Shade Tree Commission Meeting

Shade Tree Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 11, 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 Excused 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 and Karen Keenan 1. A motion to approve the minutes of the March 14, 2023 meeting was made by Barbara Preminger and seconded by Jim Van Pelt. The motion was approved by all present with two abstentions. 2. 1227 Maryland Avenue: Kevin and Karen Keenan are the homeowners at this location. They updated the Commissioners on their efforts to resolve the root intrusion into the sewer pipe on their property. The company they hired to analyze the situation and clean the pipe provided a video that confirmed the root intrusion and recommended removing the tree. The Commission does not usually approve removing a street tree in this situation, but recommended an exception based on past efforts to correct the problem and the related expense incurred. A new street tree will be planted further away from the pipe. A motion to approve the exception was made by Barbara and seconded by George. All voted in favor. 3. 20 Patterson: this is a new construction site. Driving heavy equipment between the trees on the property has compromised the health of the trees. Revisions to Cape May Shade Tree ordinance will help control similar situations in the future. 4. Financial Discloser: information about filing has not been distributed 5. Michigan Avenue 50/50 application: Jay recommended the application be approved for replacing the requested sixteen feet of sidewalk. 6. 1352 Delaware Avenue – homeowner at this location is trying to decide whether to prune or remove a large evergreen tree in the backyard. If a request to remove the tree is submitted, Carol will contact the Commissioners about visiting the site before an approval/denial is made on the request. 7. April, 18, 2023: Shaine suggested this date for a meeting to review the Cape May Shade Tree Ordinance with respect to incorporating sections of the West Cape May Shade Tree ordinance. The renovation of Kiwanis Park will also be discussed. 8. Atlantic City Electric will not be planting trees around the new sub-station on Elmira. 9. Shade Tree Federation Core Training: Jay mentioned that new Commissioners, Jim and George, should plan on attending the Core Training program at the October conference. Bob already attended Core Training A motion to adjourn was made by George and seconded by Barbara. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 2.35 PM. Submitted by Carol York