Shade Tree Commission

Borough of Doylestown Shade Tree Commission Minutes Tuesday, January 13, 2026 6:30 P.M. Full Meeting Packet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8xp6vvfgndrgcub2ibubq/ABYqxwxQ3bLNG1btPIUKEVg?rlkey=ng40tmexxwjfrmk in5h1w0a7y&st=japd6q1h&dl=0 The regular meeting of the Shade Tree Commission was held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Doylestown Borough Hall, 10 Doyle Street. Commission members in attendance included Kayvon Tabatabai and Christopher May. Also present were Borough Arborist Bob McMullin and Grant Rowe, Sustainability Coordinator. A member of Scouting America sat in for part of the meeting. Call to Order: Christopher May called the meeting to order at 6:31pm. Approval of Minutes: Approval of December 2025 minutes was postponed to the February meeting due to a lack of attendees (e.g. no quorum). Subdivision/Land Development: None. Tree Applications: 1. 88-90 S. Clinton Street, 2018 Serrote Family Trust, Property Owner a. The homeowner was not in attendance. May commented that the tree is a hazard and Borough Arborist Bob McMullin agreed. The members of the Shade Tree Commission in attendance recommended approval. (TABATABAI/MAY) 2. 177 Mary Street, Maureen McNally, Property Owner a. The homeowner was not in attendance. Grant shared printed photos of the property that the owner included in the application, a letter (email) of support for tree removal from a neighboring property, and mentioned that additional letters and/or property line work may be needed if the Shade Tree Commission recommends removal. May commented that the tree appears to be straight (not leaning). Borough Arborist Bob McMullin added that the tree’s health does not appear to be in decline but, given that part of the tree is overhanging the property, pruning (and even topping, though not preferred) are options. The members of the Shade Tree Commission in attendance recommended denying the permit and, instead, pruning the tree. (MAY/TABATABAI). 3. 353 E. State Street, Larry Williams, Property Owner a. The homeowner was not in attendance. May explained that the property has a mix of trees, some of which are posing a hazard to the wall (pressure on wall) on State Street and to the property itself due to a decline in health. May then recused himself as his business is serving as the contractor on the application. The member of the Shade Tree Commission in attendance recommended approval. (TABATABAI) 4. 4 Trellis Path, Jennifer Behm, Property Owner a. The homeowner was not in attendance. Tabatabai mentioned that the Shade Tree Commission approved a similar request to remove White Pines on Trellis Path in 2025, and that this application is essentially a continuation of previously approved tree removal work. The members of the Shade Tree Commission in attendance recommended approval. (MAY/TABATABAI) Old/New Business: 1. Letters for Street Tree Planting Initiative a. Grant shared that the Street Tree Planting Initiative letters are completed and ready to be mailed out ASAP. Once the letters are mailed, those who wish to receive a tree can fill out a survey linked in the letter to request one/express interest. 2. Earth Day 2026 a. Grant informed the Shade Tree Commission that the Borough’s Earth Day event will be on April 25th from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Broad Commons Park. 3. Updating the Borough’s Website a. The Shade Tree Commission discussed ways to update the Borough’s website to include more information related to native plants. Borough Arborist Bob McMullin mentioned websites that list trees at some surrounding municipalities. Tabatabai mentioned that he enjoyed the tree page that TreePhilly has on their website. Grant agreed to use the current list of trees that the Borough has and to create some example layouts/graphics for the Shade Tree Commission to review. Reports:  1. Chairperson Report a. Not applicable as Chairperson was absent. 2. Arborist’s Report a. Ash Trees that were treated against disease are doing better health-wise while those who were not treated mostly died. Beech Trees are still struggling as disease spreads quickly amongst the trees. Separate from disease, the Borough is dealing with a lot of old trees. Therefore, efforts to expand tree cover by planting new trees should be prioritized. Public Comment: None. Adjournment. There will be no further business before the Shade Tree Commission. The meeting was adjourned at 7:31pm. (MAY/TABATABAI). Next Shade Tree Commission Meeting is Tuesday, February 10, 2026