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The
New Castle City’s Tree Commission Meeting took place on
November 3, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town
Hall.
Members
Present: Susan Keyser, Co-Chairman
Lillian Shue
Erv
Thatcher
Mark Miller
Members
Absent: Chip Patterson, Chairman
Fran Peden
The
meeting was called to order by Ms. Keyser at 5:35 p.m.
Hawthorne
Tree – At our last
tree planting two years ago, a winter king Hawthorne tree without
thorns was requested for Mr. Chamberlain’s property at 120 East
Second Street. A mistake was made and the Hawthorne that was planted
does have thorns that are a nuisance. Mr. Chamberlain is now
requesting another tree of the same variety on his property at 122
East Second Street. Ms. Keyser has informed Mr. Chamberlain
that the Tree Commission does not wish to plant a tree with thorns.
Mr. Chamberlain has spoken to Russ Carlson who informed him that this
variety of Hawthorne is relatively harmless and likely will not cause
any problems.
Mr.
Chamberlain is interested in this type of tree because it prospers,
is harmless, and they feel it would be more attractive to have the
same type of tree next to the existing tree. Pruning of the existing
tree is needed and he would be open to having it pruned. They would
like a tree that has flowers in the spring and berries in the winter.
Ms.
Keyser informed that she has not discussed this with Russ Carlson and
feels that he would support the Tree Commission’s decision.
She stressed that the thorns cause problems and that it does need
pruning. She is also concerned that it causes a safety issue because
the branches are low enough to cause injury. It is not a good street
tree.
Mr.
Chamberlain is not interested in removing the current Hawthorne tree
and replanting two other trees of the same variety. He disputes Ms.
Keyser’s description of the height of the tree’s
branches.
Ms.
Keyser said that the Tree Commission would be willing to accommodate
another tree with berries, but not a Hawthorne. She encourages Tree
Commission members to look at the tree.
Mr.
Chamberlain does not want a tree without knowing what kind of tree it
would be. Mr. Carlson may have a suggestion on the type of tree that
Mr. Chamberlain could consider.
Ms.
Keyser is trying to finalize the next planting and we are cutting
back on the number of trees we are planting due to budgetary reasons.
We would not be able to render a decision without having a price for
the tree that might be considered. She will speak with Mr. Carlson
as well in an effort to acquire a suitable tree.
Tree
Ordinance – Ms.
Keyser reported that Mr. Patterson would like the Tree Commission to
talk about this subject. He wants to get a Tree Ordinance submitted
to City Council as soon as possible. Discussion about the forester
position that is included in the former draft ordinance took place.
Mr. Miller suggested that the forester should serve at the discretion
of the Tree Commission. Ms. Keyser brought up the term for a
forester and that if the person does not work out or the position is
not filled, that the position’s powers revert to the Tree
Commission. (Discussion
followed.) Technical
definitions throughout the current ordinance should be addressed.
Other topics discussed included Heritage trees, nuisance trees, Tree
Commission term limits, and the process used by residents if they
disagree with the Tree Commission.
Ms.
Keyser said that she and Mr. Patterson would review the ordinance and
bring it back to our next meeting in December. Concern was expressed
about the timeframe. A preliminary draft will be sent to Commission
members in one week. Everyone should review the draft and questions
can be addressed at that time. Another meeting can be called before
our December meeting, if needed, to address this subject.
COMMISSION
MEMBERS
Lillian
Shue – There is a cherry tree at 15 West Fourth Street that
needs to be removed. (Removal
may not take place until Spring 2009.)
ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Debbie
Turner
Stenographer
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