The New Castle City’s Tree Commission Meeting took place on October 2, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall.
Members Present: Chip Patterson, Chairman
Erv Thatcher
Susan Keyser
Lillian Shue
Frank Peden
Member Absent: Matt White
Chandler Gebhart
Mark Miller
The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by Chairman Patterson.
REPORT OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Erv Thatcher – Received a call from 729 Clymer Street reporting wires/cables running through trees. He has looked at the property and determined it is utility pruning. The elm tree at Third and Chestnut needs to be removed; several pieces have come off over time. He requested an evaluation. The Tree Commission planted this tree. The oak tree at Fifth Street next to the library also needs an evaluation. A couple of branches are touching the library roof.
Susan Keyser – We planted five trees by request along Second Street. Two of these trees have been removed by two homeowners. These trees represent a cost of $600. In both cases flowering cherry trees have been planted; one has since died. The Chair has requested a meeting through Ms. Thomas with code enforcement officers to discuss permits versus what is being done. He cited an example in Van Dyke Village. Ms. Keyser’s understanding is that HAC has control over the look of the streetscape in the historic district. She said about a year ago there were people on Second Street pruning streets in the park. They were stopped after doing five of seven-eight trees so there was a difference in the look of some trees. She has now noticed all the trees have been pruned and are the same, meaning that an unknown party returned to prune after being told to stop the pruning.
The Chair reported that Ms. Keyser contacted him about the safety of a tree on Route 273 after the July meeting. He felt it was out of our jurisdiction and only if we felt it could hurt the public would we be obligated to do something about it. Mr. John Lloyd looked at the tree and does not feel it is a safety hazard. Mr. Lloyd did contact the homeowner by letter that a complaint was received and that they should have the tree inspected.
The Tree Commission wants the opportunity to talk to homeowners before work is done on sidewalks. We have removed trees where there was no other option, but there are alternative solutions. The Chair has asked Ms. Thomas for a status on the tree ordinance. (Brief discussion took place about the new city planner and the tree ordinance.)
The Chair reported that Chris Whitten informed him that he is anticipating receiving $20,000 from the estate of Ross Whitten (South Street). He is willing to donate the money to a project to be done in Ross’ name within the city. A beautification project was mentioned and the Chair will discuss with Mr. Whitten.
New Castle City Tree Commission Meeting
October 2, 2006
Page 2
Lillian Shue – Reported that Nancy Ferguson complained about a gingko tree that is leaning towards her house and would like it staked. Ms. Keyser suggested straightening it or possibly removing the tree. The cherry tree in front of Ms. Shue’s home is declining and she would like it replaced. (Brief discussion followed about a replacement tree.) The Gillespies at 24 West Fourth Street have requested a cherry tree. Bob Sigman would like his tree trimmed again; the limbs are low.
Fran Peden – He asked if there is going to be a fall planting. Ms. Keyer said there is time and a list can be compiled this week. He will check with two residents on Baldt Avenue to see what type of trees they want planted. (A discussion followed about a tree that is growing outside a fence, misshaped and hanging over wires. Branches are falling on vehicles. It is in between a house and a radiator shop. It may be in the public right-of-way.)
The Chair added that a resident on Gray Street near Tenth Street is asking for a tree. There may be more people on Gray Street with requests. He will place an article in the newspaper asking anyone wishing a tree be planted to contact us.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
ESRI Software – The city will use the $5,000 tree grant and $8,000 from Municipal Services to purchase the software, which will be used to do the tree mapping and city mapping systems. We can also use the tree inventory database we have received. He will get training on the software and welcomed commission members to participate in same.
Delmarva Utility Trimming – The Chair reported that he is not satisfied with the pruning that Delmarva did along Sixth Street and the level of pruning they did for Utilities. He feels we need to speak with their arborist and set standards for what is reasonable and unreasonable.
OLD BUSINESS
Ash Trees – Ms. Keyser reviewed the letter we received from Russ Carlson concerning rust disease. She said if we have to spray it is a problem; we may be able to spray larger trees. A smaller tree on Delaware Street has refoliated itself and looks good. Ms. Shue reported another tree that looks healthier.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Turner
Stenographer
