Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Pleasant Beach Shade Tree Commission
August 3, 2020 – Minutes
Present: Anne Lightburn, Louise Stillufsen, Peter Ritchings, Don Rodgers and Council liaison Caryn Byrnes
Absent: Peter Renner, Elaine Hennessy, and Dave Smith
Guests: Clem Bremmer
Anne Lightburn called the ZOOM meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The July meeting minutes as submitted. Anne reported that an advance stop sign will be installed on Central Ave. to eliminate the need to remove the tree obstructing a clear view of the corner stop sign. The State DOT will be awarding trees for 35S Spring of 2021. And the county has received the proposal for grant trees on Broadway.
Louise reported that Tree City USA materials are in Trenton for pick-up. The sign location has not been finalized.
The commission discussed at length reasons for the failure of the Tree Protection Ordinance on first reading. Caryn Byrnes will check with the borough attorney what steps are available to reintroduce at some later date.
The commission decided to plant additional trees on Broadway including any grant trees from the county. Don has put together a spreadsheet of available sites and Anne will get an address list for mailing property owners notifying them of the potential for the planting of a new street tree, with the option to opt out. It was also suggested to plant a few trees on Boston immediately going south from Broadway.
Pete Ritchings will submit an educational article to the Ocean Star. He also recommended conducting a pruning workshop for residents and DPW, if they are available. Pete will research potential speakers and timing.
The commission discussed the proposed sprinkler head irrigation systems at Little Silver, the Ocean Ave. comfort station and the Inlet. Based on feedback from the County Forester, Rich Reenstra and Lisa Simms, Shade Tree Federation, the commission agreed that sprinklers were inadequate for watering the trees at Little Silvers and recommended that watering using gator bags is continued through this summer and next. The commission recommended that the borough install a larger tank, pending weight limits, on the pick-up truck. This will make watering far more efficient for this year’s projects and future projects. Caryn will bring this issue up at the next council meeting.
The commission discussed the need to protect trees from bicycles and Louise volunteered to order and install tree guards by Amendment 21 and Bank of America.
Anne reported that all Fisher Family Fund applicants have been notified regarding the awarding of trees. Twelve trees will be awarded. Those not receiving trees where asked if they want to remain on the applicant list for the spring.
Meeting adjourned 8:15 pm
