Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Pleasant Beach Shade Tree Commission
January 4, 2021 – Minutes
Present: Anne Lightburn, Louise Stillufsen, Pete Ritchings, Dave Smith, and Don Rodgers
Absent: Peter Renner and Councilwoman Caryn Byrnes
Guest; Clem Bremer
Anne Lightburn called the ZOOM meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The November 2, 2020 meeting minutes were approved as submitted. Anne reported that three trees planted by the state on 35 South need to be moved and asked for other location suggestions on 35S or 35N. The property owner at 610 Trenton posted a bond for a street tree recently removed and their desire for the new tree to be planted elsewhere. The Annual Shade Tree Report is due Feb. 15th.
Pete Ritchings reported on the success of the pruning workshop conducted by Bill Brash. He indicated that the Environmental Commission would like to schedule Bill for other information workshops such as using native plants and tree identification. He will check whether Bill does age appropriate presentations for school groups.
The commission discussed a memorial paver/plaque for Elaine Hennessy and Louise suggested that we also plant a tree as an appropriate memorial. The commission agreed and Pete Ritchings will contact Dan Hennessy to discuss the idea for a potential spring planting.
Louise reported that Caryn Byrnes has been working with DPW on installing the Tree City USA sign on 35 South and that Caryn has the sign for handing it over for installation.
Anne discussed the new concept of having residents nominate their street for street tree planting. So far two streets have been identified. Louise will write an article announcing the program for publication in the Ocean Star.
The commission agreed to apply for a 2021 street tree grant from the Fisher Family Fund due to the success of the 2020 grant. Anne will apply.
Don Rodgers and Dave will handle the spring Big Beautiful Tree Program. Dave will handle the articles for the Ocean Star and Anne will send him copies of last year’s article.
The commission discussed dead trees on borough property and how to identify them for the borough to assess. Anne will contact Paul about putting paint markers on the trees. A list will be created for Councilwomen Brynes to handle with the borough.
There was also a discussion on the separate issue of hazard street trees on private property and liabilities. Anne commented that Code Enforcement has been notified of the two trees at Stop and Shop but has not heard of any action by the borough. She will check with Code Enforcement if a remove and replace letter has been sent.
The commission also discussed additional 2021 goals and kicked around the ideas of trips to arboretums, Deep Cut Gardens, Rutgers and involvement with the Panning Board and Board of Adjustment. Pete Ritchings is now chair of the Planning Board and will be an advocate for trees. Anne will contact the Board of Adjustment to discuss their advocacy for trees in the adjustment process.
Meeting adjourned 8:05 pm
