Shade Tree Advisory Committee

Westwood Shade Tree Committee Meeting Minutes Westwood Borough Hall October 11, 7:00PM Present: Gil TenHoeve - President Absent: None Fred Rella - Secretary Beth Staples Guest: Dan DeMarco - Jeff Ocher Eagle Scout Candidate Chris Montana • Gil TenHoeve called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. • The September 13, 2016 Meeting Minutes were unanimously approved by all except Chris Montana who abstained from voting since he was not at the September 13th meeting; motion by Beth Staples, second by Jeff Ocher. • Fred Rella introduced Dan DeMarco, a Westwood Eagle Scout candidate that has his planned Eagle Scout Project in the Boroughs Memorial Park. Fred explained how Dan’s project requires five trees to be planted and at the September 13, 2016 Shade Tree Committee Meeting, the Board unanimously authorized the donation of the trees. o Dan gave a brief overview of his Eagle Scout Project and how it was a memorial to each of the five branches of the military. Dan continued by explaining how one element of the memorial is for there to be a tree planted for each branch. o Dan thanked the Committee and its members for their contribution of the five trees. Dan anticipated the plantings were to occur sometime before the end of 2016. o A brief discussion ensued about the type and cost of the trees. Dan stated that he was planning on planting Pringreen Pin Oaks that would be 7+ feet tall. The estimated cost is approximately $1,300. Dan was also open to other suggestions. No specific suggestions were made. o Dan stated he would be meeting with Mayor Birkner and DPW Supervisor, Rick Woods to further discuss the project. Westwood Shade Tree Committee Meeting Minutes – October 11, 2016 Page 2 of 2 • Beth Staples handed out a draft press release on the Shade Tree Committee meeting with Carrie Sargeant of the NJDEP, Division of Parks and Forestry on September 13th. The article spoke to Westwoods intent to participate in the NJDEP Community Forestry Program. Additionally, the press release discussed the Borough’s residential fall tree planting program that is to be implemented shortly. • Gil led a brief discussion on the Fall Tree Planting Program. Gil mentioned she would be speaking with Rick Woods of the DPW and Borough Clerk, Karen Hughes to get the program off the ground. • Gil bought up the topic of tree removal and the associated fines per the Borough Ordinance. It was determined that as a committee, we need to review the ordinance and pay particular attention to the fines and the tree replacement policy. • Gil TenHoeve asked if there was any new business. Being none, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Jeff Ocher and seconded by Beth Staples. All agreed; the meeting was adjourned 8:10pm.