Shade Tree Commission

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH SHADE TREE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES August 8, 2023 The regular meeting of the Doylestown Borough Shade Tree Commission was held at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Doylestown Borough Hall, 10 Doyle Street. Members of the Commission in attendance were: Lisa Moscherosch, Jean Weston, Chris May, Carter VanDyke and Baldev Lamba. Also in attendance were Borough Arborist, Bob McMullin, Building & Zoning Director, Karyn Hyland, Park and Recreation Director, Dave Burger, and Councilwoman, Wendy Margolis. Along with applicants, Michael & Donna Line, CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM. MINUTES APPROVAL: Minutes from the July meeting were approved by those in attendance. (Weston/Moscherosch) SUBDIVISION/LAND DEVELOPMENT: None PERMIT APPLICATIONS: 425 Linden Avenue Commission approved the issuance of a permit for removal of 2 Leyland Cypress. (Weston/Lamba) Recommended Approval 127 E. Court Street Commission approved the issuance of a permit for removal of 2 Oak. (May/VanDyke) Recommended Approval 727 S. Chubb Drive Commission approved the issuance of a permit for removal of 1 Pin Oak. (Moscherosch/Weston) Recommended Approval 21 McLaughlin Drive Commission approved the issuance of a permit for removal of 1 Pin Oak. (Lamba/VanDyke) Recommended Approval 180 Belmont Avenue Commission approved the issuance of a permit for removal of 1 Pine and 2 Spruce. (May/Weston) Recommended Approval 12 Edison Lane Commission recommended to continue to next month’s meeting for further discussion. (VanDyke/Lamba) 52 Stacey Drive Commission approved the issuance of a permit for removal of 1 Red Oak. (Weston/May) Recommended to continue to next month’s meeting for further discussion. 14 Hickory Drive Commission approved the issuance of a permit for removal of 1 Swamp Maple. (Weston/Lamba) Recommended Approval 94 Cottage Street Commission approved the issuance of a permit for removal of 5 Ash. (Moscherosch/VanDyke) Recommended Approval 196 Lafayette Street Commission approved the issuance of a permit for removal of 2 Pine. (Moscherosch/Lamba) Recommended Approval NEW/OLD BUSINESS: Moscherosch stated she wanted to go over the purpose of ordinance 2021-1 so that the Shade Tree Commission understands its role in the Sub-Division/Land Development process. After a lengthy discussion, Hyland informed the Commission that the ordinance pertains to SD/LD Projects. The Commission and Council have the authority to specifically state what species of trees are to be planted on-site according to the approved tree list that was adopted under the ordinance. Hyland reiterated to the Shade Tree Commission that they do not have the authority to demand a private property owner to plant a certain tree species. That the Commission’s duty is to only recommend tree types they desire to see planted on those properties. Hyland advised that the approved planting list was reviewed and adjusted by the commission at the time of adoption. Although the Borough is not bound by the ordinance when planting street trees, it is Council's position that only trees on the list should be planted by the Borough. In the event, the Commission recommends a species not on the list, the list should be expanded such that the species is also available for planting by those who are subject to the ordinance. Moscherosch made a motion to petition Borough Council to allow the Commission to consider using red maples as it pertains to the Court Street plantings. This is a species that is contrary to the list under the ordinance of approved tree types. Hyland will inform the Environment and Recreation Committee of the Commission’s recommendation. (May/Lamba) Burger briefly spoke about some upcoming projects that the Commission will need to come up with Suggestions on what tree plantings they would recommend for each project. ARBORIST REPORT: McMullan only had a comment to the Commission to be aware that the Oak trees are dying at a rapid rate. More than the Ash trees at this point. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 PM. (Weston/Vandyke) Respectfully Submitted, Stacy Murray Next Shade Tree Meeting is on September 12, 2023