Shade Tree Commission

Borough of Doylestown Shade Tree Commission MINUTES Tuesday, March 11, 2025 6:30 P.M. Full Meeting Packet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/obrnecr3bvc7jpyy2wv3g/AMFGJ2ZtsZ4UoG- uZBpoLeE?rlkey=phzdjis1t6tmbextwgil84wha&dl=0 The regular meeting of the Shade Tree Commission was held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Doylestown Borough Hall, 10 Doyle Street. Commission members in attendance included Lisa Moscherosch, Kayvon Tabatabai, Jean Weston, and Baldev Lamba. Also present were Borough Arborist Bob McMullin, Dave Burger, Director of Public Works, and applicants Kali Maxian, Gary Fox, Cody Hart, Bruce Lishaman, Brittney Dumont, Adam Servin (ATS Tree), and Tom Hanna (Central Bucks School District). Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 6:30PM (WESTON/TABATABAI) Approval of Minutes: The February 2025 minutes were approved. (MOSCHEROSCH/TABATABAI) Subdivision/Land Development: 1. SDLD# 2025-01: 375 W. Court Street, Central Bucks High School West, Property Owners. The Doylestown Borough Shade Tree Commission reviewed the above-referenced application and plan. Four trees are proposed to be removed to accommodate the improvements. Due to the unique needs of a school property, locations for replanting are limited. The Commission recommends planting along the southern border of the softball fields. This is the W. Court Street side of the fields to the west of the school building. At the request of the Commission, the Borough Arborist conducted a site evaluation and recommended species to be placed. The following is recommended: 1. That 16 trees spaced at approximately 30’ on center be planted between the two existing pin oaks. The trees may be slightly staggered to accommodate space needs. 2. That the species and order should be a. 5 Black Gum b. 6 Bald Cypress OR Dawn Redwood OR Redbud. It’s worth noting that neither the Bald Cypress nor the Dawn Redwood are included in the approved planting list. The Bald Cypress is native to Southeastern United States and also appropriate for this planting zone. The Borough Arborist recommends use of this tree due to its size, wet/dry tolerance, and deciduous conifer qualities. The Redbud is on the approved planting list but is smaller than the Bald Cypress. c. 5 Black Gum Tree Applications: 1. 77 Davis Road, Kali Maxian, Property Owner, Property Owner. Recommended Approval (WESTON/TABATABAI) 2. 278 W. Oakland Avenue, Kurt Kremser, Property Owner. Recommended Approval (WESTON/TABATABAI) 3. 333 Lacey Avenue, Hilltop House Apartments, Property Owner. Recommended Approval (WESTON/TABATABAI) 4. 28 Pearl Drive, Tyler Ramsin and Aik Jun Tan, Property Owners. Recommended Approval (WESTON/TABATABAI) 5. 27 Crestland Terrace, Anne and Larry Rumpf, Property Owners. Recommended Approval (WESTON/TABATABAI) 6. 127 Homestead Drive, Gary Fox, Property Owner. Recommended Approval (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) 7. 121 Homestead Drive, Cody Hart, Property Owner. Recommended Approval to remove tree and replace with another tree. (LAMBA/WESTON) 8. 139 Homestead Drive, Melanie Webb, Property Owner. Recommended Approval (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) 9. 203 Decatur Street, Bruce Lishaman, Property Owner. Recommended Approval (LAMBA/MOSCHEROSCH) 10. 11 Hickory Drive, Gary Mincieli, Property Owner. Recommended Approval (WESTON/TABATABAI) 11. 100 Garden Alley, Linda Nickum, Property Owner. Was represented by Adam Servin from ATS Tree, the committee recommended approval. (LAMBA/WESTON) 12. 39 East Street, Brittney Dumont, Property Owner. Recommended Approval to remove the trees with the intention of replanting after construction. (MOSCHEROSCH/TABATABAI) 13. 387 Lincoln Avenue, Andrew Hamilton, Property Owner. Recommended Approval (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) Old/New Business: 1. Street Tree Planting Review: o Dave Burger discussed plans for planting additional memorial trees throughout the Borough. o Final decisions regarding species, locations, and quantities are still pending. o For 2025, the Commission will identify areas with inadequate tree canopy and make recommendations for replanting. o The Old Orchard section of the Borough was suggested as a potential location due to fewer utility constraints. Reports: 1. Chairperson Report: ● The 2025 Arbor Day Tree Giveaway will be incorporated into the Doylestown Earth Day Celebration (hosted by the Environmental Advisory Council) on April 26th at Broad Commons from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. ● The Commission will distribute free trees and provide information on tree planting and management. ● The Commission plans to collaborate with the EAC to assist with demonstrations and other activities. 2. Arborist’s Report: ○ Bob McMullin provided an update on Bacterial Leaf Scorch, which affects at least 25% of oak trees in the Red Oak family. ○ While treatments can slow the decline, there is currently no cure for the disease. ○ Beech Leaf Disease remains a concern. Treatments are highly expensive and may not be cost-effective unless the tree is old and well-established. ○ Treatments for Beech Leaf Disease are administered every other year. Public Comment: None Adjournment: There will be no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM (WESTON/TABATABAI) Next Shade Tree Commission Meeting is Tuesday, April 8, 2025