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Ms. Borg’s comments are an example of the fact that not the case He stated that Sweet Gums have been a topic of discussion among members on the Commission. Mr. Kraft stated that it is not a popular tree and he has been informed that the City no longer plants them. However the last time the City attempted to cut down these trees, City Hall was packed and the end result was that they were not to be cut down. Mr. Kraft stated that the commission also discussed the fact that the City’s oldest tree was dying. He stated that the tree was examined by the City’s Forester, as well as an outside consultant who both determined that nothing could be done to save it. He stated that the Commission is now searching to find the second oldest tree. 4. Other Discussions/Business a. Task Force on Washington University requested by Ms. Carr and Mr. Crow (see attachments L-4(a) Ms. Carr stated that Council has been provided with a map prepared by Ms. Riganti’s staff which illustrates that Wash U owns roughly 140 properties in UCity. In her opinion, that might make them the largest single landowner in the City. She stated that Wash U is tax abated, so even some of their commercial properties are not included in the City’s tax rolls. A recent report prepared by WONK actually identified the contributions that these properties would have made to all of the City’s tax entities. Ms. Carr stated that in addition, the Parkview Gardens Plan is suggesting that the City increase the density in an area that encompasses roughly one-third of her ward, which would put a demand on the City’s parking infrastructure and services. So while the City is in the midst of considering the Parkview Garden Plan; it is her belief that now is the time for the City to develop a strategic plan of its own, because as demonstrated early-on when they were asked to provide Ms. Riganti with information on these properties and failed to do so, she does not believe that Wash U will be very forthcoming with their information. Ms. Carr stated that also included in Council’s packet is a copy of the 2005 plan initiated by the Mayor to establish a Task Force on Economic Development. She stated that frankly she believes that this was a brilliant idea that she would like to thank the Mayor for instituting. Ms. Carr stated that since this plan talks about a massive development, including the opening and closing of streets, and a lot of infrastructure that the City will be financing, she believes that it is imperative that the City look at their options and determine ways to approach these issues. She stated that recently she had been told that in seventeen years Wash U would own half of the property in UCity. So her concern is that if the City does not address these issues now the only way the City can sustain its services and infrastructure is to increase revenue by establishing an earnings tax, and she does not believe that is what the City wants to do. Ms. Carr stated that before these issues become burdensome she thinks that it is a very good idea to follow the model put forward by the Mayor in 2005 and establish a Task Force of experts within this community that will come together and talk about some of the options. Mr. Crow stated that he believes that probably everyone would agree that most of time the City and its partners are normally on the same page when it comes to the City’s success. So whether it be the Loop Special Business District, or Wash U, or the Chamber of Commerce, all and all the City’s partners tend to work pretty well together. He stated that he does think that the new development going on, provides all interested parties with an opportunity to ask a few questions, because to increase the level of density in the north area of the Loop as proposed, just may be the beginning. Mr. Crow stated that even though the Loop and Olive Street are important partners, he believes that as the City moves forward it would almost have to say that the greatest impact on this community, both economically; in a positive way, and with respect to resources, is the Wash U student base and Washington University. So 6