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The
New Castle City’s Tree Commission Meeting took place on
December 1, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town
Hall.
Members
Present: Chip Patterson, Chairman
Susan Keyser,
Co-Chairman
Erv Thatcher
Mark Miller
Members
Absent: Lillian Shue
Fran Peden
The
meeting was called to order by Mr. Patterson at 5:45 p.m.
COMMISSION
MEMBERS
Erv
Thatcher – Reported
that a number of trees in town need to be trimmed. Vehicles are
coming into contact with lower limbs. Ms. Keyser inquired about
doing some of this work with Mr. Thatcher when available. The work
needs to be done by the Spring (March 2009). Mr. Patterson cautioned
about providing too much work to Bob Rizzardi because of budgetary
concerns.
Mr.
Thatcher reported on recent flooding at Delaware Street that was
caused by mulch plugging up the drainage. The mulch came from the
flower planting at the Western Gateway.
Mr.
Thatcher raised the issue of cherry trees at 138 East Third Street.
The County did some sewer work in the area and one of the trees is no
longer growing. The ph level may be the problem. Ms. Keyser will
look at the tree.
Susan
Keyser – A resident
of West Fourth Street had two small cherry trees planted on their
property in 2005. One died this past summer for unknown reasons.
The resident suggested not planting another tree and see what occurs.
This is the second planting at this location. The resident has
asked that the dead tree be removed from her property. Mr. Thatcher
will follow up with the homeowner.
There
are 14 trees on the tree planting list. Ms. Keyser does not have
pricing yet and is concerned with the budget.
Baldt
Avenue – Ms. Keyser asked for the status of whether to take
this tree out or not. The tree is on a paper street and is a
volunteer silver maple. A neighbor has requested that it be removed.
It is a small tree and is not considered a threat. We do not have
the resources to remove the tree at this time.
Dobbinsville
– There is a dead tree near the garden in Dobbinsville. It is
at Seventh and Clark Streets. Bob Rizzardi has confirmed that the
tree is dead. Mr. Thatcher will speak to Municipal Services for
assistance in removing the tree.
Hawthorne
Tree – Ms. Keyser suggested a Yoshino cherry tree as a
replacement tree for Mr. Chamberlain. She spoke to Russ Carlson who
said he cannot locate a Hawthorne tree without thorns. The Tree
Commission’s preference is to put in a more traditional street
tree. There is no resolution to date. This tree is not part of the
tree planting list. Mr. Carlson has volunteered to prune Mr.
Chamberlain’s live tree at no charge. He has not done this
work to date.
CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT
Tree
Ordinance – The
problem with this ordinance is with the terminology ‘nuisance
tree.’ Mr. Patterson suggested removing the section dealing
with nuisance trees. Ms. Keyser believes that the fundamental
purpose of the ordinance is to protect trees. This is not clearly
stated in the ordinance. Everyone was in agreement to include this
language. She also wants to address control of the forester and in
the absence of a forester that the Tree Commission has control.
Everyone was in agreement. Mr. Miller suggested simplifying the
language and not make it cumbersome. Ms. Keyser will get the draft
ordinance to Mr. Patterson. (Discussion
followed.)
Catalpa
Tree -- Mr. Patterson
reported that everyone has a report prepared by Russ Carlson
concerning the Catalpa tree at 117 East Second Street. He suggested
the next step would be to contact Bob Rizzardi together with Mr.
Carlson to show him what areas he believes needs cabling and pruning,
then we can get a quote.
The
history behind maintenance of the tree is that many years ago in
order to preserve the tree and non-development of the lot, the Tree
Commission assumed responsibility for maintenance of the tree. The
question about removal was never resolved. Who is responsible? Mr.
Miller confirmed that the issue of removal was never resolved. Cost
is a major concern amongst all Tree Commission members. Mr. Thatcher
questioned liability if a limb should damage personal property.
Mr. Patterson believes the Tree Commission has taken steps
to reduce any issues with the tree and public safety. (Discussion
about funds available at the State level followed.)
Wample
Trees – There were
three Magnolia-type trees planted in front of the home on West Ninth
Street. They are not the type of tree we would plant as a street
tree, but this is the tree the resident wanted. For unknown reasons
all three of the trees died. The cause was attributed to salt. We
had the dead trees removed. The homeowner is now asking for new
trees to be planted. It was stated that salt is a questionable
cause. (Discussion about
location for new trees took place.)
It was agreed that now is not a good time to provide new trees. Ms.
Keyser suggested offering to donate one (1) shade tree of the
homeowner’s choice planted further off the street on private
property. He will own the tree and be in charge of the tree’s
maintenance. (Discussion
about a soil sample followed.)
NEW
BUSINESS
Mr.
Thatcher inquired whether the Trustees plan on appointing a liaison
to the Tree Commission. Mr. Patterson said he had spoken with the
Trustees and they do not plan on appointing anyone at this time.
(Brief discussion followed.)
Budget
– The Tree Commission will receive $5,000 from the Trustees in
January 2009.
ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Debbie
Turner
Stenographer
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