Urban Forestry Commission

URBAN FORESTRY COMMISSION REVISED Minutes of December 28, 2023 IN PERSON REGULAR MEETING Room 208 Municipal Building MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT ALSO PRESENT Jane Harris, Chairwoman Jonathan Morris Chris Holden, Public Works Director Bob Grimm Chris Donnelly- City Forester Dave Meyering Carl Lecce- Guest Steve Cronkite 1. Roll Call Jane Harris, Chairwoman, called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm, in Room 208 of the Municipal Building at 245 DeKoven Drive. The roll was called and a quorum was determined. Review of Minutes The minutes of November 30, 2023 were reviewed and approved with a correction to the location of the meeting. 2. Old Business Tree Warden Report  The Tree Warden report was reviewed. Public Works Report  Director Holden shared a summary of expenses that will go towards the Tree City USA application. There was an estimate of the cost to do all the watering of roughly $24,000. $20,000 worth of Parks Department time for maintenance of trees within City parks. $21,720 was spent with Prides Corner and $45,253 with Forest City. There was some discussion regarding the accuracy of the number presented for Forest City. Director Holden stated he will take another look at the numbers. $111,597 was spent with J&J. After Rick’s salary, the total amount spent on trees for the year is $271,558. Based on the City population of 48,729, that is $5.57 per capita. There are several POs already encumbered with money in it for the remainder of the year for various items, including tree work. Chairwoman Harris noted that there are about 20 trees sitting at Prides Corner that are reserved for projects. She also noted that they have had issues getting paid. Director Holden stated that he is working on the process internally. Director Holden has the proclamation from last Arbor Day for Chris Donnelly. Account Balance  Account balances were discussed in detail above. Downtown Business District Tree Pit Bid  Director Holden hasn’t gotten any updates and will follow up with Deputy Director Weissberg. 3. New Business  DEEP Tree Inventory Grant- Chairwoman Harris noted that preliminary paperwork from the state was received. The City will receive $40,000 from the State out of $120,000 that was set aside for the grant.  Carl Lecce Nomination- Chairwoman Harris stated the request for the nomination request will be received soon. It will go to the February Common Council meeting.  Wesleyan Hills Pool & Tennis Club Proposal- Leaves haven’t been delivered as of yet considering how wet and muddy the site has been.  Additional Tree requests- It was suggested to plant a tree for retired Councilman Phil Pessina.  Fall Tree Planting Sites- Nothing additional discussed. 4. Other/Correspondence  Chris Donnelly stated he looked at the trees on Scarborough Lane. There are 94 pear trees that were planted. He shared that by and large, they are in good shape. There are half a dozen sites where sidewalks have been repaired due to the trees. Highway Department had pruned a few back that were overgrown. He does think some additional pruning can take place on certain identified trees.  The use of QR codes for tree plaques was discussed. It is something that has been done in the past.  The Connecticut Tree Protective Association Annual Meeting was discussed. 5. Public Comment  None. 6. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:37pm.