Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Point Pleasant Beach Environmental Shade Tree Commission
February 6th, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Meeting Attendees: Anne Lightburn, Mary Ellin Mallazzo, Dave Smith and Pete Ritchings
Absent: Peter Renner, Dennis Mallazzo Louise Stillufsen and Liaison Caryn Byrnes
Guest Attendance: MJ Gradel
Anne opened the meeting at 7:00 pm. The November and December commission minutes were approved as submitted.
Anne reported that the DOT will evaluate the north traffic islands on Route 35 and potential street tree planting from the Marina to Cedar. The Annual Shade Tree report has been submitted to the state in time for eligibility for grants.
Anne thanked Mary Ellin for a terrific job putting together the commission recommendations for street and yard trees. After discussion a few modifications were approved.
Pete reported the Superintendent Smith approved the Peace Tree Plaque contest for grades 3-5. There was discussion on the plaque and the stone. MJ will send the plaque information to Pete. Tree identification tags in production for Arnold Avenue. Pete will do an article.
A discussion of street tree selection for Chicago Ave. along the Antrim School fields resulted in the committee agreeing to plant only native street trees – Redbud, Hackberry, Serviceberry and Red Maples.
MJ will put the finishing touches on the Memorial Tree program and it will be publicized in the next town news letter. MJ brought up the issue of planting trees in along the wooden fence by the JCP&L property on New Jersey Ave. She will contact JCP&L to see if the Shade Tree Commission can plant 4-6 trees. Native Maples were suggested.
After discussion about having a commission WEB site, it was agreed that it was not needed for the commission’s activities. MJ will check with Eileen Farrell to see if she can do QR codes, which might be a useful addition to commission flyers.
Pete brought up the ongoing issue of hazard trees in need of removal or pruning on Arnold Ave. Anne will have Caryn convey the commission’s sentiment to Chris Riehl to budget for the work if the county is going to take too long to get the job done.
MJ mentioned that the Recreation Committee is discussing doing some improvements at Little Silver. Anne will check with Caryn as the commission has a long standing request sent to Chris Riehl to remove dead trees and prune those with dead wood.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm
