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The
New Castle City’s Tree Commission Meeting took place on October
6, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall.
Members
Present: Chip Patterson, Chairman
Susan Keyser
Erv
Thatcher
Mark Miller
Members
Absent: Fran Peden
Lillian Shue
The
meeting was called to order by the Chair at 5:25 p.m.
Tree
Ordinance – David
Bird of the Planning Commission reported that the Planning Commission
is in the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan and inquired
about the status of the Tree Ordinance. Mr. Patterson noted that the
topic is on the agenda for this meeting. Ms. Cathie Thomas had
contacted him regarding a state grant that was approved for the
streetscape and $5,000 was to go towards an ordinance upgrade. She
was hoping to be able to recoup money that the City had spent on the
last version (KCI & Planner Jackie Seneschal) of the ordinance
that was produced. That version was to be a compromise between
former City Administrator Jim Weldin’s product and the
ordinance that the Tree Commission developed. Council looked at Ms.
Seneschal’s version but did not act on it. Council would like
the Tree Commission to consider Ms. Seneschal’s version and
make modifications to present to Council for their review and
approval. Mr. Bird explained that issues (sidewalks, surface
materials, parking area beautification, landscaping) that will be
dealt with in the Tree Ordinance are also issues with the
Comprehensive Plan and suggested that both bodies work together for
the common good. (Mr.
Patterson provided Mr. Bird with a copy of the draft Tree Ordinance
that will be addressed tonight.)
Mr.
Patterson does not see much that needs to be changed in the draft
ordinance. He cited nuisance trees and location/planting of tree
recommendations, rules and regulations and utilities as some of the
areas the Tree Commission needs to revisit.
Discussion
followed about the Forester position that this Commission was seeking
relative to this ordinance. The City has a Code Enforcement Officer
and perhaps this person could devote some time to helping to enforce
a tree ordinance once it is adopted.
Mr.
Miller suggested tabling this issue until our next meeting. Members
should read the ordinance and be prepared to discuss at our next
meeting.
Fall
Planting -- Mr. Bird
inquired about the status of the Fall planting. Ms. Keyser said she
has experienced difficulty getting a reliable nursery to do the work.
She has more businesses she will contact soon in hopes of finding a
suitable planter. Mr. Bird requested that a Chinese elm and a red
maple for his property be added to the list.
Ms.
Keyser reported that the current planting list includes new trees in
addition to those trees on the last planting that did not get
planted. The total is approximately 40 trees. We may need to look
at our budget and determine what our path forward will be.
Catalpa
Tree – Mr. Jim Givens
appeared before the Commission to discuss the issues surrounding his
catalpa tree. He is concerned with personal liability and possible
damage to structures. According to Mr. Patterson there could
possibly be a sizable monetary investment involved with this tree.
Mr. & Mrs. Givens are committed to the tree. Russ Carlson looked
at the tree and noted some significant decay and that a large branch
is his greatest concern. (Discussion
followed about Mr. Carlson’s letter and costs involved with a
risk assessment [$1,380] and remedies going forward with this tree.)
Mr. Givens added that the tree has a large hole in it and expressed
concern about bees as well as cracks in the tree. (Additional
discussion followed between Commission members and Mr. Givens.)
Mr.
Miller made a motion to spend $1,380 to gain a better understanding
of where we are with this tree. The rationale is the tree’s
beauty and longevity but comes with full consideration of the
homeowners’ feeling. Ms. Keyser seconded the motion. The
motion was adopted by unanimous vote.
COMMISSION
MEMBERS
Mr.
Miller – One of the
trees that were planted at St. Peter’s has died. Mr. Patterson
said that the Tree Commission arranged to plant the trees but they
paid for them. They are not City trees.
He
mentioned an article in a publication associated with the Sunday
News-Journal about Chinese elm trees constituting an invasive
species. (Discussion
followed.) He suggested
investigating the story before planting on Mr. Bird’s property.
Mr.
Thatcher – In July a
vehicle took out two trees on Sixth Street. He will contact police
to determine the responsible party and look into having those trees
replaced.
He
informed that he has an extensive list of trees that need to be
trimmed and provided details. (Lengthy
discussion followed about a tree on Second Street that produces
berries that is damaging paint on vehicles and City mowing
practices.) Mr.
Patterson will have Bob Rizzardi look at the list.
CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT
Mr.
Patterson reviewed the Tree Commission’s budget versus work and
projects this body would like to do. We have the option of
requesting additional monies from the Trustees.
Update
on Planting behind Bull Hill (Robert Coates) – Grant money was
considered. Councilwoman Jan Churchill could not get a letter from
Council in support of maintaining these trees. Mr. Patterson
suggested putting the trees proposed for that site in our budget.
(Twelve [12] trees at approximately $350.)
Bob
Appleby is concerned about a tree between the Cooch’s and
Appleby’s. If the tree is removed he is concerned that Verizon
might install a telephone pole in its place. The tree is bad in its
top section, but is otherwise healthy and leafing out. The tree
currently supports the telephone wire.
OLD
BUSINESS
Mr.
Patterson reported that Frank DiSabatino (Baldt Avenue) expressed
concern about a tree on City property next to his house that he would
like to have removed. This issue was raised at a previous meeting.
Commission members were requested to look at the tree and come up
with a decision at our next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Debbie
Turner
Stenographer
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