“REPLANTING MONSON” TREE COMMITTEE
Minutes of May 8, 2012 Meeting
Members In attendance: Richard Anable, Nicholas Beaudoin, Valarie Beaudoin, Leona Brahen, Bill Dominick, Leslie Duthie, Audra Staples and Don Vacon
Also in Attendance: Representatives of the Class of 1962 and Michael O’Grady
The minutes of the April 10, 2012 meeting were reviewed and, after motion duly made by Ms. Duthie and seconded by Mr. Dominick, were approved.
Public Planting Discussion
Mr. John Morell, Monson Highway Department Superintendent and Tree Warden, discussed the various challenges the Committee faces with public planting areas. In particular, he noted that Academy Hill and various portions of Main Street would be difficult to plant due to buried telephone and gas lines, as well as the stone culvert that is located on Academy. He also noted that much of the property located near Academy was privately owned. Several members of the Committee emphasized the need of the Committee to take into consideration the desire of private homeowners with regard to tree placement as well as species selection. Mr. Morell then noted several other public areas in town that would be more conducive to public planting, such as the area around the Congregational Church and Fountain Street.
He indicated that he was available for any further assistance that the Committee may require.
Several representatives from the Class of 1962 then discussed the possibility of the Committee working with the class to find a planting project. It was decided that the Class would select an area of town and then report back to the Committee to work on a project for the Class. It was noted that the Committee had already addressed the issue of placquing trees at a prior meeting and that the majority vote was that this would not be done.
Review and Discussion of Mr. Anable’s Letter
Mr. Anable began by apologizing for his article but felt that his issues were not being dealt with adequately by the Committee. He noted that in light of Mr. Morell’s discussion he recognized the difficulties in planting Academy Hill. Ms. Duthie explained the various educational programs that had been sponsored by the Committee. Mr. Anable stated that the second program was the one he found objectionable. He stated that the opinions generated by the Q&A session were not a true sampling of the community’s desires. Ms. Beaudoin mentioned that diversity was also a big focus of the vision meetings held by the town. Ms. Staples then offered to create a one page questionnaire that would be circulated at the upcoming town meeting and results would be reported back to the
Committee at its next meeting. Mr. Anable again objected to the idea of diversity on Main Street and continued to stress his desire for elm trees along Main Street or at least one portion of the main street corridor. Mr. Beaudoin pointed out that the local forest areas were very diversified and that the Committee should continue to work towards a diversified planting in the community. He also expressed his belief that diversity is critical to long term longevity of the trees that will be planted.
Ms. Duthie then expressed concern regarding the private ownership of much of the land that was in discussion. She suggested that Mr. Anable pursue a discussion with the private homeowners and report back to the Committee on his findings at the next meeting. Mr. Anable then reiterated his disagreement with the majority vote of diversity.
Review of Arbor Day Event
The general consensus was that it was a successful event. However, it was decided that tree size should be limited when doing public plantings with volunteers. Ms. Duthie suggested that in the future any large trees that would be planted by the Committee should be scheduled with a qualified contractor so that proper equipment and personnel could be provided. The Committee spent several minutes discussing the various aspects of the event and will use the knowledge gathered to ensure that future events are even more successful.
At this point, Ms. Staples announced that Mr. Brassard and Ms. Prybylo have resigned from the Committee due to various obligations that had arisen. Ms. Staples asked that all remaining members of the Committee indicate their desire to continue on the Committee by June 1, 2012. Appointments for Committee membership needed to be reported to the Town by June 15, 2012.
After motion made by Ms. Brahen and seconded by Mr. Beaudoin, the Committee unanimously decided to table the review and approval of the procedure for orders of 10 or more trees and assistance with large orders to the next meeting of the Committee.
Ms. Staples then suggested that the Committee take a hiatus during the month of June. After motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously decided to schedule the next meeting of the Committee for July10, 2012.
At this point in time, Mr. O’Grady, Monson Rotary Club representative, asked to speak with the Committee. He announced that the Rotary Club had designated all volunteers in the Town as Volunteer of the Year and invited Committee members to the celebration that would be held in August. He thanked the Committee for all it had done during the year and encouraged members to keep up the good work.
After motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
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