The New Castle City’s Tree Commission Meeting took place on January 9, 2006 at
5:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall.
Members Present: Chip Patterson, Chairman
Erv Thatcher
Susan Keyser
Lillian Shue
Matt White
Mark Miller
Chandler Gebhart
Member Absent: Fran Peden
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Patterson.
TREE INVENTORY -- The Chair introduced Dave Athey, City Engineer, who addressed questions Commission members have about the tree survey. Ms. Keyser said she has concerns about the accuracy of the survey, its purpose, how to update the data used and the kind of software used and its compatibility. Mr. White’s concern was whether the software can be manipulated because it is obsolete since we have planted trees and removed trees without updating the survey. Mr. Athey informed the survey is a database which is a GIS platform that can be manipulated. The Chair asked who else is using this, how are they using it and how are they using the software? The cities of Newark and Wilmington use it. The Tree Commission has talked about getting a part-time forester to help administer the new ordinance that we hope to get adopted and how might that person use this tool and what skill sets would they need to be able to deal with this survey. Also, do you feel that you completed the assignment that you had (URS) in surveying the trees because there was some question about it.
Mr. Athey confirmed there were questions; they surveyed trees in the public right-of-way only. Mr. White asked if someone with a tree background did the survey. Mr. Athey said the grant they received was to set up the survey and database. They were teamed with Brian Hall, the State Forester. Mr. Thatcher said there were trees that were misnamed. Mr. White asked about the grading system used. Mr. Athey said URS set up the data program, but they would have populated it with height, species and so on. (Mr. White detailed numerous issues he has with the survey and how it was done.) Ms. Keyser asked if there is a way to interface photos into the survey. Mr. Athey thinks the program can do this, but will check and let them know. The Chair asked if URS manages this database for any other municipality and what URS charges for those services. Mr. Athey said they are more in the information-obtaining mode. (The Chair asked about the status of Homeland Security grants filed by Jim Weldin. Brief discussion followed.) Mr. Athey suggested the Chair might want to contact Charlie Emerson, the Director of Parks in Newark, about the software they use that deals solely with managing trees. He can advise what their skill sets are also. Mr. Athey will return to the next meeting in February and provide answers to questions asked tonight. The Chair expressed concern with whether the Tree Commission has the final data; Mr. Athey will bring hard copies of the data to the next meeting.
THE CARE OF TREES – Mr. White introduced Dan and Kevin to discuss their company which is dedicated to the preservation of trees and provide optimal growing conditions for trees. Dan Powell is the district manager for The Care of Trees and Kevin is one of their
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certified arborists. (Mr. Powell then described in detail what The Care of Trees does and provided each Commission member with a folder of information.) Mr. Powell feels that tree pruning is the City’s number one priority right now. (Lengthy discussion about a growth-regulating substance and related materials in the folder took place.) Ms. Keyser said we need to get estimates for defined pieces of work in terms of our budget. We have spent a lot of money on services where we didn’t feel we got a good value or a very good thought process. She added that it is good to know that there are people who have knowledge of some of the techniques that we hear about. Mr. Powell said they want to be a part of the community; we work with you on all phases of decision-making processes. The Care of Trees is constantly being updated with state-of-the art info and we have very credible people working with us.
The Chair asked for resumes/credentials of the people at The Care of Trees. He would like to know who is involved locally. Kevin informed that most of their field employees are certified arborists. Ms. Keyser said the Tree Commission is looking for someone whose work we like and feel the work is properly priced. Mr. Miller feels there is a consensus that we need to do more in the early and middle phases of maintenance. Ms. Keyser added that we need to make sure that trees grow into the proper shape resulting in lower maintenance fees. (A brief discussion took place about whether the ordinance, which has not been adopted to date, addresses Dutch Elm disease.)
NEW BUSINESS
Bob Daly, 41 East 4th Street, requested the removal of a tree in from of the homes at 41 and 43 East 4th Street. The tree was badly pruned over four years ago and drops berries on vehicles and is causing a slipping hazard on the sidewalk. He and his neighbors, Bill and Sandy Shusta, would like to have a replacement tree that the Tree Commission suggests. (A copy of the letter that Mr. Daly and the Shustas presented was distributed to the Tree Commission.) The Chair informed that this matter was discussed at our last meeting and that we now have a written request for removal and a replacement tree. Mr. White made a motion to remove the tree and a substitute replaced; Mr. Miller seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Daly asked about a timeframe for removal; he was advised it would likely be in the next month. The new tree will be planted in the Spring.
REPORT OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Erv Thatcher – Nothing to report.
Lillian Shue – When Sloan was planting the cherry trees around her house she asked him for his opinion as to why the trees died. He said it was too wet, in a heavy clay, and that the burlap never rotted. She was concerned this problem would reoccur. Sloan informed her he would lift the trees up and mulch them to hopefully get the water to run off. Mr. White said that is the best thing they can do. If it is a true drainage problem he could dump sand or a bucket of stone in it.
Matt Brown – Reported another tree cropping; this one at 14th and Baldt. It is a maple tree.
Chandler Gebhart – After listening to The Care of Trees, he feels it is a service that warrants looking into. It is best to have one group doing everything. He feels we should give them an opportunity. It could cost up front, but save us money in the long run. Mr. White feels that it is unlikely we will be able to use them all of the time. He added that if we have a problem
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finding someone to do light tree pruning that doesn’t require climbing that would require he be bonded by the City of New Castle, perhaps that is something he could do or if he needs to have a business license and be bonded to do this work for the Tree Commission. The Chair said the ordinance does require liability insurance. Mr. White said if we use more of our budget now and take care of things like quarterly scouting young trees and a preventive maintenance program hopefully we will save later. We need to look 10-15 years out. If we can’t maintain trees at the level we need to immediately, maybe we shouldn’t be planting so many trees.
Mark Miller – Nothing to report.
Susan Keyser – The ordinance as Jackie Seneschal has drawn up recommends 40 ft. from each intersection be tree free, 15 ft. on both sides of all alleys, 10 ft. on driveways, 10 ft. from every utility pole and 15 ft. from every street light. This is one part of the ordinance that I didn’t change, but we need to discuss. The ordinance is still in the draft stage. Mr. White asked if we don’t conform to some standard by DelDOT, do we put ourselves in a liability situation if someone gets into an accident. This needs to be researched. (Discussion about jurisdiction of city highways and streets took place.)
Chairman’s Report
Tree Ordinance – The Chair informed he still has not received a response from
Gerry Kavanaugh.
Ash Trees -- The Chair has not received a response from Russ Carlson to date. (Copies of the email that was sent to Mr. Carlson were provided to Commissions members.) He will send a follow-up note to Mr. Carlson.
Prune Read House Tree – The Chair reported receiving a phone call from Tom Truman about the tree across the street from this location. It needs to be pruned up because it is hitting people as they walk by. The Tree Commission originally planted that tree. It will be looked at.
902 Gray Street/120 East 2nd Street – The Chair reported he gave Ms. Keyser two requests for trees during the upcoming Spring planting. Ms. Keyser will speak to them.
The Chair reported that at the last Council meeting we were criticized by a resident of Gray Street for the removal of pine trees removed along Gray Street. He delivered a note to every house on the side of Gray Street where the trees were located notifying of the removal of these trees, but the complainant lives across the street.
6th Street Tree Removal Follow Up – Mr. White informed he has tried to make contact with Sue and has not yet spoken with her about the removal of the tree at 30 6th Street that was infested. She did not receive notification that it was being removed.
Clayton Street – Councilman DiMondi has informed that the residents of this street that had the tree removed by DiAscanis now want trees planted in front of their houses. They are requesting small trees.
908 Clayton Street – This tree has been removed. It was a slippery elm. Mr. Robinett (resident) had the sidewalk torn up for us prior to grinding the root. The sidewalk is putting it back in leaving room for a new tree to be planted.
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Bartlett Quote for Ash Treatment – John McMillan’s proposal was provided to each Commission member. Ms. Keyser suggested not taking action at this time and see what The Care of Trees has to offer first. (A brief discussion took place about a chemical used to treat the disease attacking ash trees and the treatment Mr. McMillan suggested needed to be done before bud break. The timeline for treatment is an issue.)
Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Turner
Stenographer
