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Tree Commission Meeting Minutes

The New Castle City’s Tree Commission Meeting took place on September 13, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall. Members Present: Chip Patterson, Chairperson Susan Keyser Fran Peden Mark Miller Matt White Chairman Chip Patterson called the meeting to order. Report of Commission Members Ms. Keyser reported that there are several young trees (5 years or less) in need of pruning. Unsure of budget situation for this project. Mr. Patterson indicated Commission should be receiving two more $5,000 payments from the Trustees, one in the third quarter and one in the fourth quarter. The third quarter runs from 10/31/04 to 12/31/04 while the fourth quarter is from 1/31/04 to 3/31/04. He felt we are always spending money on maintenance such as pruning and cutting down. Ms. Keyser suggested prioritizing then budgeting on an annual basis. Mr. White prefers deferring fall planting to doing maintenance if it comes down to budgetary considerations. Mr. Miller would rather see the planting project go forward with the second priority being this type of work. Mr. White asked if there was a running list of new trees being planted. Mr. Patterson said he has a list of people who have asked for trees and would provide that list to Mr. White. Ms. Keyser would like Commission to consider the replacement of trees that have died, especially in Battery Park. According to Mr. Patterson, this is addressed in the Jim Weldin email that he distributed to everyone. The trees will be replaced by Forever Green. Ms. Keyser volunteered to visit residents of Gray Street to see what they want on their street and report back to Commission. At Gray Street at least 50% of the pine trees are dead. Mr. Patterson said by his measurements and it appears the new sidewalk on West 9th Street will come up to the pine trees at the corner of West 9th Street and Gray Street. That means the roots will be affected and (4 or 5) trees will have to be cleared. At the Washington Street end of 9th Street there are some pin oaks and others that Jim Weldin said Brian Hall will harvest. The new West 9th Street is a 50’ right of way with an additional 10’ for utilities. There are post lights planned on both sides of the street. County sewer is being installed now. Because of the post lights trees cannot be planted between the sidewalk and curb. There is room on the backside of the sidewalks for trees. The size of the trees originally scheduled to be planted are a large variety. Ms. Keyser inquired who will pay for removal on these street trees, is it part of the street widening project? Mr. Patterson said it is. Resident Sally Monigle called about an ash tree on Harmony Street that is defoliating. The Commission needs to look at the tree for bores. Mr. White said there has been long horn beetle bore damage on a number of ash trees. Mark Miller reported that he was informed of another tree being damaged in the park. It’s a small crab apple tree. Mr. White commented about the hawthorns at St. Peters and the dead cherry trees at that same location. Both the hawthorns and cherry trees need to be removed. Trees in the Park – They will be replaced in the Spring. Spraying of Street Trees – Mr. Patterson asked the city to spray street trees that are infected with tent caterpillars. The Tree Commission chooses to use an organic treatment as opposed to an insecticidal treatment. Mr. Patterson does not known if the city did the work. Mr. Peden reported a tall poplar on Delaware Street is declining. Ms. Keyser suggesting removing the horse chestnut in that area as well and get rid of some of the smaller dead trees. Mr. White will look into this. He said if they don’t have buds on them for next Spring, they are dead. Mr. Patterson expressed his concern there is little communication between two departments dealing with city trees. We have Jim Weldin asking Brian Hall for grants, but not working in conjunction with the Tree Commission and not attending Tree Commission meetings. The Public Service Director in a revised draft of a new Green Ordinance works for the Tree Commission and has to attend meetings. Mr. Patterson said he tried to take Mr. Weldin’s ordinance and create what the Commission wants by making the Public Service Director the day-to-day enforcer. All the regulations are done in conjunction with the Director and the Director works with the Commission and under the Commission to get grants. Mr. Patterson described a grant Mr. Weldin got similar to the cities of Newark, Dover and perhaps Middletown which inventories trees. Mr. Patterson said he believe they photographed every tree. The grant Mr. Weldin got from Brian Hall provides the software to create a tree inventory. Mr. Patterson believes the inventory may be finished either this month or early next month. Gebhart Funeral Home – The sycamore on the side of the funeral home has an opening on it’s trunk much like canker. If it is canker we should give serious consideration into removing the tree before it spreads along 6th Street. Mr. White will call the Delaware Extension Office and send them a digital photo of the opening for their opinion. 18 West 4th Street -- Mr. White said he was asked to look at a cherry tree in front of a home on 18 West 4th Street. One tree looks healthy while the other does not look as good. We will monitor this situation. 10th and Clayton Streets – The tree looks healthy. There is a way to fix the sidewalk without damaging the tree. There is no reason to remove the tree. The sycamore at the entrance to the DeAscanis shop on Clayton Street has been drilled around the root system of the tree. Mr. Patterson went to the police department to complete a report. Mr. Carlson is to provide provided a value for the damaged tree. The police department needs this figure in writing before conducting a full investigation. Octavio Trees – The Octavio’s have called a number of times according to Mr. Patterson. The trees are declining. He suggested members look at them and make a decision at the next meeting. Miller Tree – Arborist Russ Carlson has recommended removal of the tree on the Miller property. After a brief discussion, Ms. Keyser made a motion to adopt Mr. Carlson’s recommendation. The motion was seconded and passed with Mark Miller abstaining from the vote. Fall Tree Planting – Mr. Patterson said it was previously discussed the Commission purchasing the trees and hiring someone to plant them. Resident Nancy Ferguson contacted Ms. Keyser about the tree on her property not doing well. What are our thoughts on cages? Mr. White said he is not concerned about the cage being too tight, rather, if string and burlap is still tight it would create a weak support where the strength is. We want to make sure the trees are kept up to American Industrial Standards. There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m.