Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
January 20, 2011
Attendance:
Regular members present: Joanne DiCamillo, Emily Griswold, Gerry Foster, Anne Bing
Members absent: Tom Degnan (ex-officio), Joan Flynn (Alternate)
A quorum being present, Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 4:06 PM.
REPORTS
Clerk’s Report
The minutes of the 11/18/10 regular meeting were reviewed. Mrs. DiCamillo noted a spelling correction under Old Business, Inventory Update: “Dudda” should be changed to “Duda”. Under New Business, “Mrs. DiCamillo noted that Mrs. Moll has been a member of the commission since it was formed in 2001. She thanked Mrs. Moll for her help as the “volunteer” Secretary and for her dedicated service”.
The commission did not meet in December.
MOTION: Gerry Foster moved to accept the minutes as amended. Anne Bing seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Budget Report
Mrs. DiCamillo reported that as of January 20, 2011, the balance in the General Fund (Tree Commission and Public Works) was $22,113.56.
NEW BUSINESS
Lyme Street – north green
Mrs. DiCamillo reported that the removal of the shrubs surrounding the stone bench by the town crew last fall was discussed at the Historic District Commission meetings in December and January. The shrubs were planted and maintained by the Duck River Garden Club. The HDC asked Mrs. DiCamillo if the Tree Commission planned to replace the shrubs. The Tree Commission members discussed the matter.
MOTION: Gerry Foster made a motion that we should not replace the plants on the north green. The motion was seconded by Anne Bing. All present voted in favor.
Spring Tree Planting
The Norway maple growing on the curb in front of the Town Hall was removed and there was a discussion about replacing it. There could be a problem with old tree roots. Mrs. DiCamillo will speak with Mr. Degnan. The discussion will continue at the next meeting.
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Mrs. DiCamillo urged members to drive around the town to locate spots for tree planting. Anne Bing suggested that members keep climate change in mind when selecting tree species. Red maples can be substituted for sugar maples. They are more hardy than the sugar maples and not as sensitive to the effects of drought and road salt.
Stump Grinding
Mrs. DiCamillo suggested that tree stumps should be ground on Griswold Avenue and the corner of Long Acre Lane and Sill Lane. She will consult with the Tree Warden.
OLD BUSINESS
Mile Creek Road – tulip tree
The tulip tree (in decline and hazardous) was removed after Tom Degnan met with Alison Marsh, her family members and friends who had questioned the need for the tree’s removal.
Old Lyme Town Hall- Removals
The Norway maple at the curb and the paper birch behind town hall were removed by Wilcox Tree Experts.
Mr. Stitham called Mrs. DiCamillo on behalf of the Old Lyme Grange. He expressed his concern about several large limbs that had fallen from the maple trees growing along the driveway next to the Center School, adjacent to the Grange. Mrs. DiCamillo suggested that he contact John Rhodes, Region 18 Facilities Director. Subsequently, two of the trees were removed and Mrs. DiCamillo noted that several dead branches in the crown of the large birch tree on the Center School lawn were pruned at the same time.
The pine trees along the entrance driveway to the High School were removed earlier last fall.
CL&P - Lyme Street trimming
John Forbis, 43 Lyme Street, reported to Mrs. DiCamillo that CL&P was very careful when trimming the tree in front of his house.
MEMBER REPORTS - none
OTHER BUSINESS
The Tree Commission has two vacancies. Members are encouraged to recruit new members.
There has been no contact from the Dudas regarding the Tree Inventory. Mrs. DiCamillo thanked Gerry Foster for agreeing to contact CT FEMA Director, Doug Glowicki, for advice.
REMINDER
Next Meeting
Next scheduled meeting is on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 4 PM at the Town Hall.
ADJOURNMENT
Gerry Foster moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:00 PM. Anne Bing seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha Hansen
Clerk
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