Shade Tree Management Board

Shade Tree Management Board Madison, NJ 07940 Minutes of February 16, 2023 The Shade Tree Management Board held its regular meeting at 8:15AM on Thursday, February 16, 2022. It was a hybrid meeting in the Borough’s Committee Room (moved to the Trustee’s 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 12, 2023. 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 MEC Cracovia x Member O’Brien x DPW Honohan x Member Wolowicz x Arborist Limbach x Alternate Schorr x FMST Monaghan Alternate Ehrlich x Council Salaki x Vacant Member Minutes Approval January minutes approval scheduled for March meeting. Public Contacts/Correspondence • Public Tree Removal Requests. A total of 9 tree removal requests for 31 trees were reported for January. Most tree removal requests were for diseased Ash trees. • Memorial Park Path trees (mostly diseased Ash) deemed dangerous to path users will be cut. A program for removal of trees (mostly diseased Ash) on Parkside was discussed. • Spring tree order has been placed for 83 trees including: Black Gum, Kentucky Yellowwood, Kentucky Coffee Tree (Expresso), American Linden, Overcup Oak, Willow Oak, Pin Oak, Londonplane, Red Maple (October Glory), Green Hawthorn, and Hackberry. Total cost: $18,476. • Private Trees. A beech tree removal request at 14 Glenwild was denied and appealed by the homeowner. Each member was asked to visit the site and make an assessment. Council Liaison Report Councilwoman Rachel Ehrlich reported on the following:  • An ordinance was introduced appropriating $40,000 in funds for construction of Memorial Park trail improvements. • An ordinance was introduced appropriating $125,000 in funds for improvements for the 2023 accessible playground project at Dodge Field. • A resolution was adopted for a Climate Action Plan for the Borough of Madison which included 12 goals, one of which is to enhance the tree canopy. Councilwoman Ehrlich also reported that the Borough’s Department of Public Works budget will be reviewed to incorporate funding for tree replacement at the MRC pickleball courts site. Also, requests for proposals for work at 4 Madison Parks (Delbarton, Livesey, Central Green and Summerhill) were submitted. Zoning Board/TCC Cases • 5 Shepherd Lane: Borough arborist Rich Wolowicz reported that by examining the remaining stumps, he ascertained that 5 trees cut down without a permit and were in violation of the Shade Tree Ordinance. The resident will be notified. • Nothing new to report on TCC. Green Up Madison/Arbor Day A meeting of stakeholders resulted in a reimaging of the Borough’s Arbor Day and May Day. The proposed plan, Green Up Madison, will combine Arbor Day and May Day projects. Kick-off day is proposed for Saturday, April 29, with additional activities planned throughout the month of May. Drew Forest Drew University has named a new president, Dr. Hilary L. Link, effective end of June 2023 and that efforts to save the Drew Forest from development continue full force. STMB Budget Report Stephen Miller reported on the Year-to-Date Preliminary 2023 Budget (total budget of $190,200) • Expended: $0 • Encumbered: $95,000.00 (Maintenance Services - Honor Tree Service) • Remaining Balance: $95,200.00 • Unexpended: $190,200.00 Training: Core/Other Gene reported that Core/Other training continues to be a priority for STMB and encouraged all members to further their knowledge and education. Partner Organizations: • MEC  o The MEC is hosting a native plant seed swap February 18 at Madison’s United Methodist Church to educate and encourage area landowners to utilize natives in their planting projects. o The Great Swamp Watershed Association is hosting a free webinar entitled “Wasps: The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect” 7 to 8 pm on Tuesday, February 21. o An Electric Vehicle (EV) Expo will be held from 2 to 6 pm on Wednesday, April 19, organized by Peter Fried. o An Energy Fair will be held 7 to 9 pm on Thursday, April 20, at Madison Community Arts Center at Rose Hall, organized by Kirsten Wallenstein. o Taste of Madison (April 24) is working to have composting at the event. o A Town-Wide Yard Sale with the Chatham’s will be held on Saturday, April 29. • Parks Advisory No report submitted. • Sustainable Madison The group is looking for more equity and diversity on local Boards and Commissions. • Open Space No report was submitted. • FMST A new vision for Rose Garden Park (now 25 years old) is being prepared by Beth Riley. A Madison Rotary Grant was utilized to create the new landscape plan. Grants and fundraising ideas are being sought for this project. • Action Items Each member to assess the tree at 14 Genwild and report back at the March meeting. Submitted by Kate Bartley