Shade Tree Commission Meeting

Shade Tree Commission Meeting Tuesday, April 12, 2022 Chairman Schatz announced that in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act of 1975, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call: Jay Schatz Present George Ator Excused Sue Wichterman Present Barbara Preminger Present Fiore Mannella Present Carol York Present Carole Sick Present Mark Pask Present RuthAnne Stewart Present Shaine Meier – Council Representative Absent Guests: Ron Menear, Jim Kleb Discussions: 1. Jim Kleb attended the meeting on behalf of his mother June Kleb, homeowner of 1123 Indiana Avenue. Mrs. Kleb is requesting a tree behind her garage be removed. The original request was denied because the tree is not on her property, and her neighbor on Washington Street will not pay to have the tree removed. The Commission gave Mrs. Kleb permission to remove the tree and will refund the $75.00 fee she initially paid. 2. A motion to approve the amended minutes of the November 9, 2021 meeting was made by Sue Wichterman and seconded by Mark Pask. The motion was approved by all present. 3. A motion to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2021 meeting was made by Mark Pask and seconded by Carole Sick. The motion was approved by all present. 4. Jay reviewed several letters sent to residents: Michael Calafati-Linden tree on Franklin Street and John Pascale-approved planting trees on city property. 5. Sidewalk Repair: 506 Reading Avenue - resident could only secure one quote. Commission agreed to reimburse the home owner for 50% of the repair cost; 1013 Maryland Avenue - city will cover 50% of the cost for two section of the sidewalk. 6. Tree Pruning: Ron commented on the following requests: 1352 Ohio Avenue-tree pruned several years ago, no need to prune now, Carol and Ron will look at the tree after the meeting to confirm; 1112 Delaware-tree pruned several years ago, more pruning will not benefit the tree; 239 Congress Street-could be trimmed back some. 7. Arbor Day: Sue contacted the Cape May Elementary School about scheduling an event. The school is interested in planting a tree behind the school, and requested a native tree. Ron will research and get back about what trees are available. Program will be at the school on April 29th at 10:30. Please try to attend. The cherry tree planted a few years ago did not survive. 8. Reminders: (1) Please complete your Financial Disclosure Statement by April 30, 2022; (2) let Nancy know about any online Shade Tree CEU credits; (3) continued discussion at the next meeting on City ordinance for removal and preservation of trees. A motion to adjourn was made by Fiore and seconded by Mark. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 2:52PM. Submitted by Carol York