Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Shade Tree Commission Minutes
Present: Anne Lightburn, Peter Ritchings and Peter Renner
Absent: Elaine Hennessy and Councilman Vogel
Guests: Clem Bremer and Dean Esposito
Anne Lightburn called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Minutes from October 2017 approved as submitted
Guest Dean Esposito discussed the need to remove a street tree at 401 Washington due to a curb cut for the construction of a new home. He indicated that he has just filed an application for a removal permit. There was discussion on the permitting process and timing. Despite not having received official notification from Code Enforcement of the permit application, the commission decided to look at the tree in advance for Mr. Esposito.
The commission discussed the January tree removals by the county on Broadway and St. Louis. Chris Riehl checked with the county and they will not be replacing trees any of the 15 trees removed. The commission is most concerned about Broadway as it is one of the main thoroughfares and its appearance creates an impression about our town. Peter Renner will draft a replacement plan for Broadway for governing body consideration and funding. Clem volunteered to contact Rich Renstra, County Forester, to get clarification and urge county action to replant.
Peter Renner will also draft a proposal for a second barren street tree planting project for Atlantic Avenue. Anne has a plan before the Beautification Committee for their approval for the River Avenue triangle. They will be funding a memorial tree for Marie Pfister.
Peter Renner discussed applications for tree removals at 219 Harvard and 507 Trenton. Harvard has been approved for the new owner. Peter will discuss 507 Trenton, which has been rejected by the commission, with Elaine Petrillo.
The town has been awarded a grant to update the Community forestry Management Plan and Chris Riehl has requested quotes to move forward. Anne will secure those.
The commission will not participate in the free seedling program as Antrim School does a seedling program on Arbor Day each year.
At the March meeting, Peter Ritchings will provide ordinance samples from other towns for clear cutting trees on knock-down lots and damaging pruning. He will get Elaine Petrillo’s input on the hazard tree letter draft to residents and Planning Board notification regarding applications that involve tree removal.
There was general discussion on using a central email account for official commission communications. Anne will try to resolve.
Meeting adjourned 8:10
