FAIRFAX TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM #5.j
MEETING DATE April 2, 2025
PREPARED FOR Mayor and Town Council
PREPARED BY Christine Foster, Deputy Town Clerk
SUBJECT Reappoint Deborah Benson, John Romaidis and Jane Richardson-Mack to the Tree Advisory Committee
RECOMMENDATION
Reappoint Deborah Benson, John Romaidis and Jane Richardson-Mack to each serve another full threeyear term on the Tree Committee.
BACKGROUND
The Tree Advisory Committee is responsible for reviewing tree removal/alteration applications at a public hearing and making a recommendation to the Director of Planning and Building Services to grant or deny a permit.
The Tree Advisory Committee is made up of five members: a representative of the Planning Commission, a representative of the Parks and Recreation Commission, a representative of the Open Space Committee, and two Council-appointed members of the community at-large. Town Council may appoint additional at-large members to serve at the pleasure of the Council in the event one or more of the above-referenced bodies does not select one of its members to serve on the Tree Advisory Committee within 30 days of a vacancy or other failure to appoint a member.
DISCUSSION
Two of the members seeking reappointment hold the seats reserved for the Planning and PARC Commissions. Deborah Benson has served as the appointed “at-large” member in the seat of PARC; and John Romaidis has served as the appointed “at-large” member in the seat of the Planning Commission. The Town Clerk’s office has reached out to both the Planning and PARC Commissions and neither of those groups had members interested in serving in the seats for their Commissions at this time.
• The Town Council first appointed Deborah Benson as an at-large member of the Tree Advisory Committee in April 2019. Her term expires on April 3, 2025. • The Town Council first appointed John Romaidis as an at-large member of the Tree Advisory Committee in April 2019. His term expires on April 3, 2025. • The Town Council first appointed Jane Richardson-Mack as an at-large member of the Tree Advisory Committee in April 2019. Her term expires on April 6, 2025.
Deborah, John and Jane have all brought depth and perspective to their positions and this committee.
Their continued willingness and commitment to volunteerism are greatly appreciated.
ATTACHMENTS
None.