Mountain Lakes Shade Tree Commission

Minutes of Meeting

April 19, 2012

Commissioners in attendance: S. Marshall, M. Vyff, C. Murtagh, J. Horst, and H. Carr

1. There were no comments from the public.

2. March minutes were approved with corrections.

3. Marnie reports that there is an Arbor Day celebration time change request. Anne Mucci the new Superintendent of Schools would like to attend but has a conflict that afternoon. She needs to change the time to 10:00am. After some discussion it was decided that Shade Tree could accommodate the request. Unfortunately, commissioner attendance will be sparse at the earlier time. Ms Mucci has agreed to contact others of the time change. Council is on board and Marnie got word during the meeting that the honorees can make the change too. 100 saplings will be available for first grade students to take home. A tree themed story will be read aloud as students act out the tale. An Autumn Cherry tree will be planted in the linear park to honor the Markus family. Marnie and Janet will scout out a location for planting and measure for utility mark out. The certificate will read ……The Markus Family in celebration of Arbor Day 2012. The proclamation has been signed by the mayor.

4. Prune and remove is progressing nicely and the work looks good. For removals, the contractor is first pruning the trees, leaving the trunk to be removed at a later time. This seems to be an efficient method. Commissioners are asked to check on work done in their areas to make sure it has been completed.

5. Consuelo reports that Joan is working on updating the welcome letter and clarifying details on the tree removal permit. These changes will be completed soon.

6. As spring is upon us an increased number of requests for tree removals are being seen. Some residents are following the ordinances and permit process but Shade Tree is concerned that many others are not. We have no enforcement officer to call when violations are discovered but the Borough Manager should be informed. Commissioners who have met with residents during the permit process are encouraged by those who work within the guidelines. Unfortunately, some residents are clear cutting, then paying violations with little regard for the tree canopy. Sue would like to see a reminder, that trees are protected by ordinance, go out in the Borough News Blast. Heather suggested that we recycle an article from our website called “Borough Tree Ordinances Are in Effect.” Janet would like to have an accounting of violation money to determine whether it is being held for the STC. Our planting and violation funds should be spent each year by the Commission for planting, education and services otherwise they may be absorbed by the Borough. STC may need to hire John Linson to help with the summer prune and remove process in the near future. This possibility is being discussed and developed. A plan will be submitted including cost to the Borough.

7. Monthly volunteer hours were submitted by all members and recorded by Consuelo.

8. Other/New Business- It was suggested that we use the tree certificate graphic to display the list of names of the “100 Trees” participants for the website. Heather will prepare this and send it to Tom for posting. Marnie will have it included in the “Mountain Lakes Living Magazine.” Heather announced that she will have to leave the commission as a full time member as of September 2012. She could continue on in some capacity, as alternate or secretary if needed. Since Sue will be leaving and Joan will be limiting her involvement in the Commission as of year’s end it is imperative that new members be found.

Next meeting will be held on May 10th