Borough of Mountain Lakes

Shade Tree Commission

Minutes for June 11, 2009

 

Present: B. Rosenthall, H. Carr, J. Best, M. Vyff, S. Marshall, L. Conner

 

1. No comments from the public.

 

2. Minutes from May’s meeting were accepted as written.

 

3. CSIP Update: Michelle has fall bids. Tony Cerbo was selected to complete 2009 planting.

 

4. P & R Update: Large pieces are left and wood is being removed slowly. P & R is complete with the exception of one tree in both Joan’s and Marnie’s areas. P & R program running, though not printing. Joan is available to show commissioners how to operate program.

 

JCP&L is using Nelson to their P & R work.

 

5. Tree Removal Protocol and Set Back Ordinance:

-The purpose of the ordinance was not to protect every tree on a homeowner’s property but to protect trees within the borough set back.

-It was agreed that correct forms should be readily available for public to use.

-Changes need to be made to initial page to make the document more user-friendly. Rewording of instruction page was also recommended.

-FAQS 4-7 refer to setback ordinance. Joan and Marnie will revise.

 

6. Klingenberg Subdivision-123 Lake Drive

-Tree removal plan was well drawn and accepted by the town. The Borough will charge $250 for the 17 setback trees that will be removed in the plan.

 

7. Summer Tree Inventory:

Sheets available from Joan. Please contact her to update your list.

 

8. Old Business:

a. Minutes posted on website.

b. Tom located charter and posted new photographs on website. Arbor Day photos were also updated. Wildwood School should be contacted to make sure that permission has been granted to place photos of children on the site.

c. Grant Update: Should we pursue 100 trees for 100 years? 2010 should be a promotional year. STC can inquire with other groups in town as to what is being planned and what events will be promoted. Campaign could be launched on Arbor Day with follow up publicity on Mountain Lakes Day and July 4, 2010. Trees could be planted in the fall of 2011.

-Money collected from tree removals should go to STC and could be used to promote 100 Tree-100 Year Campaign. Contact Doug to remind council that this line item is for STC.

d. FAQs in H & S Bulletin will be corrected and rerun at a later date.

e. Invasives Update:

-Concern about the pocket park at Crane and Morris was voiced. Are the Woodlands Committee actions being overseen by the Borough? Is there a plan to replant the pocket park now that the invasive vegetation has been removed? STC would like a council update from Doug regarding the Woodlands Committee.

 

9. New Business/Other:

a. Bonnie will be stepping down from the STC and a new chair is needed.

b. 2010 Community Forestry Plan needs to be rewritten. John Linson will be asked to help with this.

 

10. Next meeting scheduled at 8:30 on September 10. 2009.