May 1, 2023

Point Pleasant Beach Shade Tree Commission

May 1, 2023 Meeting Minutes

 

 

Meeting Attendees: Mary Ellin Mallazzo, Dave Smith, Pete Ritchings

Absent: Anne Lightburn, Louise Stillufsen, Peter Renner, Dennis Mallazzo and Council Liaison Caryn Byrnes

Guest Attendance: MJ Gradel, Bill O’Shea

 

 

Mary Ellin opened the meeting at 7:00 pm. The April commission minutes were approved as submitted.

 

The Arbor Day program at Antrim School included announcement of the 4 finalists for the Peace Tree poem and the one selected for the plaque.  Caryn Byrnes and Louise Stillufsen presented all 4 students with a certificate from the STC.  Pete will contact the school to obtain permission from parents to publish the poems and student names in social media and local newspaper.

 

The Peace Tree plaque will be ordered after delivery of boulder is determined. MJ is working with the plaque and boulder vendors to move this along.  Plaque will take 10-12 weeks, once ordered. Pete suggested we might dedicate the plaque on International Peace Day (Sep 21st).

 

Mary Ellin updated the commission logo, which is now in color.

 

Pete provided an update on the “Herbie” tree, which is planted in an area with difficult soil conditions.  The “Salem Oak” sign is ready to be placed near its tree.

 

Pete has the “Tree City” flag and will ask Christine Riehl for permission to fly, and then Caryn Byrnes can mention during a council meeting.

 

The rain barrel is arriving on 5/2/23 and will be placed near the holiday tree on Bay Ave.

 

Discussion took place regarding Manasquan STC’s website, where residents may order trees directly.  It was determined that PPB STC was not planning its own website at this time.

 

Two requests have been made for Commemorative Trees. MJ will follow up with Chris Riehl to finalize approval of program, including all media promotion.

 

The hazardous trees on Arnold Ave are still a concern and taking over these trees from the county remains to be an issue. We discussed the possibility of featuring these locations as part of the Commemorative Tree program with an increased cost to remove the old tree. MJ to discuss with Anne.

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm