Shade Tree Commission Meeting

Shade Tree Commission Meeting Tuesday, February 14, 2023 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 Barbara Preminger Present Robert Craft Present Carole Sick Excused James Van Pelt Present George Werner Present Carol York Present Shaine Meier – Council Representative Present Guests: Kevin Keenan, Ron Menear 1. A motion to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2022 meeting was made by George Ator and seconded by Barbara Preminger. The motion was approved by all present with three abstentions. 2. Deputy City Clerk, Emily swore in the three new members of the Commission: Bob, George, Jim. Jay will provide ID cards, parking permits and magnetic car stickers. He mentioned it is good to have your credentials with you when visiting a site. Jay indicated If there is any doubt about a tree request received from Nancy, he is always available to visit the site. He restated the mission of the STC: protect and maintain Cape May’s street trees and plant new trees. 3. Kevin Keenan spoke to the Commission about water pooling on his front lawn, and roots of the street tree affecting the sidewalk and the driveway. He believes the street tree roots are the cause because the roots are invading the sewer/storm water line. Jay will ask the Water and Sewer Department to check out his concern. Jay also mentioned he might qualify for the 50/50 sidewalk program. 4. 210 Perry Street: request to remove the street tree at this location was denied. A letter was sent to the homeowner about the decision. 5. 1237 Washington Street – City Manager supported the Shade Tree decision to deny the removal request 6. Elmira Street: Residents are not happy with the new sub-station. All agreed it looks better than the sub-station on Railroad in Rio Grande. ACE will put in a sidewalk and plant some bushes not trees at the location in spring. George A. cautioned about planting too early to avoid tree roots freezing and to select plants that tolerate salt air. 7. Kiwanis Park – Caitlin Dyes contacted the STC about planting trees/bushes in Kiwanis Park to mark the 20th anniversary of her grandfather’s passing. Shaine indicated a task force was created to direct the refurbishment of the park. Shaine will coordinate Caitlin’s request with the work of the task force. 8. 329 Congress Street – Commissioners will check out the street trees and this location and report their findings at the next meeting. 9. Shaine reported on the ordinance sub-committee: Wayne Hoffman from the West Cape May Shade Tree Commission has been very helpful; construction plans should have a detailed diagram of trees on the property; onsite inspection by the Shade Tree Commission should be required; does the HPC have the authority to approve a tree removal? 10. Jay confirmed the cost to remove a healthy tree is $75.00, no cost to remove a dead tree or a tree that poses a safety concern. A motion to adjourn was made by Barbara and seconded by George W. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:01PM. Submitted by Carol York