Shade Tree Advisory Committee

WESTWOOD SHADE TREE COMMITTEE APPROVED MINUTES Monday, June 14, 2021 – 6:30 pm 1. Call to Order – the meeting was called to order by the Chairman Fred Rella at 6:44pm 2. Members Present: Fred Rella, Beth Staples, and Casey Christopher, and Councilmember Jodi Murphy Absent: Jeff Ocher 3. Minutes - The minutes of the April 13, 2021 meeting were approved as read. 4. Items for Discussion a. Arbor Day: The Arbor Day tree that the WSTC planted is doing well. There was poor turnout at the planting. It was suggested that next year there be more planning for the event and that the WSTC partner with a business or the hospital. b. Spring Tree Planting: DPW planted 44 trees. Another 10 trees have already been requested. There was discussion of the WSTC budget, which is currently down to $400 with a new $1000 donation. Councilwoman Murphy will get information on the possibility of accepting donations into the Shade Tree Fund, if the donations can be made by check and/or online directly to Shade Tree, and if the donations would be tax deductible (new WWBA stopped in to say “hello” and informed us that the donations would not be tax deductible, but that monies could go straight to the WWST Fund). Cost is no up to approximately $300 per tree. There was discussion of planting town trees on the residents’ side of the sidewalk and whether the Council would provide more funding for trees since there is a demand. c. Door hanger distribution: It was decided to hold on putting out the door hangers until we know if we will be able to get the funds to plant more trees in the fall. d. Discussion of potential new member: Daniel Zambrano has completed a volunteer form requesting to serve on the WWSTC. He recently had a town tree planted in front of his house. e. Discussion on making the large Copper Beech tree in Veteran’s Park a formally designated historic tree with an associated plaque. Chairman Rella will explore costs for a stone marker with a brass plaque. f. Discussion of tree companies and residents removing trees: Councilwoman Murphy will bring it up at the next Council meeting. How often do tree removal companies get permission to remove trees for construction? Is the Borough’s historic tree ordinance enforced?  5. Adjournment – the meeting was adjourned at 7:25pm Next meeting will be July 13, 2021 at 6:30pm Action Items: 1. Fall Tree Planting - - check with Council on additional funding and possibility of donations– Jodi 2. Veterans’ Park Copper Beech – check on cost of marker and plaque – Fred 3. Tree Removal Permit/Fines – check on current practice and possibility of requiring a permit - Jodi