Mountain Lakes Shade Tree Commission
MINUTES
January 15, 2014
8:30 am Borough Hall
Members Present: Consuelo Murtagh, Marnie Vyff, Heather Carr, Janet Horst, Heather Scott

1. No comments from public.

2. Minutes from November and December 2013 still to be approved in next meeting.

3. Consuelo stated the Borough used Tree King for pruning and removal of hazardous street trees.

4. Consuelo shared the annual accomplishment report submitted for the Community Forest Management Plan (CMFP).

5. Marnie stated our CFMP provides points for Sustainable Jersey.

6. Janet and Marnie discussed grant updates and are now working on a grant for Sustainable Jersey for funding a new software program to update the Borough's tree inventory system, Tree Souce 2000. The Commission will need someone to help transfer old data system to the new system. STC will also need a new computer to operate the new software system. The new software system we are considering is called i-Tree. STC will need to determine how the new software program will relate to our contact person at the Borough, who is currently Joan Best.

We discussed various responsibilities involved with STC as far as DPW, and STC, such as managing the computer, contracts, and community expectations.

8. Consuelo reached out to Lorraine Konopka to meet and look at a possible hazard located on right of way at 10 Maple with possible Carpenter Ant infestation.

9. Bob Tovo and Joan Best met with Lorraine Konopka and discussed the need for having a written report for 2015-2020 CFMP.

10. Confirmation the Borough passed a resolution to hire a new arborist Lorraine M. Konopka. She is a certified Tree Expert.

11. Other: Heather Scott will pursue CORE training thru the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection-Division of Parks and Forestry.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 am.

Next Meeting February 13, 2014.
Respectfully submitted: Heather Scott