Shade Tree Advisory Committee

WESTWOOD SHADE TREE COMMITTEE APPROVED MINUTES Tuesday, September 14, 2021 –6:30 pm 1. Call to Order – the meeting was called to order by the Chairman Fred Rella at 6:31pm 2. Members Present: Fred Rella, Casey Christopher, Jeff Ocher, Beth Staples, and Dan Zambrano, and Councilmember Jodi Murphy 3. Minutes - The minutes of the July 13, 2021 meeting were approved as read. 4. Items for Discussion a. DPW Lists of tree removal requests: The first list was deemed urgent as it included older removal requests. There was discussion of methodology for reporting, and it was agreed to request that the DPW upload the list to their GDrive to be editable as a “living document” with three columns – WSTC reviewer, WSTC comments, and DPW final decision. Councilwoman Murphy will make the arrangements with the DPW. b. Fall Tree Planting: There are approximately 15 current requests for trees at a cost of approximately $300 per tree. Councilwoman Murphy will request additional funds from the Council. c. Tree permits: no answer yet as to who is receiving the funding from the tree permits currently being issued by the building department. Councilwoman Murphy will request the information. d. WSTC email address : question as to who has access to the address. Councilwoman Murphy will check. e. Response to Tree Requests: continued discussion of creating a response “thank you” letter to be sent to those who request town trees. Chairman Rella will get Dan the list of tree requests so that he can give them a reply via email. Councilwoman Murphy will request that a spreadsheet be shared with WSTC so that we can track tree removal requests and make comments. f. Copper Beech tree in Veterans Park: discussion of an informative plaque to match the sign for The Old Well in Veterans’ Park. Chairman Rella will request a photo from the Westwood Historical Society, will check with the Veterans for approval, and will put together a mockup for the next Council work session.l g. Master Plan: discussion of reintroducing the Master Plan. Beth to prepare a 5-10 minute presention. h. Tree City USA: Fred will put the application together. It is due by 12/1.  i. Tree Trimming Permit: discussion of requesting an annual permit with the fee going to the WSTC Fund. 5. Adjournment – the meeting was adjourned at 7:35pm Next meeting will be Tuesday, October 12 at 6:30pm Action Items: 1. Tree Removal Requests: GDrive living document - Jodi 2. Fall Tree Planting – request additional funds from the Council - Jodi 3. Tree Permits – who receives funds –– Fred 4. WSTC email – who has access – Jodi 5. Response to Tree Requests – draft letter (Dan), get list of tree requests to Dan (Fred) 6. Copper Beech – photo, approval, and mockup – Fred 7. Master Plan presentation – Beth 8. Tree City USA application - Fred