MOUNTAIN LAKES SHADE TREE COMMISSION
MINUTES
February 21, 2013

Commissioners Present: C. Murtagh, J. Horst
Council Liaison: Doug McWilliams

There were no comments from the public.

Reviewed the current members of the commission. Consuelo distributed a new listing as of January 2013. There was discussion re: potential new recruits. One will visit the STC next month (March) to aid in her decision on whether to join.

Doug McWilliams was introduced as our new Borough Council liaison. He was appraised of the main objectives and some of the current issues facing the STC, e.g. prune and remove fall season duties, Tree City Plan updates, our role in Arbor Day celebrations at Wildwood School.

John Linson, Mountain Lake's volunteer arborist, just completed his walk-thru of the paths and public areas frequented by students and/or borough residences. John's assessment is separate from the normal annual prune and remove fall walk STC members complete. His list of prune and remove items has been updated and has gone out for bid. This walk-thru is typically completed every 1-3 years.

Discussion occurred regarding two tree sites: a Boulevard/power line tree downing that resulted from Hurricane Sandy (just north of St. Peter's church) and a large dead tree limb overhanging the back Post Office parking lot. Both will be discussed again at our next meeting.

Marnie reviewed Arbor Day plans scheduled this year for April 26th at 1:45pm at Wildwood School. Marnie and Janet met with school principal, Beth Azar, on February 11th to update the agenda and talk about the traditional play that is part of the celebration. Janet has offered to write the script this year. ACTION: an invitation to counsel members needs to go out.

Jay's JCP&L letter was tabled until next month's meeting for discussion.

Doug reported that the Borough's Emergency Plan was being reviewed by the Emergency Preparation Task Force and that all commissions would be asked for input.

Consuelo reported that the New Jersey Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act Annual Accomplishment Report had been completed.

Marnie reported on her attendance to a Parsippany Township rezoning meeting that was open to the public re: efforts to build a new shopping center to house retailers Whole Foods and Target. The shopping mall would be built east of Intervale Road just adjacent to Mountain Lakes. Marnie also discussed the Sustainable Jersey website.

The next meeting will be held on March 14, 2013.

Respectfully submitted, Janet Horst