03/11/2026 Shade Tree Commission Meeting

City of Cape May Shade Tree Commission Auditorium/Live Stream Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, March 11, 2025 5:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 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 Chairman Ator, Commissioner York, Commissioner Sick, Commissioner Goldstein, Commissioner Seeland. ABSENT MEMBERS Vice Chairman Werner, Commissioner Preminger, Commissioner York. GUESTS Council Liaison Meier. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Seeland motioned, seconded by Commissioner York to approve the minutes of February 11, 2025. Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner York - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Yes Street Tree Removal Requests 809 Kearney Street Commissioner Sick stated that she looked at this tree. She noted that the sidewalk was raised and that the tree needed to be trimmed. It seemed sturdy and she did not believe it should be removed. Chairman Ator agreed and said there was some dead wood at the top. The owner can apply for the sidewalk program. Commissioner York motioned to deny the removal of the tree at 809 Kearney Street, seconded by Commissioner Seeland. Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner York - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Yes Residential Tree Removal Requests 1031 Ohio Avenue Commissioner York stated that the five trees in question are planted right next to the foundation. She stated that the trees would die when they demolish the house. Commissioner York also stated that the applicant should abide by the 2 for 1 replacement for 4 out of the 5 trees, as one is likely a shrub. There is no fee for the shrub. Commissioner York motioned to approve removal of the 5 trees with 2 for 1 replacement for 4 out of 5 trees and no fee for the shrub, seconded by Commissioner Seeland. Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner York - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Yes 1249 Washington Street Commissioner Goldstein stated that she looked at these trees and thought the street tree may be diseased, as per George Ator’s assessment as well. She said the holly tree looked fine. Chairman Ator said that the Norway is diseased and would not need a 2 for 1 replacement. Commissioner Goldstein motioned to approve the removals but to leave the holly and 2 for 1 replacement of trees except the Norway with a revisit to the street tree, seconded by Commissioner Seeland. Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner York - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Yes 1517 Beach Avenue Chairman Ator stated that there are two trees located in the rear of the property. He stated that there is a holly tree that is growing right against the building. He said that the vitex tree could use pruning but does not need to be removed. Commissioner York made a motion to approve the removal of the holly tree at 1517 Beach Avenue but retain the vitex with a 2 for 1 replacement, seconded by Commissioner Seeland. Chairman Ator – Yes Commissioner Goldstein - Yes Commissioner York - Yes Commissioner Seeland – Yes Commissioner Sick – Yes New Business Chairman Ator addressed the damage that was sustained to many trees during the snowstorm. He thanked the City and DPW for their cooperation in taking care of the branches and downed trees in a timely fashion. Chairman Ator noted the four species that had the most damage were the southern magnolia, cedar, leeland cyprus, and the bradford pear trees. Council Liaison Meir stated that the City received a $20,000 grant for the lantern flies. He also mentioned that this is the 175th anniversary of the City of Cape may, as well as 250th anniversary of the nation and 50th anniversary of the National Historic Landmark status. There are a lot of events going on around town to celebrate it. Commissioner Sick motioned, seconded by Commissioner Seeland to adjourn. All in favor. Respectfully submitted, Lauren Emerick Cape May City Shade Tree Commission Secretary