Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Point Pleasant Beach Shade Tree Commission
August 7, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Meeting Attendees: Anne Lightburn, Mary Ellin Mallazzo, Pete Ritchings and Louise Stillufsen
Absent: Dave Smith and Council Liaison Caryn Byrnes
Anne opened the meeting at 7:00 pm. The June meeting minutes were approved as submitted.
Anne thanked longtime commissioner Peter Renner for his years of service. He will however remain as a volunteer. Due to his significant contributions, the commission voted unanimously to plant a tree in his honor.
Anne reported that the Fernbrook tree selection for fall will be coming shortly. Louise has agreed to manage that project.
Pete is looking for the Tree City USA flag for use at the Seafood Festival. Mary Ellin, Louise and Pete will be volunteering for the joint booth with the Environmental Commission.
Louise and Pete will meet, on August 10th, with the NJDOT and the Beautification Committee to discuss revisions to their planting plan for the north traffic islands of Route 35 South and north. The commission discussed potential replacements for the crepe myrtles and drift roses. The commission agreed to recommend replacing the crepe myrtles with Magnolia grandiflora “Little Gem” Also replacing drift roses with winterberry ground cover, and the three rd maples with oaks.
There was a discussion of having an on-line application for the free street tree program that will be replacing the Nominate Your Block program. The program will be called “Street Tree PPB”.
The commission discussed having hats and T-shirts for use when participating at events and on work parties. Anne will check with Chris Riehl if this is an acceptable expense from the commission’s annual budget.
Pete Ritichings brought up the issue of dead and hazards trees on Arnold Ave. and along the Bank of America property and Route 35 South. Anne reported that the borough has been notified of these trees in 2021 and the issue is in Chris Rieh’s hands for getting the county to remove. Anne agreed to send a memo again requesting that this work be done.
There was a brief discussion to include funds for doing tree maintenance in the commission 2024 budget request. This would add about $25,000 to the commission’s budget request.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm
