Shade Tree Commission Meeting

Shade Tree Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, November 15, 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 Present Sue Wichterman Present Barbara Preminger Present Fiore Mannella Present Carol York Excused Carole Sick Present Mark Pask Present RuthAnne Stewart Present Shaine Meier – Council Representative Present Guest: Mr. DeFillipo 1. A motion to approve the minutes of the October 11, 2022 meeting was made by Sue Wichterman and seconded by George Ator. The motion was approved by all present. 2. 1238 Washington Street: Mr. DeFillipo voiced his complaints about his White Pine tree on the right side of his property. He claims needles fall continuously. He has removed many lower branches; his roof is covered with needles. Branches overhang both his roof and neighbor’s. Jay and RuthAnne looked at the property. Jay suggested each of us take a look at this tree individually and be prepared to make a decision on its future by our December 13 th meeting. This is not a hazard to the house. Jay estimated the value of a 12” diameter tree is $3,054.08. 3. Mark Pask offered his resignation by letter effective December 1, 2022. Jay said Mark served on the STC well for five years and said he would be missed and wished him the best. 4. In a follow-up to his memo to Nancy, George Ator reported the two healthy Cedar trees planted in front of the Merion Inn, now the “Cricket Club”, were removed and replaced with 1’ Caliper Maple trees, which probably do not do well so close to the ocean. He feels because of this action, they should be fined. 5. A memo was sent to Deputy City Manager, Lou Belasco, expressing our unanimous desire to protect and preserve the Linden tree during the Franklin Street School refurbishment. 6. A letter was sent to Cape Roc Condo Association requesting they do not plant any more Pine trees because of the needle blight but rather go with Maples, Oaks, etc. 7. Councilman Meier advised some trees will be removed by the city during the refurbishment plan of Rotary Park. 8. A few trees were removed to clear space and elevation took place at the Welcome Center for the new design. 9. Councilman Meier had lots of recommendations for updating the Shade Tree Ordinance. He suggested we ask for diagrams of all property changes to come before the Boards, attach proper tree care information to the 50/50 sidewalk notice, and to request barriers be put up around the trees during construction to protect them. A motion to adjourn was made by Mark and seconded by Sue. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 2:44 PM. Submitted by Sue Wichterman