Environmental And Recreation Committee (Rescheduled From 07/03/2025)

Environment and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 30, 2024 6:00 PM Present: Committee Members Liz Wyckoff (Chairperson via Zoom), Ben Bell, Connor O’Hanlon, and Dennis Livrone. Also present were James Lannon of the Planning Commission and Karyn Hyland, Director of Planning and Zoning. Community member Chris Candido was also present. The Minutes from June 5, 2025, were approved as submitted. Karyn provided background information on the Landscape Ordinance Update. The proposed updates reflect the addition of new species to the list and consider some implications of climate change. Trees that used to thrive more in southern regions are now doing well here, too. The proposed ordinance changes also permit the addition of hybrid species and cultivars. Karyn believes these changes are long overdue since it has become increasingly complex to find complete native trees. Mr. Bell had questions about the definitions of "native" and "hybrid" trees. The ERC is being asked to authorize the advertisement and initiate the review process for the proposed change to the ordinance. This is a Subdivision and Land Development ordinance, so the adoption process is slightly different from that of other ordinances. A motion was made to recommend starting the review process (O’Hanlon/Livrone). Karyn gave an update on the Cottage Street Tree Proposal. The Shade Tree Commission’s recommendation would allow for the removal of the Red Maple tree and the planting of four Yellow Woods, rather than the five originally proposed. Karyn would also like to point out that there are a few other things worth discussing, including short- and long-term maintenance and replacement, if necessary. Chris Candido will be taking on the responsibility of removing the Red Maple, including grinding the stump, and restoring any street that may be impacted. Maintenance of the new plants may take up to two years, which will also be the property owner's responsibility. Beyond that, it will be the Borough's responsibility for maintenance. A motion was made that Mr. Candido’s request for removal be approved with the following conditions: that all work, including the removal, stump grinding, restoration, and replanting, be Mr. Candido’s responsibility. That four Yellow Woods be planted in the locations shown on the plan provided by Mr. Candido and that Mr. Candido maintain those Yellow Woods for two years from the time of planting and that if any of those trees fails to thrive as determined by the Borough within those two years from the time of planting that Mr. Candido replace them at his sole expense. Furthermore, in the event of non-compliance with these conditions, the Code Enforcement Department shall be authorized to revert to the enforcement measures enabled by the ordinance (O’Hanlon/Livrone). Karyn provided the Recreation Director Report. Karyn pointed out that the resurfacing of the tennis courts at Neis Park did not get completed due to the weather. Dennis noted the bocce courts have been progressing slowly. Karyn confirmed that due to other commitments, it may be a little while until the work is finally completed. As there was no other business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 6:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Erika Fellman Minutes Secretary