Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
September 15, 2011
Attendance:
Regular members present: Joanne DiCamillo, Gerry Foster, Emily Griswold, Anne Bing
Alternate members present: Joan Flynn
Members absent: Sheila Wertheimer (Regular)
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A quorum being present, Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 3:58 PM.
Joan Flynn was authorized to vote in place of Sheila Wertheimer.
Guests: Ed Adanti
REPORTS
Clerk’s Report - The minutes of the 7/21/11 meeting were reviewed.
MOTION: Gerry Foster moved, seconded by Joan Flynn, to accept the minutes as presented. Anne Bing abstained. She was not present for the July meeting. Motion carried.
BUDGET REPORT
Balance – The FY2011-2012 Tree Commission budget was reduced to $12,260, with $9,000 of that allocated for Contracted Services (maintenance). On August 1, 2011, Mrs. DiCamillo sent a letter to the First Selectman requesting a carryover of the previous year’s balance of $10,622.95. She stressed that a hurricane or Nor'easter may strike the town and cause significant damage to the trees. A carryover of $9,500 was approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Hurricane Irene – update on tree damage/follow up trimming/removal
Welcome Ed Adanti – Public Works Director
Mr. Adanti brought photos of damage caused by storm Irene. Mrs. DiCamillo reported a large maple tree on Sill Lane, across from Longacre Lane, is in decline and should be removed. The school bus stops nearby to pick up and drop off children. Ed agreed to evaluate the tree.
The Tree Warden has posted 3 trees for removal: adjacent to the Barber shop on Lyme Street, on Stagecoach Drive, and on Portland Avenue.
Mrs. DiCamillo expressed concern about hidden storm damage that may be exposed in late autumn, after the leaves fall and funds needed to address any problems. Ed agreed there could be additional tree work waiting for us. The chairman noted that a recent invoice with charges of $2350.00 for emergency tree removal due to storm Irene was charged to the commission's general budget account. Mr. Adanti, who ordered the work, stated that the charges should have been applied to the town's FEMA account and will talk with the Finance Director to determine why there was a change.
OLD BUSINESS
CL&P - Sill Lane Special Project
Mrs. DiCamillo spoke with Susan Stotts of CL&P after the storm. She reported the trees on the lower section of Sill Lane withstood the storm very well. One tree, located on private property, fell across the road and brought down a telephone wire. ~Currently there is no update on when/if the Sill Lane Special Project, scheduled to begin in September, will take place.
MEMBER REPORTS - none
OTHER BUSINESS
9/11 memorial tree
The area around the tree was weeded and mulched and the stone with the memorial plaque was cleaned by Mrs. DiCamillo just prior to the 10 year Anniversary. The tree, an ornamental cherry (Prunus 'Accolade') was planted
by the commission in 2003. ~It has grown very large, bloomed beautifully in the spring and appears to be very healthy. Members are encouraged to stop by and see the tree.
The young trees behind town hall need pruning; for strength, form and to remove dead wood. The central leader of the redbud, located on the northwest side of the parking lot, was broken apparently in a wind storm. Mrs. DiCamillo spoke with Jason Wilcox a few months ago about pruning the trees.
REMINDER - Next Meeting ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next scheduled meeting is on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 4 PM at the Town Hall.
ADJOURNMENT
Gerry Foster moved, seconded by Emily Griswold, to adjourn the meeting at 4:49 PM. Motion unanimously approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha Hansen
Clerk
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