planting fee

The Summer Zoning Board voted on Aug. 20 to amend Resolution 2025-00007Z to remove language that would have imposed a tree-planting fee, agreeing instead to waive the fee and direct staff to issue a corrected resolution.

Board members debated the timing and correct interpretation of a prior discussion on item 13 of the resolution. Several members said they recalled waiving the fee in the original proceeding, while one member noted they had not been present for that meeting. After counsel and staff confirmed the appropriate fix, a motion was made "to change/correct this to waive the fees," was seconded, and recorded votes were taken. Members on the record voting yes were Roberto Carpinets, Morgan McLaclin, Rich O'Neal and Brian Vadimsky; the board directed staff (Ryan) to prepare and transmit a revised resolution promptly.

Members discussed practical effects briefly: counsel noted the prior transcript language had created ambiguity about whether a waiver or a charge remained in the text, and the board agreed to remove references to the charge and to the waiver language that created the inconsistency. An applicant (Mr. Cole) indicated he was amenable to the correction.

The board’s action amends the resolution language only; no additional fines, penalties, or other regulatory changes were adopted at the meeting. The corrected resolution will be distributed to members and entered into the record by staff.