The New Castle City’s Tree Commission Meeting took place on November 6, 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
Fran Peden
Chandler Gebhart
Mark Miller
Member Absent: Matt White
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Patterson.
Approval of Minutes – Mr. Miller noted a minor correction on page one. Changes in spelling of names were also noted on page one. Mr. Thatcher made a motion to approve the minutes with corrections noted; Mr. Miller seconded the motion which was approved by unanimous vote.
REPORT OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Erv Thatcher – Received request from Frank White’s sister who resides at 23 East 5th Street concerning removal of a healthy tree where the sidewalk is buckling. (Discussion followed.) The Chair suggested looking at the tree and sidewalk before the next meeting. The sidewalk has been fixed numerous times and the homeowner is concerned with safety. He provided a briefing of storm damage from 11/4/06. (Discussion followed.) The Chair informed of a street tree on Juniper Street that incurred storm damage. Bob Rizzardi removed the tree and stump and revealed the tree’s roots had been cut during work on the sidewalk which contributed to the tree’s instability. (Discussion followed that included building permit for the work and possible reimbursement for removal expenses.)
Lillian Shue – One of her cherry trees is growing into the healthy cherry tree. She would like the weak tree to be removed. Follow up on possible monies to be received from Ross Abson’s estate took place. The Chair reported that projects have been discussed with Kristen Almquist of the Beautification Committee for these funds. One of these projects included plantings around the senior center.
Mr. Chandler added that the senior center can use the funds.
Susan Keyser – She is working on the tree planting list. Sally Monigle is not pleased with her tree. Ms. Keyser feels it is healthy and needs more training. (Discussion followed about the quality of trees received from Moon Nurseries.) Mr. Thatcher advised that he is planning on removing a cherry tree (at the entrance of New Castle) that is almost dead and would like a replacement tree be placed on the spring planting list.
Fran Peden – Jay Thawley (201 11th Street) is requesting four dogwoods and will mark the area where he wants them put in. It was decided that pink dogwoods will be planted. Paul Freebery is requesting a shrub which Mr. Peden informed the Tree Commission does not deal with.
New Castle City Tree Commission Meeting
November 6, 2006
Page 2
Chandler Gebhart – The Chair expressed concern about payment of quarterly payments in light of Anita Banks’ recent passing. The Tree Commission would also like to get a forester if we get a tree ordinance in place. (Discussion about the forester position and qualifications followed.) The Trustees had originally allotted $5,000 to us for the forester position but took that money back when a tree ordinance was not enacted. Mr. Gebhart will take these concerns to the Trustees.
Mark Miller – His neighbors at 26 West 4th Street have an alcove that needs to be cut back; it is growing into their building. He suggested that the Trustees and the City keep conservancy and the environment in mind when tree planting. (Mr. Miller left the meeting at 6:20 p.m.)
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The Chair referred to a letter from Tim Scully that all members have received. A property at the intersection of 4th and Harmony Streets (Mr. Tidwell) is slated to be subdivided. There are two large holly trees on the property that Mr. Scully is inquiring whether the Tree Commission would be interested in relocating. After discussion it was determined that the Tree Commission is not interested considering the species of the trees and the expense involved with moving the trees. The Chair will send a letter to Mr. Scully informing of our decision.
The Chair provided an update of responses from our newspaper ad about tree planting.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Gebhart suggested the Tree Commission consider planting a memorial tree for Anita Banks. Everyone was in agreement and discussion about type of tree followed. A motion was made and approved to plant an elm tree. Mr. Gebhart will contact her daughter.
Mr. Thatcher informed that three-four pipes have been installed in Buttonwood around old, unhealthy swamp maples. Ms. Keyser suggested removing the swamp maples and planting new trees along the perimeter of the work. It was agreed that any new tree planting should wait until spring. (Discussion about removal costs followed.)
OLD BUSINESS
Drafting Committee for Ordinance – The Chair informed that we need to move forward to review all three ordinances and develop a compromise ordinance.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Turner
Stenographer
