Shade Tree Management Board

Shade Tree Management Board Madison, NJ 07940 Minutes of April 19, 2018 The Shade Tree Management Board held its regularly scheduled meeting at 8:00 AM on Thursday, April 19, 2018 in the committee room of Hartley Dodge Memorial, 50 Kings Road, Madison, NJ. Call to Order at 8:03 by Chairman Gene Cracovia. Reading of the Sunshine Law. Present: Gene Cracovia, Carmela Vitale –Council liaison, Nancy Bruce, Stephen Miller, Brian Monaghan, Vince Licari, Ken O’Brien, Tom Salaki, Judy Honohan, Joan Maccari- liaison from Environmental Commission Absent: Alan Andreas, Paul Allocco, Alice Wade, Guests: Michael Pellessier, Communications and IT Director for Madison Borough, Drew students; Chelsea Hamilton, Sam Garzon, Lauren Monopoli Minutes: March 2018 minutes approved as submitted. Public Contacts/Correspondence: the DPW has made 1 ½ passes through town to collect storm debris from curbside. Collected debris is stockpiled at DPW for later tub grinding and removal for use at a NJ location. There are some unresolved damage claims from the storm 3/6/18. Borough and Drew representatives met regarding a recent fall of a tree along Green Village Rd. Drew will have their arborist evaluate trees for removal but six were jointly identified and will be removed by Drew. Council Liaison Report: A borough representative has met with JCP&L regarding tree removals along NJ Transit tracks. As some trees are on private property Borough Attorney, Matt Jacobi will be consulted. Canopy Coverage Report: Drew University students Lauren Monopoli, Chelsea Hamilton, Sam Garzon. Through the use of a computer model, iTree, the students created a summary report on the environmental and economic benefits of trees in Madison and also the pests and diseases effecting tree success. Borough Tree Status: Debris removal continues. Spring Tree Planting: Quadrant survey teams are to mark location and curb where trees will be planted this spring. Letters to residents have been mailed and door hangers with further information should be left at each location. Vince could visit residents who decline a new tree to provide further information on the importance of borough trees. The number of useful Gator Bags will be determined and their use considered for Noe and Burnett plantings. TCC: There are two active cases. FDU is creating a multipurpose field along 124. Hardwoods will be removed and adjacent residences will be screened by new plantings. Church at the corner of Green and Garfield is subdividing to create two additional lots for private residences. Parks Advisory Committee: A site near the Community Pool is again under consideration for a dog park. There is serious concern about the tree damage being done at an equipment staging area on Central Ave. in Summerhill Park. Damage extent may not be known for two or three years. Contract details regarding responsibility should be available through Bob Vogel. FMST: Green Vision Forum is a student run event facilitated by Madison Environmental Commission at Drew on Thursday, April 19. The annual Green Fair at Madison Library is scheduled for 4/ 21. FMST and Garden Club will provide materials for pinecone bird feeders. A split leaf beech tree will be planted in the Summerhill Arboretum. DPW will establish a water line to the arboretum. Treasurer’s Report: 2018 Budget $117,650.00 Expended this month (Honor Tree, $16,680 Tree King) $365 Total expended 2018 YTD $17,245 Encumbered 2018 $85,395 Unexpended 2018 $100,405 Old / New Business: Construction tree protection notice: copies of a draft were provided. Changes include the correction that calls be directed to the construction dept. and suggestion that the letter also be written in Spanish. Arbor Pro: Steve will do a presentation at the May meeting. Tom will provide a screen shot for data entry. Arbor Day: The Drew Canopy report will be summarized on a poster for display. Once again all Madison schools are actively participating. Waverly Place Trees: After discussion a decision was made to deep fertilize the two trees in already expanded pits and observe any differences from the remaining 13 or so trees. A task force formed by STMB and DDC should make the determination of what trees to use when existing honey locusts must be replaced. Action Items: Steve: will provide Arbor Pro training at May 17 meeting. Tom: will provide a screen shot of data entry in Arbor Pro Gene: will consult with DDC regarding Waverly Place trees. Gene: will check with Bob Vogel regarding contract for work using Summerhill Park as a staging area. Submitted by Judy Honohan