Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
January 19, 2012
Attendance:
Regular members present: Joanne DiCamillo, Anne Bing, Emily Griswold
Ex-officio members absent: Tom Degnan, Tree Warden
Members absent: Joan Flynn (alternate), Gerry Foster (regular)
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A quorum being present, Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 4:05 P.M.
REPORTS
Clerk’s Report – The minutes of the 10/20/11 meeting were reviewed.
MOTION: Emily Griswold moved, seconded by Joanne DiCamillo, to accept the October minutes on condition of approval (via email) by Joan Flynn. Joanne DiCamillo and Emily Griswold voted in favor, Anne Bing abstained as she had not attended the October meeting.
Clerk’s Report – The minutes of the 11/17/11 meeting were reviewed.
MOTION: Anne Bing moved, seconded by Joanne DiCamillo, to accept the November minutes on condition of approval (via email) by Gerry Foster. Joanne DiCamillo and Anne Bing voted in favor, Emily Griswold abstained as she had not attended the November meeting.
BUDGET REPORT
Balance - Mrs. DiCamillo reported that as of 12/6/2011, the balance in the General Fund (Tree Commission and Public Works) was $11,645.00. .
NEW BUSINESS ~~
Cross Lane softball field-request for tree removal
The Softball League and Don Bugbee, Parks and Rec Director, made a second request for removal of the large oak tree near the dugout at the Cross Lane softball field. They feel that it poses a danger to players and spectators. In 2009, the tree was evaluated by Tree Warden Tom Degnan and an independent arborist. In their opinion, the tree was healthy. They made specific recommendations for trimming, removing the dead limbs and raising the crown. The tree was trimmed following their specifications, along with many other trees around the field at a cost of $2300. Mr. Degnan inspected the tree recently and feels the tree remains healthy. The cost to remove this tree would be very expensive. A significant amount of tree work is waiting to be done in town. Several dying trees have been identified for removal and damaged trees from Tropical Storm Irene are in need of corrective pruning. Mrs. DiCamillo suggested that the tree be monitored closely by representatives from the league or Park
and Rec. Any problems should be reported immediately to the commission.
The Softball League requested approval to remove the tree using their own funds. Mr. Degnan approved their request to remove the tree (only) with that condition.
Requests for tree trimming/removal
Mrs. DiCamillo emailed a list of tree trimming and removal requests to Tom Degnan and Ed Adanti in December. Included in the list: 8 Saunders Hollow Road, sightline clearance on town right-of-way, a tree posted for removal on Library Lane, a tree posted for removal on Sill Lane (across from Longacre Lane) on town right-of-way, 3 Jean Drive, pine trees near utility wires, 6 Elm Street, a maple tree on private property near utility wires, 9 Sandalwood Lane, a small dying apple tree on town right-of-way. All locations were visited and recommendations were communicated.~
Mrs. DiCamillo spoke with a resident of 17 Matson Ridge Road regarding a question about tree trimming along the association's roads. She followed up with Ed Adanti, Public Works Director. He stated that the town plows the roads and collects the trash; therefore, he feels it is the town's responsibility to maintain the trees along the roads. Mrs. DiCamillo will follow up with the homeowner.
CL&P tree trimming
5 days of free tree trimming from CL&P: Old Shore Road and Saunders Hollow Road were identified by Mr. Adanti and Mrs. DiCamillo as priority roads in need of work. A crew from Tennent Tree Service, sent by CL&P, trimmed trees and cut vines in a section of Old Shore Road by the state rest area and removed a maple tree on Elm Street during the 5 day period. Ed Adanti was not pleased with the amount of work accomplished. He reported that (only) one half of one side of Old Shore Road was trimmed, the rest was not finished. Saunders Hollow remains untouched. In his opinion, the crew should have accomplished the majority of the work on the two roads.
Update on requests for tree & shrub trimming/removal
Saunder’s Hollow Road: The rhododendron that was impeding the site line from the Bocian’s driveway was trimmed and lifted by Mrs. DiCamillo and neighbor, Mr. Mauro. Visibility has been greatly improved. A declining maple tree on the town right-of-way, in front of the Mauro property, was reported by Mrs. DiCamillo and has been marked for removal by Ed Adanti.
MEMBER REPORTS – none
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Chairman-Tree Commission annual report
The commission needs two more members: one regular and one alternate.
Mrs. DiCamillo has submitted the Tree Commission’s report. The Town’s Annual Report will be distributed at next week’s Town Meeting.
Election of Chairman
MOTION: Anne Bing moved, seconded by Emily Griswold, to elect Joanne DiCamillo as Chairman of the Tree Commission for 2012. Anne Bing and Emily Griswold voted in favor, Joan Flynn and Gerry Foster will be asked to vote via email. Joanne DiCamillo abstained.
REMINDER - Next Meeting ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next scheduled meeting is on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 4 PM at the Town Hall.
ADJOURNMENT
Anne Bing moved, seconded by Emily Griswold, to adjourn the meeting at 4:50 PM. Motion unanimously approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha Hansen
Clerk
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