Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Point Pleasant Beach Shade Tree Commission
August 1, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Meeting Attendees: Anne Lightburn, Mary Ellin Mallazzo, Pete Ritchings, Louise Stillufsen and Caryn Byrnes, liaison
Absent: Dennis Mallazzo, Peter Renner, and Dave Smith
Guest Attendance: Clem Bremer, MJ Gradel and Bill O’Shea
Anne opened the meeting at 7:00 pm. The July meeting minutes were approved as submitted. Anne thanked Louse and Mary Ellin for evaluating trees at Little Silver for both removal and replacement or needed maintenance pruning.
Caryn Byrnes circulated the new committee guidelines for signature. There was a discussion on the September meeting not being held at borough hall but publicized in the Ocean Star as an open meeting. Caryn will check is this still permitted.
There was discussion to create a short do not plant list with alternate recommendations for the most commonly used invasive and non-natives plants. It was agreed to include an addendum of the complete list of invasive and non-native plants. Mary Ellin agreed to draft the short list.
Anne will circulate a signup sheet for the shared Environmental Commission Seafood Festival table.
Candidates for the “Nominate Your Block” program were discussed and the committee agreed to sending letters to the 200 and 300 blocks of New York Avenue and East Street. Mary Ellin volunteered to be the contact person. Louise will continue as the contact for the Big Beautiful Tree program. Anne will contact Fernbrook for their fall offerings.
There was a discussion on the proposal for planting shade trees along the Antrim Yale property line behind the football bleaches. The commission liked the idea and Mary Ellin will discuss with Dr. Smith, school superintendent. He has already agreed to street trees along the Chicago Avenue. Due to street lawn planting width, Bill recommended 1-1.5 inch caliper trees.
A Peace Tree plaque was approved and Pete Ritchings will draft wording for the next meeting.
There was a discussion as to whether the unkempt yard or some process covers street trees. Caryn Byrnes will clarify with Chris Riehl. The commission wants to recommend the borough having the ability to address any hazardous trees with billing the property owners for removal and replacement expenses. Anne will draft language if needed.
There was a lengthily discussion on the detailed proposal for a commemorative tree program presented by MJ Gradel. The commission decided to offer the program for trees on borough property only at a proposed cost of $1,000, which included a brass plaque. Anne complemented MJ on the thoroughness and professionalism of the proposal. MJ will remove the private property section and limit the plaque choices to one vendor.
Caryn reported that it was approved for the commission to draft language for an ordinance to require one street tree for new construction. Anne will draft for consideration.
Pete reported that “Herbie” the Yarmouth Elm heritage tree in his yard will need to be transplanted this fall. It was suggested that Lake of the Lillies would be the best spot for it. Anne suggested some inexpensive decorative fencing to protect it.
Caryn reported that Chris Riehl approved the notion of a Native Tree Proclamation by the borough. Anne will ask Clem to provide a recommendation.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm
