01/13/2026 Shade Tree Commission

City of Cape May Shade Tree Commission Auditorium/Live Stream Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, January 13, 2025 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairman Ator called the meeting to order and announced compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act of 1975, that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Chairman Ator led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance. ATTENDANCE Vice Chairman Ator, Commissioner Goldstein, Commissioner Werner, Commissioner Sick, Commissioner Seeland. ABSENT MEMBERS Commissioner York, Commissioner Preminger. GUESTS DPW Representative, Frank McCloskey APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice Chairman Ator motioned, seconded by Commissioner York to approve the minutes of November 18, 2025. Vice Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Abstain Commissioner Werner - Yes Street Tree Removal Requests 921 Lafayette Street Vice Chairman Ator said this is a blue spruce that is at Cape May City Elementary School. The tree is leaning and is in decline with its roots coming out of the ground. Removal was discussed at the sub committee meeting and replacement was recommended on Arbor Day this year. Vice Chairman Ator motioned to remove the tree at 921 Lafayette Street with replacement, seconded by Commissioner Seeland. Vice Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Yes Commissioner Werner – Yes Residential Tree Removal Requests 680 Washington Street Vice Chairman Ator this is a Norway maple that has been trimmed substantially and is continuing to decline. He stated that this was in Commissioner Preminger’s district and she did approve the removal. The arborist checked it out and also said it’s in severe decline. Vice Chairman Ator motioned to remove the tree at 680 Washington Street, seconded by Commissioner Seeland. Vice Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Yes Commissioner Werner – Yes 394 Congress Street Vice Chairman Ator stated that there are three existing trees on the property. They are right in the footprint of new construction that is going to take place. The owner did already agree to the replacement of two for one replacement with the trees. Commissioner Werner motioned to remove the tree at 394 Congress Street, seconded by Commissioner Seeland. Vice Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Yes Commissioner Werner – Yes 1046 Virigina Avenue Vice Chairman Ator said that there is a tree in the right back corner but it’s in the way of construction. Removal was recommended and Commissioner York who is in that district approves. Commissioner Werner motioned to remove the tree at 921 Lafayette Street with replacement, seconded by Commissioner Seeland. Vice Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Yes Commissioner Werner – Yes 1330 Ohio Avenue Vice Chairman Ator stated that this is a large fig tree with multi trunks. It was decided to allow the removal of the tree as long as the tree is replaced. Vice Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Yes Commissioner Werner – Yes New Business Vice Chairman Ator brought up the meeting schedule for 2026 which will have a day and time change. It is proposed the meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 5:00pm. Commissioner Werner accept the STC 2026 meeting schedule, seconded by Vice Chairman Ator. Vice Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Yes Commissioner Werner – Yes DPW representative Frank McCloskey stated that with the meeting change he would be unable to attend and would have to step down. Commissioner Werner motioned, seconded by Commissioner Seeland to adjourn. All in favor. Respectfully submitted, Lauren Emerick Cape May City Shade Tree Commission Secretary