Shade Tree Management Board

Shade Tree Management Board Madison, NJ 07940 Minutes of August 18, 2022 The Shade Tree Management Board held its regular meeting at 8:00AM on Thursday, August 18, 2022, in the Borough Committee Room and via 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 Bruce Member Daley MEC Cracovia x Member O’Brien DPW Honohan x Member Wolowicz x Arborist Licari Member Schorr x FMST Limbach x Alternate Erlich Council Monaghan x Alternate Parks Salaki x Member Minutes Approval: Motion to approve July minutes accepted. Public Contacts/Correspondence: • Traction Line Update o County is going to be reviewing site with town arborist to get a count of the number and type of trees. o Stakeholder meeting is planned through the Borough with the County. o Dan Perigon, 16 Kinney Street attended and provided the following comments: ▪ Concerned that it’s a wrong location and would prefer the trail goes on the other side of the tracks. ▪ Concerned that too many trees that will be removed. ▪ Concerned about safety when bikes end on elm street. • Pickleball/Basketball Courts o Mayor presented proposed new Pickleball/Basketball courts  o Arborist provided assessment of existing forest being a mix of dying ash trees but also healthy native hardwoods. o Chris Schor presented concerns that we are not placing importance on existing AND dying trees. We must protect the canopy forest and maintain its health. o George Limbach noted that some type of permeable pavement could be used. o 2023 project. STMB will discuss and recommend by next meeting September 15th. o A site analysis was preformed by the Rec Committee and the Borough for where the courts should go; analysis has been going on for the last 2 years, but the Board has concerns. o Uses different criteria for the different sites and new issues are being identified, e.g., impact of wind. A standard set of criteria should be defined and applied to all the proposed sites o Analysis is coming in from different interest groups and should be assessed by an independent 3rd party who has subject matter expertise. o The additional independent analysis should have a recommendation deadline of 12/31/22 at which time a 2023 implementation decision can be made o Of the two MRC sites, the consensus of the Board is to avoid any loss of a forested area and space that is already paved should be used. o The loss if MRC parking would have to managed on peak days o The forested tree survey identified trees that would be lost and if construction is managed properly, there would be limited to no loss of additional trees. Our experience at any construction site is that, unless it is monitored on a daily/hourly basis, additional tree damage will take place. o In summary, the Board recommends additional independent analysis of all the considered sites and a major goal should be avoiding any development of a forested area. Tree permit/service requests. o Rich Wolowitz provided details on monthly activity. o No significant trends in the numbers. o STMB requests access to permit system to better track removals. o Rich has concerns for tree protection fencing on construction sites. o Lloyd builders are required to plant 12 street trees. Lisa Ellis from DDC o Concerned about the replacement plan for the Zelkova trees along Kings Road at the crescent. o Inquired when poor pear trees to be replaced. Board indicated that 20-25 to be planted in the fall. o Concerns for large tree on Main Street at Staples across from Starbucks. Council Liaison:  • Council woman was absent from meeting but provided a report from the Council meeting in advance. Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC): • No cases. Parks Advisory Committee: • No report Open Space: • No Report Budget Report: • Year to Date – 2022 Budget (Total budget of $190,200) o Expended: $82,143.55 o Encumbered: $58.644.88 o Remaining Balance: $49,411.57 o Unexpended: $108,056.45 • This Month Paid: o $2,267.97 - Friends of Madison Shade Tree (reimbursement for rose garden park) o $2,235.30 - Richview Consulting (Arborist) o $16,820.50 - Honor Tree Service (tree services rendered) o $425.00 - Honor Tree Service (sub surface soil injection) MEC: • Bridget Daley sent an email report: o Eco Garden Tour scheduled for 9/17/22 o Reminded people to attend the Drew Forest / Affordable Housing court review Sustainable Madison: • No Report Action Items: • Salaki and Honahan to select Lloyd tree species. • Submit quadrant windshield surveys. Submitted by: Tom Salaki