Urban Forestry Commission

URBAN FORESTRY COMMISSION Minutes of October 26, 2023 IN PERSON SPECIAL MEETING Room 208 Municipal Building MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT ALSO PRESENT Jane Harris, Chairwoman Chris Holden, Public Works Director Bob Grimm Chris Donnelly- City Forester Dave Meyering Carl Lecce- Guest Steve Cronkite Jon Morris 1. Roll Call Jane Harris, Chairwoman, called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm, in Room 210 of the Municipal Building at 245 DeKoven Drive. The roll was called and a quorum was determined. Review of Minutes Motion: To approve the minutes of August 24, 2023. There was a small correction that Steve Cronkite was not present at the August meeting. Moved by Bob Grimm; seconded by Jon Morris. The motion passed. 2. Old Business Tree Warden Report  The Tree Warden report was reviewed. There was quite a bit of bid tree work completed and some pruning and hourly work as well. Public Works Report  Director Holden stated that they have been working with the Downtown Business District Tree pit bid. Chairwoman Harris stated that when walking down Main Street, there are many different types of tree pits. Account Balance  Account balance of $13,415.00 for the Urban Forestry Commission. $61,713.07 is remaining in the general fund. Downtown Business District Tree Pit Bid  Nothing additional to discussion above. 3. New Business  DEEP Tree Inventory Grant- Chairwoman Harris commented that they were a terrific group and worked very hard. Chris Donnelly spoke to the grant process with DEEP.  Carl Lecce Nomination- Chairwoman Harris will be sending Director Holden what she has in regards the nomination of Carl Lecce to the commission.  Wesleyan Hills Pool & Tennis Club Proposal- Chairwoman Harris and Steve Cronkite attended the most recent Public Works Commission and proposed a mini forest at the old Wesleyan Hills Pool & Tennis Club plot. They are in need of leaves for the area. Director Holden said that the leaf mulch that is procured by Coleman’s can be used. Many trees were donated by Eversource. They should hopefully be able to plant by spring. The location is already marked out.  Additional Tree requests- CFMC, Traverse Square, Pashley Drive, Union Green- no additional discussion.  Fall Tree Planting Sites- State of CT permitting for Rte 17- Chris Donnelly spoke about some recommended tree planting sites. There have been many spots staked out on South Main Street. The State does want an encroachment permit. 4. Other/Correspondence  Request for sidewalk repair, 29 Gordon Place, so tree(s) can be replaced. Chairwoman Harris stated that the resident who lives here has kept in touch with her regarding sidewalk repair in this area.  Director Holden stated that DOT contacted him for tree clearing along Route 9. They want to clear cut everything from the Arrigoni Bridge (North) to the river. Chairwoman Harris stated she would be happy to take a look and meet with a representative, but the committee does have concerns. 5. Public Comment  None. 6. Adjournment Motion to adjourn at 5:33pm. Moved by Bob Grimm; seconded by Jon Morris, approved unanimously.