Shade Tree Commission

Borough of Doylestown Shade Tree Commission MINUTES Tuesday, April 8, 2025 6:30 P.M. Full Meeting Packet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xjsf4wbm014ljx51hjh55/AOcWkWvJtfLyzBknAblCpbo?rlkey=4xr4obg8bzbtwktj 88t062dzr&dl=0 The regular meeting of the Shade Tree Commission was held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Doylestown Borough Hall, 10 Doyle Street. Commission members in attendance included Lisa Moscherosch, Kayvon Tabatabai, Jean Weston and Chris May. Also present were Borough Arborist Bob McMullin, Dave Burger, Director of Public Works, and applicants Daniel Heskett, Carol Lowry, Kyle Given, Scott and Linda Stasburg, and Rose Miller. David McCann from ATS Tree Services Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 6:30PM (WESTON/TABATABAI) Approval of Minutes: The March 2025 minutes were approved. (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) Subdivision/Land Development: None Tree Applications: 1. 179 Mechanics Street, Daniel Heskett, Property Owner. Recommended Approval and replaced with another tree. (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) 2. 135 E. State Street, Bucks County Bar Association, Property Owner. Recommended Approval. (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) 3. 16 Golfview Road, Alyssa White and David Ricci, Property Owners. Recommended Approval. (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) 4. 3 Walnut Lane, Paul and Elise Georgulis, Property Owners. Recommended Approval. (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) 5. 33 N. Franklin Street, Scott and Carol Lowry, Property Owners. Recommended Approval. (MAY/MOSCHEROSCH) 6. 383 W. Oakland Avenue, Kyle and Joan Given, Property Owners. Recommended Approval. (MAY/MOSCHEROSCH) 7. 679 N. Chubb Drive, Jesse Rivera, Property Owner. Recommended Approval and replaced with another tree. (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) 8. 200 E. State Street, Scott and Linda Strasburg, Property Owners. Recommended Approval (WESTON/TABATABAI) 9. 14 East Street, Roberto Nelson, Property Owner. Recommended Approval. (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) 10. 205 N. Franklin Street, Richard and Rose Miller, Property Owners. Recommended Approval and replaced with another tree. (TABATABAI/MAY)  11. 418 North Street, Vince Mortensen, Property Owners. Recommended approval to remove and replace trees. There is a second Sugar Maple and Bradford pear which were also approved to be removed at a later date. Recommended Approval. (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) 12. 197 East Street, Erin Malone, Property Owner. Recommended Approval. (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) 13. 36 Mercer Avenue, Rob Schieber, Property Owner. Recommended Approval with a letter from the neighbor stating they are in agreement due to the proximity of the property line. (WESTON/MOSCHEROSCH) Old/New Business: 1. Street Tree Planting Review. A few street trees are currently under stress due to last year’s drought and harsh winter conditions. These trees are being monitored, and appropriate action—such as treatment or replacement—will be taken with homeowner permission. The Commission continues to identify additional planting locations, particularly in areas with limited canopy coverage. Planning is underway for a new round of tree planting, scheduled for fall 2025. 2. 401 Maple Ave. The homeowners, who reside at the corner of Maple Avenue & Cottage Street, are requesting permission to remove a Borough-maintained street tree (Maple) located on Cottage Street. In its place, they propose planting one yellowwood tree, along with four additional yellowwoods, each 4–4.5 inches in caliper. Understory plantings are also proposed beneath the trees. The planting area falls within the Borough’s right-of- way. The Commission expressed concerns regarding the suitability of yellowwood trees for this location. Homeowner Chris Candido and Matt Benzie of Indigenous Ingenuities attended the meeting to present the proposal and answer questions. Owner has been advised that maintenance and/or removal of street trees is handled by the Borough and that removal is not included in the scope of permitting. The Commission discussed the merits of allowing this tree to be removed by a private property owner and planting new trees in its place. No action was taken. Reports: 1. Chairperson Report. Lisa shared plans for the joint effort between the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) and the Shade Tree Commission (STC) for Arbor Day. The STC will host a table to distribute free trees and educational materials on ivy control and tree maintenance. Commission members will also conduct live demonstrations to raise awareness and explain the STC’s mission. A tree planting demonstration is scheduled, with additional activities currently being finalized. 2. Arborist’s Report: None Public Comment Adjournment - There will be no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM (WESTON/MAY) Next Shade Tree Commission Meeting is Tuesday, May 13, 2025