Shade Tree Commission Meeting

Shade Tree Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 12, 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 Absent Carole Sick Present James van Pelt Excused George Werner Present Carol York Present Shaine Meier – Council Representative Present 1. A motion to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2023 meeting was made by Carole Sick and seconded by George Werner. The motion was approved with one abstention. 2. 1240 Ohio Avenue – the Shade Tree Commission’s denial to remove the street tree at this location was overturned by the City Manager, Michael Voll. The tree was removed. 3. 915 Benton Avenue – the Shade Tree Commission’s denial to remove the street tree at this location was overturned by the City Manager, Michael Voll. The tree was removed. The homeowner was told he qualifies for the 50/50 sidewalk program; however, since the purpose of the program is to protect trees and there is no longer a tree at this location, the homeowner no longer qualifies for the 50/50 sidewalk program. 4. Shade Tree Ordinance: Jay and Shaine met with the city solicitor to discuss revising the Cape May Shade Tree ordinance. The city solicitor helped draft the West Cape May ordinance and it is expected the West Cape May ordinance will be the basis for the revised Cape May ordinance. The revised ordinance is expected to be available to commissioners prior to the next meeting, October 10th. Major items to be addressed in the new ordinance are: a. Access to an arborist if there is disagreement about the health of a tree b. No blanket override by the City Manager. It is expected all parties involved will have a meeting before a decision is reached c. During construction a solid barrier needs to be placed around any tree on the property d. Code enforcement is a must e. Include the Shade Tree Commission on all construction plans, not just the plans that require a zoning approval. This will prevent the Historic Preservation Commission from approving tree removals without input from the Shade Tree Commission f. Removal request forms must include a drawing of the property indicating all trees on the property – ‘plot plan’ g. Include the city solicitor in the appeal process; the Shade Tree Commission does not need to make an immediate decision about an appeal h. Consider the ‘tree bank’ concept in the revised ordinance. Tree removal fees do not get credited to the Shade Tree budget, tree bank proceeds would be credited to the Shade Tree budget, and help support planting of new trees 5. Shade Tree Federation Annual Conference: (October 26/27th, Cherry Hill): Jay reminded all to let Nancy know by September 15th if they will be attending the conference. George W. and Jim have not had Core Training and should attend. 6. Environmental Meeting: Jay represented the Shade Tree C omission at the August 22, 2023 Environmental meeting. Jay spoke about the need to protect/maintain the integrity of the dune landscape. He reiterated that the black pine is not an invasive species. Black pines are not native but thrive in the dune/seashore environment. Shaine mentioned he believes the DEP dune/beach maintenance plan prohibits the removal of the black pines. 7. 815 Washington Avenue – the request to remove the tree on the west side of the Spilker property, located close to the Washington Inn property, was approved. The tree is dead. 8. Public Works currently waters flowers on city property. Possibly next year, Public Works can water newly planted trees. A motion to adjourn was made by Carole and seconded by Carol. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 2:53PM. Submitted by Carol York