Shade Tree Commission

Borough of Doylestown Shade Tree Commission MINUTES Tuesday, April 9, 2024 6:30 P.M. Full Meeting Packet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/k4xbfomg6cjh9l14fj6ym/h?rlkey=swpacik6oyq2o1ofry6mwhfj3&dl=0 Attendance: The regular meeting of the Shade Tree Commission was held on Tuesday, April 8, 2024 at 6:30pm at Doylestown Borough Hall, 10 Doyle Street. Members of the commission in attendance were: Jean Weston, Baldev Lamba, Lisa Moscherosch, and Kayvon Tabatabai. Also in attendance were Borough Arborist Bob McMullin, Building & Zoning Director, Karyn Hyland, Park and Recreation Director, Dave Burger and applicants Suzanne Keiser, Pat Olenick, Joseph & Susan Bingler. Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 6:32 pm Approval of Minutes: The March minutes were approved by those in attendance. (WESTON/MAY) Subdivision/Land Development: 1. SDLD 2024-02: 235 E. State Street; Columbarium Project at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Roman Catholic Parish; TP #08-009-259 and TP #08-009-289 After review the STC recommended to eliminate the low growing existing & proposed area by the cross walk to not further obstruct visibility around this bend and to install a large canopy tree along the road past the intersection of Oakland. Tree Applications: 1. 100 Garden Alley, Jon Kubala, Property Owner (Ginko). Recommended Approval (MESTON/MAY) 1. 69 Homestead Drive, Janet Klaessig, Property Owner (Pin Oak). Recommended Approval (WESTON, LAMBA) 2. 82 Pearl Drive, Jeff McQuaire, Property Owner (Sweetgum). Recommended Approval with replacement. (LAMBA/WESTON) 3. 150 Hillendale Drive, Suzanne Keiser, Property Owner (2 Maples, 1 Oak, 1 Beech). Recommended Approval with replacement of the Maples (MOSHHEROSCH/WESTON) 4. 162 N. Church Street, Joseph & Susan Bingler, Property Owners (Sycamore-Maple). Recommended Approval (MOSHEROSCH/WESTON) 5. 224 Union Street, Ryan Dane, Property Owner (Pine). Recommended Approval (MOSHEROSCH/WESTON) 6. 31 Meadow Lane, Chris Cortina, Property Owner (2 Maple). Recommended Approval (LAMBA/MAY) Old/New Business:  1. Maplewood Street tree planting project: All members met with the homeowners who have requested street trees and decided on a location & tree for each home. The master spreadsheet has been updated for Dave Burger to move forward with the next steps. Dave explained that the Borough will be following up with each resident explaining the next steps which would be that they will have the underground utilities marked, install the tree, and perform ongoing maintenance to insure its survival. The committee discussed that the next neighborhood should be Sandy Ridge and will move forward with a succession plan. 2. Arbor Day tree giveaway call for volunteers – April 27: Jean and Chris volunteered for the 7:30-10:30 time slot. The trees have been ordered. Chris also volunteered to talk about the plantings at Broad Commons for the EAC event on April 20th, 2024. 3. Sandy Ridge Development: This will be the new neighborhood of interest for the STC to have trees installed. Reports: 1. Chairperson Report: Morris Arboretum Presentation “Tree for the Future”: Lisa, Chris and Baldev went to this presentation. It was very forward reaching discussing how there needs to be efforts to plant trees that will survive the next 50 years so that there is a great treescape for the next 50-90 years. 2. Arborist’s Report: Bob McMullin discussed at least six different pests affecting trees in our area. We are seeing at least one new threat a year. Pin and Red Oaks have no chance in surviving in the long term. Elms are vulnerable to an Elm zigzag sawfly. A caterpillar that eats the leaf in an interesting way. They can have up to six generations in one year. There is a look at a new threat to a Norway Spruce Fungus. Spotted Lantern Fly egg masses have not been found over the winter in our area. Emerald Ash Bore appears to be gone. He is also monitoring a new stigmina needle cast which affects 8-9ft trees, killing off the lower part than working its way up. Public Comment: None. Adjournment: There will be no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM (Weston/May) Next Shade Tree Commission Meeting is Tuesday, May 7, 2024