Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Pleasant Beach Shade Tree Commission
September 7, 2020 – Minutes
Present: Anne Lightburn, Louise Stillufsen, Don Rodgers and Council liaison Caryn Byrnes
Absent: Peter Renner, Peter Ritchings, Elaine Hennessy, and Dave Smith
Guests: Clem Bremmer
Anne Lightburn called the ZOOM meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The August meeting minutes were approved as submitted. Anne reported that the DOT might be planting trees as early as this fall. As the county has not responded positively for grant trees for Broadway, the commission decided to move forward with the plan proposed by Don and Anne.
Anne reported that Rob, summer watering staff, has been hired full time by DPW. He has done a terrific job and has rescued the Broadway trees from last summer’s lack of watering. Unfortunately many of the trees at Little Silver are not thriving. Volunteers will have to fill in the gap until he is replaced. Byrnes is handling discussions on getting a larger water tank for efficiency for this year’s and next spring’s watering needs, which will be significant.
The commission discussed the letter from a property owner regarding a mature tree being heavily pruned to and possibly over the property line on Forman Avenue. Pete Ritchings reviewed the legal issue and pruning to the property line is legal. The commission will send a response to the property owner with our sympathies for this situation. Anne will draft a response.
Tree guards for protecting trees from bicycle chaining have been received. Anne will ask Dave Smith to install on trees in the 500 block of Arnold and by the Mexican grocery store by Stop and Shop.
The commission voted to fund one tree, if funds are needed, at the Arnold Avenue firehouse planting strip to be landscaped by the Environmental Commission.
No action has been taken regarding 308 Niblick violation. Anne is trying to get approval to view the property and the replacement trees cited by the property owner.
In light of the failure of the council to move the tree protection ordinance on development lots, it was recommended that the commission invite Planning Board and Board of Adjustment Chairs separately to a meeting to discuss our position and solicit their support when reviewing development proposals. All agreed and Anne will invite for an upcoming meeting.
Meeting adjourned 7:50 pm
