October 4, 2021

Point Pleasant Beach Environmental Shade Tree Commission

Wednesday, October 4, 2021 Meeting Minutes

 

 

Attendance

 

Meeting Attendees: Peter Ritchings, Louise Stillufsen, Mary Ellin Mallazzo, Dave Smith, and Council Liaison Caryn Byrnes.

 

Absent with Reason: Anne Lightburn and Peter Renner

 

Guest Attendance: Clem Bremer and MJ Gradel

 

Regarding the Nominator Your Block Program, Louise Stillufsen reports that a total of eighteen (18) residents to date have agreed to have street trees planted in front of their home.

 

There was a discussion regarding the list of native trees assembled by Clem Bremer.

 

There was a recommendation to the Commission that the list of native trees be reviewed and formally approved by the Commission are presented on the Shade Tree Commission’s website for reference by interested parties.

 

Acting Chair Peter Ritchings indicated that the Shade Tree Commission website should also include information highlighting the benefits of native trees.

 

The Commission decided to undertake further discussion and review of the native tree list at the next November Shade Tree Commission meeting.

 

Peter Renner was not present to advise the Commission of any updates regarding a source of memorial papers.

 

Acting Chair Peter Ritchings indicated that he has not completed the evaluation of the Arnold Avenue street trees but intends to follow through and complete that in the future.

 

M.J. Gradel advised the Commission that she has received a request for a memorial tree.There was a discussion of potential memorial tree planting sites, including the northwest corner of Lake of the Lilies. The Commission agreed to evaluate potential memorial tree planting locations.

 

There was a discussion regarding a recent Facebook comment on the Shade Tree Commission Facebook page. The resident received a Hazard Tree Letter and being advised of the requirement to remove the hazard tree and replace it or to put forth a $350.00 bond.

 

The Commission discussed a possible scenario where a property owner may have difficulty affording the removal of a hazard tree the replacement of a hazard tree and putting forth a required bond.

 

Mary Ellin Mallazzo indicated that the Facebook commenter was able to work something out with the Code Enforcement Office where the bond payment would be spread out over a period of time.

 

Louise Stillufsen indicated that there were six (6) or seven (7) applications for Big, Beautiful Trees with three (3) checks received.

 

There was a discussion regarding the Stop & Shop tree replacement, and the Commission agreed to evaluate practical locations on that property for planting two (2) trees.

 

The Commission thanked Mary Ellin and Peter Render for their watering efforts.

 

There was a discussion regarding the upcoming If New Jersey Shade Tree Federation Conference in Cherry Hill.

 

So far three Commission members are attending on Thursday, October 21st.

 

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 p.m.

 

Respectfully,

 

Peter Ritchings