Shade Tree Commission Meeting

Shade Tree Commission Meeting Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Chairman Schatz announced that in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act of 1975, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided. The meeting opened at 2:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call: Present: Jay Schatz, Fiore Mannella, Barbara Preminger, Sue Wichterman, George Ator, Mark Pask, Carol Sick. Council Representative Shaine Meier Excused: Carol York and RuthAnne Stewart Guests: Ron Menear Minutes: A motion was made by Mark Pask and seconded by Sue Wichterman to approve the minutes of April 12, 2022. Motion passed. Arbor Day: Jay reported on a successful Arbor Day (4/29) celebration at Cape May Elementary School where a beautiful Golden Maple tree was planted behind the “outdoor classroom” along side two other trees donated by the STC. Students from all grades were present. Jay spoke to the children on the value of trees to all of us. A Tree City USA flag was displayed during the short program. Cape May has been a Shade Tree City for 40 years! Carole Sick presented the school library with two nature centered books and RuthAnne Stewart presented several tree related booklets. Pictures of the program were taken which should be sent to the state. Fiore Mannella said our Tree City USA signs are on Sydney and West Perry Streets. Tree Removal: Jay reported the Day Spa and Gift Shop on Jefferson had 1 small and 2 large trees to take down. They were charged $75 for each Cypress Tree. Remarks from George Ator: • During the recent Nor’easter, one tree came down at 1017 New Jersey Ave. • Two new trees blew over which were planted by Matt Notch. • Suggested a general vote be taken by all STC members for removal of an owner’s tree. • George spoke with the City Manager, Mike Voll. The city will pay for new trees from the list provided by A.C. Electric. George suggested Sweet Gum, for instance. • Five or six years ago we voted to remove roots of a large North Street tree. • Made remarks about and Apple Street tree and a Crimson Maple at Madison and Washington Street. • North Street Pin Oak Street tree has been trimmed. At Jay Schatz’s suggestion, Menear will take a look at Illinois & Michigan Ave tree. Old Business: • Insurance company for 1352 Ohio Ave wanted street tree trimmed more than it had been. Ron Menear looked at it (Silver Maple) and said everything is okay. New Business: In order to make our Tree Ordinance more stringent, we would like the Tree Ordinance of West Cape May and Cape May combined. Jay Schatz will contact the city attorney to take care of this. In the “new” ordinance, Jay would like the diameter of the tree to be reduced from 6” to 3”. West Cape may’s application wants the Contractor License # and his signature on the tree removal permit. Ron Menear will get a copy of West Cape May’s permit. There are huge Linden trees with lots of vines on right side of Franklin Street school. Jay sent a letter to the architect to work on possibly preserving the area around the 22’ diameter tree. George Ator said a construction worker had to trim ack the tree to put up scaffolding. We would like vines trimmed. Shane Meier thinks there will be an addition going in. The city is removing all Pear trees on Lafayette Street by the Elementary School. They are to be replaced with Sycamore trees. A motion to adjourn was made by Fiore Mannella and seconded by George Ator. Meeting adjourned at 2:47 p.m. Submitted by Sue Wichterman