Shade Tree Commission Meeting

Shade Tree Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 8, 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 Absent Barbara Preminger Excused Robert Craft Absent Carole Sick Present James Van Pelt Present George Werner Present Carol York Present Shaine Meier – Council Representative Absent Guests: Christie Skinner, Michael Voll, Jordan Nadell, Ray Puglia, Paul Dietrich 1. A motion to approve the amended minutes of the June 13, 2023 meeting was made by George Werner and seconded by Jim Van Pelt. All approved the motion. 2. A motion to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2023 meeting was made by George Werner and seconded by Jim Van Pelt. All approved the motion. 3. 1112 Maryland Avenue: Christie Skinner, homeowner, attended to appeal the denied request to remove three evergreen trees at the property line in the back yard. The trees drop pine cones and other tree debris continually making it impossible to use the back yard for dinning. Mrs. Skinner brought a sample of the tree debris. The Commissioners approved removal of the two trees located to the left– with the stipulation that deciduous trees be planted in place. 4. 915 Benton Avenue: Jordan Nadell attended to appeal the denied request to remove the street tree at the end of his drive way. The tree roots have raised the sidewalk, driveway apron and part of the driveway. Water now flows toward the garage instead of flowing toward the street. The tree roots extend to his neighbor’s yard. Jay suggested Mr. Nadell get two estimates for fixing the sidewalk, driveway apron and part of the drive way. Once the concrete is removed, it will be easy to see the extent of the root involvement. Jay felt sure the root could be reduced/removed without affecting the stability of the tree. Jay will submit a request for Ron Menear to trim the branches on the house side of the tree. 5. 1036 Idaho Avenue: Ray Puglia, neighbor of Mr. Albert Corves and homeowner of 1036 Idaho Avenue, requested the street tree at 1036 be trimmed. Jay will request a work ordered to trim the tree. He will also request Ron assess the health of the tree at 1031 Idaho, the property of Mr. Puglia. 6. 1240 Ohio Avenue: Public Works marked this tree for removal after Ron Menear advised the tree just needed to have the dead wood removed. Commissioners will check out the tree again and discuss at the next meeting. 7. City engineer, Paul Dietrich attended the meeting. He is new to this position and is attending committee meetings. He mentioned there are three ‘Trees of Heaven’ trees located on Lafayette Street between the Welcome sign and the Oyster Bay restaurant. These trees are invasive, are a favorite site of the spotted lantern fly, and will be removed. 8. Jay will be speaking at the Environmental meeting on August 22, 2023 at 11:30. He invited other Commissioners to attend. A motion to adjourn was made by George W. and seconded by Carole. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:04PM. Submitted by Carol York