Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission Meeting Minutes 20200211

Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission Meeting Minutes February 11, 2020

Opening
The regular meeting of the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission was called to order at 7:35PM on February 11, 2020 by Andrew Lowry.

Present
Andrew Lowry, Manish Shrimali, Melody Corcoran, Ian Keller, Carolyn Jacoby, Declan Madden, Susan Nashel, Steve McCabe

Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes for January 14, 2020 was made by Andrew Lowry, seconded by Carolyn Jacoby, and approved by all present.

Tree Inventory
On February 19, 2020 the funds needed to accomplish the tree inventory will be finalized by the village council and become available for use.
On February 11, 2020 Andrew Lowry attended the final grant meeting with NJUCF. It was reported to NJUCF what the grant was requested for; the contract for the tree inventory was shown; and all needed signatures were obtained. The village meets all criteria to minimize liability for damage caused by trees – Tree City status, Arbor Day proclamation, and a Shade Tree Commission.
On February 19, 2020 a pre-project meeting will be held with representatives of Civil Solutions and Davey Resource Group to go over specifics of the tree inventory. Steve McCabe, Declan Madden, Nancy Bigos, Matthew Andreula and members of the Shade Tree Commission will be in attendance.

CFMP Annual Accomplishment Report
The annual CFMP report needs the mayor’s signature. Steve McCabe will supply the final numbers needed and obtain the needed signature and village seal. The report will be emailed and a hard copy sent to Michael Martini, NJ DEP.

Arbor Day, Tree City and Earth Day
Susan Nashel has ordered small giveaway items, such as pencils and stickers, from the Arbor Day Foundation. The “eco-warrior” Girl Scouts from the middle schools will be at Earth Day. Colin Milde will again be at Earth Day and will have a tree or two to give away as prizes. There will be two hundred saplings to give away to residents. Bartlett Tree has provided brochures to give away. Correct mulching of trees and shrubs will again be demonstrated.
The Tree City renewal application needs the mayor’s signature.

2018 Plantings

Gator bags, guide straps and stakes need to be removed and pruning done on the trees planted in 2018. Declan Madden needs to be given time to perform these tasks.

Central Business District
Mayor Hache wants to see a plan for the CBD trees. A demonstration project needs to be done to get an idea of the cost and time needed to improve the trees in the CBD.

League of Women Voters
The LWV subcommittee on the environment will send a letter to the village council supporting the capital budget line item for municipal shade trees.

Public Presentation
A proposed topic for a public presentation this fall is “Do your trees pose a risk?”

Somerville School Tree Planting
Each of the three kindergarten classes at Somerville School with be planting trees on the school grounds. Joann Hanrahan has requested that Declan Madden be present at the plantings to ensure that the trees are planted properly and he has agreed.

No-net-loss Policy
A “no-net-loss” policy for trees – a tree planted for every tree removed - needs a resolution from the village council.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:40PM by: Andrew Lowry.
Minutes submitted by: Melody Corcoran

Volunteer Hours: 6