[NOTE: These minutes are made available to the public prior to Shade Tree Commission acceptance.]

Minutes of Shade Tree Commission Meeting
Wednesday, October 1, 2003

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Richard Prentice.

Present were: John Winiarski, Phil Cashman, Bruce Graver, Richard Prentice, Mark Alpert and John Lepper, Tree Warden.

ITEM 1 - Removals

  1. Warner Place - 2 Elms, 1 Hemlock - 5/0 to remove
  2. 681 Folly Brook Blvd. - large dead elm - located in back yard adjacent to Wintergreen Woods - 5/0 to remove
  3. Collier Road - Opposite house numbers 101, 123, 131, 139, 147 and 171 - 5/0 to remove

ITEM 2 - Minutes

Minutes of the September, 2003 meeting were approved as presented.

ITEM 3 - Communications

  1. Richard Benfield, Warner Place, called Town Manager to protest removal of additional trees and complain that no new trees had been planted. Tree Warden returned called and reiterated to Mr. Benfield that trees would not be planted until spring. The additional trees marked for removal were diseased and had to be removed.
  2. Gordon Bagle, 50 Bunce Road, questioned why tree next to his driveway was not being removed. Tree Warden informed him the Commission found no reason to remove the tree; however, he could request in writing a hearing before the Commission.
  3. Several calls received by Tree Warden concerning neighbor disputes.

ITEM 4 - Old Business

  1. Inland/Wetlands and Water Course Commission held public hearing on MDC Sewer application for portion of Ridge Road. Several citizens appeared in opposition to the project and a few Commissioners' questions were left unanswered. Hearing was continued to October 15, 2003
  2. Nott Street Reconstruction Project continues to be a problem. Edwards family of 712 Nott Street is contesting removal of Beech Tree. Tree had originally been marked to save; however, close proximity of slop cut will jeopardize health and structural integrity of tree. Tree Warden ordered removal of tree to reduce the Town's liability.
  3. Warner Place landscaping was discussed. No final plan yet in place. Tree Warden reported ConnDot plans to replace fence on their border at end of cul-de-sac and it will plant trees on Rt. 3 slope.
  4. Silas Deane Middle School Project - Landscaping continues to be a problem. Some of the plant material is not up to standard and the landscaper's planting practices are not up to date.
  5. Urban Forestry Professional Development Seminar presented by Northeast Utilities and the Kenerson Group was attended by Chairman Prentice and Tree Warden Lepper. The seminar focused on the use of GIS for tree inventory and management. Kenerson Group gave a presentation on their product using Tree Work GIS System and Ace View GIS.
  6. Savage Park - The Tree Warden and arborist followed up on Commissioner Cashman's inquiry relative to condition of the Park. A review of property map shows the park is larger than originally thought. Some of the wooded area is the Town's; however, most appears to belong to abutting property owners. When exact boundaries are located work will be done on Town property.

ITEM 5 - New Business

  1. Commissioners devoted considerable discussion to enforcement powers over private property involving public health, safety and welfare. Commissioners share a reluctance to involve government in private property. However, in cases where a privately owned tree impacts in some way public space so as to cause potential risk to public health, safety and welfare, the property owner should be advised of the risk by letter. Copies of letter to Town's attorney and risk manager to demonstrate we have knowledge of the situation and have advised the property owner.

Having no further business to conduct, the Commission meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

John C. Lepper
Tree Warden/Secretary Pro-Tem