Mountain Lakes Shade Tree Commission
MINUTES
February 9, 2012

Commissioners: C. Murtagh, S. Marshall, J. Best, T. Caine, M. Vyff, J. Horst and J. Eveleth
Council Liaison: B. Bravo

There were no comments from the public.

January minutes were approved with minor corrections.

Blair Bravo was welcomed as the new Council Liaison. Joan discussed the Commission's 5 year Community Forestry Plan and its value as a planning tool for the Commission's annual activities. She reminded all present that Shade Tree is a Commission, not a committee. There are 4 Commissions, with stated powers and duties, as found in Chapter 9 of the General Code of the Borough. Joan gave Janet a new member packet. A current membership list with contact information was distributed.

The Prune and Remove list is scheduled to be awarded to the low bidder at the next Borough Council meeting next Monday evening.

Consuelo and Joan completed the annual accomplishment report. It was signed by the mayor and mailed out.

Sue completed the 2012 Goals for Borough Council. It is based in large part on the Community Forestry Plan. Blair shared that Council is moving toward using a format similar to the Forestry Plan to enumerate broad goals, and how the objectives can be accomplished by the Commissions and Committees. There was discussion of the need to expand the scope of tree management to the woodland buffer lots especially in light of the damage caused by the 2 recent storms. Also discussed was the Commission's stated goal to focus on community support and education by becoming increasingly involved in Setback Tree Management Plans and Tree Removal Permits. There seems to be a disconnect in communication causing a failure in enforcement of tree ordinances. It was noted that tree protection is lacking in many cases of demolitions and new construction/major renovations.

Approximately 65 trees were sold in the "100 Trees for 100 Years" program. Tony Cerbo has committed to an additional sale with program pricing.

Consuelo suggested an article in defense of trees, as trees have been getting poor publicity in the past few months. She will write a draft for discussion. The final product can be submitted to the Mountain Lakes Magazine.

Marnie will take the lead on the Arbor Day Celebration, with help from Janet. Arbor Day is officially April 27th this year. Marnie will check with the principal of Wildwood School to see if May 4 is available for this year's celebration. It was suggested the honoree be the Markus family who planted 19 trees under the Centennial planting initiative. Marnie will reach out to the family. We will need to get a tree from Cerbo's as the County does not seem to be providing them any longer.

Consuelo will be compiling volunteer hours monthly to make the summary easier for the Community Forestry Annual Accomplishment Report.

Joan reported on email correspondence with Beth Eden regarding the replacement of the tree planted in memory of Henry Popp at Memorial Park. Sue will contact Heather for certificate for the tree planted in memory of Ellen Connors. Marnie reported on the Environmental website – MLEnvironmental.org. Blair shared that the Borough is looking into a professional web design company to manage the Borough website.

Next meeting will be held on March 8, 2012