The New Castle City’s Tree Commission Meeting took place on December 3, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall.
Members Present: Chip Patterson, Chairman
Susan Keyser, Co-Chairman
Fran Peden
Erv Thatcher
Mark Miller
Chandler Gebhart
Lillian Shue
Member Absent: Matt White
Council Liaison: Jan Churchill
The meeting was called to order at 5:40 p.m. by Mr. Patterson.
Approval of Minutes – Two changes in text were requested by Commission members. A motion was made to approve the minutes of the 10/1/07 meeting as amended. The motion was seconded and approved.
Mr. Patterson reported that he hoped to have Henry Poole, Urban Forestry Coordinator, in attendance tonight. He did attend a recent meeting of the League of Local Governments. Ms. Churchill attended that meeting and brought us information from that meeting. Ms. Keyser suggested providing this information to Public Works Director Matt Christopher.
Tree U.S.A. Designation – He informed Cathie Thomas that he felt we need the support of a strong tree ordinance before getting this designation. He will be attempting to pull together the various documents and get one ordinance prepared for review.
(Mr. Patterson gave a brief history of this Commission’s relationship with past Urban Forestry Coordinators. Mr. Miller commented that past coordinators felt that there was great potential for urban forestry in the City of New Castle.)
Ms. Thomas approached Mr. Patterson about getting a grant this year to complete the planting in Dobbinsville. This is something the Tree Commission would like to do. Ms. Thomas was to take this before Council; it is unknown what the status is to date.
REPORT OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Erv Thatcher – Stumps have been removed in Buttonwood and a cherry tree has been taken down at the Trolley Barn. He has not taken the trees out in Shawtown but will do that soon.
Fran Peden – The trees in the median of Route 9 at Boothurst need limbing up on the bottom. Mr. Thatcher does have this job on his list.
Susan Keyser – Spoke to Brian Jamison at Brandywine Nurseries about our planting. He has all the trees. We need to mark the trees and he will put them in. She asked Mr. Jamison to forward all paperwork to Mr. Patterson before we begin. She will pick up a can of paint from Mr. Patterson and begin the marking process. She asked
New Castle City Tree Commission Meeting
December 7, 2007
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Mr. Thatcher to instruct Mr. Jamison where the memorial tree will be located. Twenty-four hours notice will be needed. She reported that someone wanted a larger tree. She has received a quote from Brandywine and the person will make payment for the larger tree. (Mr. Patterson has received the payment.)
Lillian Shue – Nothing to report.
Mark Miller – Asked if anyone had looked at the sidewalk at the rectory building. Ms. Keyser felt that the biggest issue was the tree closest to the corner. (Discussion followed.) Mr. Miller informed the residents they cannot cut the roots. Mr. Patterson suggested the residents have their contractor contact this Commission to discuss options. Mr. Miller will make contact with the residents.
Chandler Gebhart – He reported that he did speak with the Trustees about mechanisms in place that involve the Tree Commission. He informed them to make contact with him about their concerns and he would approach this Commission. The Trustees do not have any concerns at this time. Discussion about the tree on Second Street and types of corrective action followed. Suggestions included installing a bumper next to the curb that forces vehicles to park away from the curb and away from the tree. Concern was expressed about possible damage to vehicles resulting from the bumper.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Bull Hill Trees – After our last meeting Mr. Patterson reported the problem with these trees to Cathie Thomas. She was concerned about destruction of city property. Mr. Patterson has placed an article in the local newspaper to bring attention to the problem. The value of the destroyed trees is $600. He suggested to the police department that they talk to residents and possibly install surveillance equipment. Substitute trees will be planted. Public awareness to City property is key. He is also considering the Town Crier or notices in upcoming utility bills. (Discussion followed.)
Tree on Second Street @ Presbyterian Church – Mr. Patterson has notified Ms. Thomas about complaints from people incurring damage to vehicles from a knot protruding from the tree. This is a City issue; the Tree Commission has no authority. (Suggestions included installing signage and/or a bumper.) It was suggested that Mr. Gebhart inform the church that parishioners write a letter to the City requesting assistance with the issue. This is a healthy tree and cutting it will ultimately kill the tree.
Bob Rizzardi will be meeting with Mr. Patterson soon to go over the list of things that are to be done.
Mr. Patterson received a call from the proprietor of Bridgewater. A branch fell from a sycamore tree across from her business and struck an employee’s vehicle. She asked about restitution from the City. Mr. Patterson informed this is an ‘act of God’ and likely would not be the City’s responsibility. Ms. Keyser suggested having Mr. Rizzardi take a look at the subject tree as well as other sycamore trees on Second Street because of the high wind conditions we are currently experiencing. (Discussion followed.)
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December 3, 2007
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Mr. Patterson informed the City has a new employee with a tree service background. He hopes to make this employee the lead person for trees for Municipal Services.
Mr. Miller feels the Trustees should work closely with this Commission and Urban Forestry personnel. He suggested the Trustees lead the greening of the City. Ms. Keyser offered that trees along the river path are more welcome than trees around residential areas along the river.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Turner
Stenographer
