Shade Tree Management Board

Shade Tree Management Board Madison, NJ 07940 Minutes of July 21, 2022 The Shade Tree Management Board held its regular meeting at 8:00AM on Thursday, July 21, 2022. It was a hybrid meeting in the Borough’s Committee Room and a Zoom link. Call to Order by Chairman Gene Cracovia. Statement in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting of the Shade Tree Management Board was provided by transmitting a copy of the meeting notice to the Madison Eagle, Morris County Daily Record, posting a copy on the bulletin board at the main entrance of the Borough Hall, and filing a copy in the Office of the Clerk, all on January 11, 2022. Copies of said notice were made available to the general public. Attendance Name Present Role Name Present Role Bartley x Member Miller x Member Bruce x Member Daley x MEC Cracovia x Member O’Brien x DPW Honohan Member Wolowicz x Arborist Licari Member Schorr x FMST Limbach x Alternate Ehrlich x Council Monaghan x Alternate Miller Parks Salaki Member Minutes Approval Motion to approve June minutes and motion carried. Public Contacts/Correspondence • Public Tree Removal Requests – Rich Wolowicz reported on public tree removal requests. Most requests are due to diseased ash trees and storm damage. • Private Tree Removal Permit Requests - Rich reported that trees removed at 11 Hillside prior to permitting will be replaced with 12 or more trees of at least 2 ½ diameter on Borough of Madison public property. Rich reported that a permit request for tree removal on Madison Golf Club property had been denied with an agreement to prune. • Spotted Lantern Fly – Gene reported on STMB and Borough of Madison efforts to promote public education on handling of Spotted Lantern Fly through social media (Facebook & Borough website). Council Liaison Report Councilwoman Rachel Ehrlich reported on the following: At the 6/13/22 Borough Council meeting, Public Works advised that: • Construction has started on a path at the Madison Recreation Complex (MRC) to connect Ridgedale Ave. through current open space to the sport fields and passive recreation land portion. In addition, Councilwoman Ehrlich commented that efforts are underway to improve workflow and communication to balance the many stakeholders and many interests in the community. Landmark Trees • Nancy Bruce reported that two applications for Landmark Tree status have been submitted: one tree at 43 Knollwood and one tree at 14 Noe Avenue. Windshield Survey Time • Gene reminded the board that quadrant windshield tree survey data is requested by Thursday, September 1, 2022. Budget Report Total Budget: $190,200 Year to Date – 2022 Budget  Expended: $60,394.78  Encumbered: $80, 193.65  Remaining Balance: $49,611.57  Unexpended: $129,805.22 Partner Organizations: MEC • The MEC newsletter is emphasizing the importance of trees to drinking water and reminding residents that J&M is offering $200 towards trees purchased from them for planting trees on private property. Sustainable Madison • The group is looking for information on local efforts and projects to count towards Madison’s sustainable certification. Open Space • Basketball /Pickleball Courts are being discussed. FMST • Work has completed for tree and shrub plantings at Summerhill Park and Memorial Park. • Updating and repairs to Rose Garden Park (now 25 years old) are being managed by Beth Riley. Three large trees with issues were removed – the result is thriving roses and plant materials. Future replacement of current pea gravel walkway with sustainable material will result in a more pedestrian and wheeled vehicle traffic, e.g., wheelchairs, strollers, bikes. • Grants and fundraising ideas are being sought for projects. Drew Forest The status of the Drew Forest was discussed. STMB was advised that Drew University has filed a lawsuit against the Borough of Madison alleging a violation of New Jersey Affordable Housing requirements. A judge is scheduled to review the case at 11:30 am on Friday, August 19, at Morris County Court House, Courtroom 151, 56 Washington Ave, Morristown. Action Items • None Submitted by Kate Bartley