Mountain Lakes Shade Tree Commission

Minutes of Meeting

September 15, 2011

Commissioners in attendance: S. Marshall, J. Best, M. Vyff, T. Caine, C. Murtagh.

1. There were no comments from the public.

2. June minutes were approved.

3. Prune and remove survey status updated by Joan Best. Input on most areas is reported nearly complete. Commissioners were advised to re-review trees recommended for pruning or removing pre Hurricane Irene, to confirm they still need attention and have not come down in storm. This information should be updated right away. Joan also requests help with tree related items called in by residents, which will need to be visited and reviewed.

4. Stakes need to be removed on trees planted with state grant funds as trees have reached point were stakes and ties will interfere with growth. Using a site location map from the original application for funds, assignments will be made in the next meeting to have the stakes removed. Marnie and Consuelo will disconnect the stakes on newly planted trees located on Midvale by next meeting.

5. Creating a committee for 2011-2015 Community Forestry Management Plan is a priority. The CFMP expired in 2010, we have one year to create a new one. Joan Best suggests a review of the completed plan by M. Vyff, C. Murtagh and T. Caine as to ensure continuity with the members scheduled to be on STC until 2015.

6. Update given on 100 Trees for 100 Years Centennial planting program. Mountain Lakes Magazine has included an article about the program and instructions on ordering trees in the last issue. ML residents have purchased approximately 40+ trees, and more participation is expected before the program ends. The School Bulletin Broadcast will be publicizing the program, which will help in reminding residents of this one time opportunity.

7. Joan is in discussion with Tony Cerbo about replacing the Henry Popes tree. In addition, there are three honorary tree requests. These requests will be added to the existing tree purchase order. Tom and Sue will look for locations by Wildwood for placing the honorary trees.

8. Mountain Lakes conducted a ‘Re-Dedication’ of the newly improved Esplanade recognition of Cerbo’s contribution. This re-dedication was combined with the “Taste of Mountain Lakes” and got lost in the competing event. Lacking formality and focus, it was a missed opportunity to showcase the great improvements at the Esplande as well as thank Tony Cerbo for his generous contributions of time, talent and resources. It was recommended that this can be rectified by hosting a separate event to focus on thanking Mr. Cerbo for this work as well as the many other planting projects to which he contributes.

9. Placing ribbons on borough trees has been raised by a request to the Borough Council for breast cancer awareness. This same issue was raised a number of years ago for another cause and Joan reports there exists ordinances regarding these requests. Joan will review the necessary ordinances and bring them to the attention of the Borough Council.

10. Marnie Vyff has joined the ML Environmental Commission and will act as liaison between STC and the Environmental Commission.

Next meeting will be held on October 20th