Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Point Pleasant Beach Shade Tree Commission
September 2023 Meeting Minutes (held on August 31st)
Meeting Attendees: Anne Lightburn, Mary Ellin Mallazzo, Pete Ritchings, Dave Smith, Tracey Lippari and Louise Stillufsen
Absent: Council Liaison Caryn Byrnes
Guest: MJ Gradel
The September meeting was held on August 31 due to the September meeting date falling on Monday 9/4, Labor Day. Anne opened the meeting at 7:00 pm and the August meeting minutes were approved as submitted.
Tracey Lipari was welcomed as a new member. Tracey shared some of her past and current volunteer involvement on the Little League and Senior Committee. She mentioned that her neighbor Cathy Kniffin has applied to the open alternate spot on the commission.
Anne asked for members to contact her if they are interested in attending the Shade Tree Federation Annual conference in October. Mary Ellen volunteered to look at the 2023 NJUCF tree canopy grant to determine if any of the grant topics would pertain to PPB.
Anne thanked Louise for speaking at the Non-resident Taxpayer meeting and meeting with the NJDOT to discuss the STC recommendations for the north traffic island of Route 25. The NJDOT took some of the STC suggestions to replace three crepe myrtles with Little Gem
Magnolias and replace four Honey Locust trees with Oaks.
Two ideas were favorably discussed; a plant swap in the spring and a tree walk to showcase some of the commission’s planting projects. No Action taken at this time. The commission liked the idea of tree fencing in the business district. MJ will let the Joining Forces meeting know.
MJ Gradel has yet to get final approval for the STC Memorial Tree Program. She is also working with the engraving company of the Peace Tree plaque. MJ will be organizing and publicizing the rededication ceremony when the plaque is installed, date TBD.
Louise discussed a theme for the Seafood Festival. She will be digging up two oak trees for a demonstration of proper and damaging mulching at the festival.
Louise and Tracey will be researching vendors for commission t-shirt and hats.
Pete reported on a weed wacker wound on the Salem Oak. He will be adding some protecting fencing around the tree and also Herbie at Little Silver.
Tracey volunteered to write the fall update for the borough newsletter. She also brought up the tree application for a removal permit at 723 McLean. The commission voted unanimously to deny a permit due to the health of the tree. Anne will notify Code Enforcement with a recommendation that the property owner curve the sidewalk when repairing the lifted sidewalk.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm
