Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
August 21, 2014
Attendance:
Members present: Joanne DiCamillo (regular), Anne Bing (regular), Gerry Foster (regular), Emily Griswold (regular), Joan Flynn (alternate)
Members absent: Ex-officio members absent: Tom Degnan, Tree Warden
A quorum being present, Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 4:02P.M.
The commission has openings for two members.
REPORTS
Clerk’s Report – The minutes of the 6/19/14 meeting were reviewed.
Motion:Ann Bing made a motion, seconded by Joan Flynn to approve the minutes as presented.
Ann Bing, Joan Flynn and Joanne DiCamillo voted in favor, Gerry Foster and Emily Griswold abstained as they had not attended the June meeting. Motion passed.
BUDGET REPORT
Balance
Mrs. DiCamillo reported that the Tree Commission’s budget of $17,500 for 2015-2016 was approved by the Board of Finance. A budget report was not received from the Finance Director in July or August.
OLD BUSINESS
Academy Lane – Kousa dogwoods
The Historic District Commission has been discussing the need for better parking at the Village Shops. There was a question about whether the Kousa dogwoods at the rear of the lot could be removed to provide additional space. After looking at the area, some members of the HDC, including Mrs. DiCamillo, feel that removing the trees would not increase the parking area.
Lyme Street – removal
A large tree was removed just south of the firehouse. The Director of Public Works stated that it was rotted. A tree near 32 Lyme Street was pruned heavily up one side. Neighbors living nearby spoke with Mrs. DiCamillo. They questioned the amount of branches removed.
NEW BUSINESS
Proposal for Lyme Street tree trimming
Mr. Adanti spoke to Mrs. DiCamillo about tree trimming along Lyme Street, Ferry Road, and McCurdy Road. He feels the canopies should be raised 15-20 feet above the road. Mr. Adanti got an estimate from Bartlett Tree Company for trimming: 20 trees on Lyme Street (west side) $1,655; 12 trees on Ferry Road (odd numbered side) $1,645; and 23 trees on McCurdy Road (odd numbered side) $1,810, for a total of $4,110. The members suggested getting more bids for the trimming. Members are asked to look at the trees and send their comments to Mrs. DiCamillo by next Wednesday. She will get in touch with a few other companies and talk with Mr. Adanti and the tree warden.
Request from Girl Scout in identifying trees along Lyme Street: Mrs. DiCamillo received a request (through First Selectwoman Reemsnyder) from town resident, Mrs. Tracie Ortoleva, regarding a Girl Scout project to identify the trees growing along Lyme Street. Mrs. DiCamillo contacted Joan Flynn who offered to be the liaison. Mrs. DiCamillo provided Mrs. Flynn's contact information. Mrs. Flynn has not heard from the parent.
Request to present program from CT River Gateway Commission
Suzanne Thompson, a member of the CT River Gateway Commission, contacted Mrs. DiCamillo to ask about presenting a program to the Tree Commission and to provide informational brochures describing their activities. Mrs. DiCamillo invited them to attend the October meeting and suggested putting their information in the tree commission mail box in Town Hall.
MEMBERS’ REPORTS – none
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Future tree planting – still on hold. The tree warden feels the budget should be used for trimming and tree removals.
REMINDER
The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 4 P.M. at the Town Hall.
There will not be a meeting in September.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Joan Flynn moved, seconded by Ann Bing, to adjourn the meeting at 4:36 P.M. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha Hansen, Clerk
| 
