Mountain Lakes Shade Tree Commission

Minutes

December 10, 2009

 

Attending: H. Carr, S. Marshall, M. Vyff, J. Best, L. Conner, T. Caine

Borough Council: D. McWilliams

 

1.    No comments from public.

 

2.    October and November minutes accepted as submitted.

 

3.    Setback Management Plan:

Joan has corrected.

 

4.    2010 Goals and Objectives:

Sue has completed revisions.

 

5.    Prune and Remove-Finalize

All updates have been completed. Joan is currently working on a specifications packet that separates the prunes from the removes. She is using a model that categorized trees according to size.

 

6.    2009 Planting Update:

a. 50 trees from grant: Joe Bennett has spot checked trees for cages and signed off on planting. ML STC was complimented on itÕs organization and planting plan.

b. 2008 trees: 3 dead trees have been replaced.

 

7. Community Forestry Grants

a. Green Communities Grant: submitted by Boro ManagerÕs office.

c. Business Stimulus Fund- Heather will review before submission. If grant is awarded the STC will identify invasive trees for removal in spring.

 

8. Tree City USA Certification

Due Dec. 30, 2009. Heather will resubmit application.

Proclamation and budget are needed before submission.

 

9. Forestry Plan Annual Accomplishment Report:

Sue and Laura will review and complete once paperwork is received. Plan will be sent to Todd Wycoff by Feb. 15, 2010.

 

10. Other

a. The STC slideshow has been postponed. Marnie will begin writing text to accompany the pictures taken by Bonnie and Joan.

 

b. New member candidates should be presented as soon as possible. Heather will be reappointed in 2010.

 

c. Heather shared a NYT article regarding tree removal on private property.

 

d. Heather asked our council liaison about the possibility of the Boro selling open space for development. STC would like to piggyback onto Environmental Commissions stance opposing the development of open space. An inquiry will be made into the WoodlandÕs position.

 

e. The Centennial Committee would like to have the STCÕs opinion on obtaining and planting chestnut trees during the centennial celebration year. A local grower would have to be found. Sue will respond to the committee.

 

f. Marnie is uploading previous months STC minutes to the website.

 

 

The next meeting will be held on January 14, 2010.