Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Point Pleasant Beach Environmental Shade Tree Commission
Monday November 1, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Meeting Attendees: Anne Lighturn, Pete Ritchings, Louise Stillufsen, Dave Smith and Mary Ellin Mallazzo
Absent with Reason: Peter Renner, Councilwomen Byrnes and Dennis Mallazzo
Guest Attendance: MJ Gradel
The meeting minutes for the October meeting were approved as submitted.
Anne and Louise provided feedback on the Annual Shade Tree Federation Conference in October. Louise liked the format and information on the Spotted Lantern Fly and the need for tees. Dr. Truddici was an excellent speaker on the topic of street trees and their benefits. He also echoed other speakers’ comments on the use of both native and non-native trees to meet the challenges some conditions present.
Dave commented on the swarming presence of the Spotted Lantern Flies at Rutgers.
Anne thanked Mary Ellin, Peter Renner and Bob Lightburn for watering trees after the summer intern left in August. They concentrated on the most recently planted trees only.
Anne reported on Bill Brash’s evaluation of hazard street trees in the downtown business district on Arnold Avenue. The results will be sent to Chris Riehl and Paul Kanitra. The recommendation will be for Chris to contact the county to do the removal/grinding and pruning work as Arnold is a county road.
The commission approved the 2022 $10,000 budget request for Shade Tree Commission work.
There are several grant notices from the Shade Tree Federation and Peter Ritchings volunteered to look at them for possible application by PPB.
The issue of whether to plant trees at the Shop n Shop planting strip was discussed with no resolution. It will be discussed at the December meeting.
Louise reported that there was only three applications for the fall Big Beautiful Tree program. While the “Nominate Your Block” program for free street trees had a trememdous response. The commission approved St. Louis, New Jersey, Boston and Chicago Avenues. Notices will be sent to residents for them to accept a street tree.
MJ Gradel volunteered to work on developing a Memorial Tree Program. Pete Ritchings volunteered to do an educational article for the Ocean Star on “Leave the Leaves.” Louise will looking into environmental disposal of Christmas trees.
Anne will contact the Manasquan Shade Tree Commission to see if there is interest in holding a joint meeting.
Anne asked the commission to think about Arbor Day and inexpensive container tree opportunities. Anne that she will hold the December meeting at her home.
Meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm.
