Shade Tree Commission Meeting

Shade Tree Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, November 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 Present James van Pelt Present George Werner Excused Carol York Present Shaine Meier – Council Representative Present Guests: Jackie Speck, Patrick Cauley, Christopher Gillin-Schwartz, Carrie Freed, and Paul Dietrich 1. A motion to approve the minutes of the October 10, 2023 meeting was made by Barbara Preminger and seconded by Robert Craft. The motion was approved by all with two abstentions. 2. 1005 Maryland Avenue – homeowner Jackie Speck asked the Shade Tree Commission to reconsider her request to remove a red cedar tree in her backyard. The tree is old, and it leaves pollen/drops needles on her deck. Jay was familiar with the tree. Mike Voll, City Manager met with the homeowner and agreed the tree could be removed. A final decision on the tree was deferred until the next meeting so other commissioners can have the opportunity to look at the tree. Please call Mrs. Speck before coming to look at the tree. 3. 1517 Beach Avenue – homeowner Patrick Cauley spoke to the Shade Tree Commission about the pine tree closest to the side of his front porch. The tree is leaning over his property line into his neighbor’s yard and is a hazard to walking in the side yard. It also has been the source of roof damage, giving squirrels access to the house and has compromised the sewer line. Mr. Cauley expressed his intention to plant new trees in place of the pine. A motion by Jay and seconded by Robert approved the tree removal with a $75.00 fee and the stipulation that replacement trees be planted. 4. George spoke about the following trees: (1) 218 Grant Street – large black pine tree closest to the house – not unhealthy but has an odd structure that could present problems. The homeowner would like to replace the pine tree with a red bud tree somewhere else on the property. George asked all the commissions to look at the tree before a final decision is made about the tree: (2) 347 Congress Street –be aware that a request to remove 2 Sycamore Street trees was denied – there is construction near the roots of one tree, but no barrier can be placed around the tree – another commissioner reported that a private contactor pruned the street trees at this location. 5. Shade Tree Ordinance: Commissioners discussed updates to the revised ordinance with Mr. Gillin-Schwartz, city solicitor. Due to time constraints only the following items were discussed. The discussion will continue at next month’s meeting. a. Historic Preservation Commission – language will be added to the ordinance to reference the HPC’s role in the process of reviewing requests. b. Permit Fees – the application fee will be $75.00 per tree and the permit fee will be $75.00 per tree. Jim made the motion, Bob seconded - all agreed. c. Barriers – no change as stated in the latest version of the ordinance. d. Disputed decisions – City manager will chair a meeting with all parties present. The city manager remains the final word when parties cannot arrive at a compromise. e. Tree replacement - follow up to confirm replacement trees are planted – need to keep homeowner and code enforcement in the loop; time limit to respond if failed to plant replacement tree. f. Redesign application form A motion to adjourn was made by Jay and seconded by Robert. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:14PM. Submitted by Carol York 1