Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
April 16, 2015
Attendance:
Members present: Joanne DiCamillo (regular), Anne Bing (regular), Emily Griswold (regular), Gerry Foster (regular), Joan Flynn (alternate)
Ex-officio members absent: Tom Degnan, Tree Warden
Guests: Anna Reiter (Lyme-Old Lyme Junior Women’s Club)
A quorum being present, Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m.
The commission has openings for two members.
REPORTS
Clerk’s Report – The minutes of the 2/19/15 meeting were reviewed.
Motion: Gerry Foster made a motion, seconded by Anne Bing to approve the minutes as presented. All present voted in favor, motion passed.
BUDGET REPORT
Balance & Activity
Mrs. DiCamillo reported that as of 4/5/15 the balance in the General Fund (Tree Commission and Public Works) was $12,655.75.
NEW BUSINESS
Nominations & vote – 2015 Chairman
Motion: Gerry Foster made a motion, seconded by Anne Bing, to nominate Joanne DiCamillo as chairman of the Tree Commission for 2015. All present voted in favor, motion passed.
Town Woods Playground Committee – Anna Reiter
Anna Reiter of the Lyme-Old Lyme Junior Women’s Club reported that most of the playground equipment at the Town Woods Playground has been removed due to wear and tear, and has not been replaced. The club is raising money to replace the equipment and refurbish the playground. They would like to plant trees to provide shade for the equipment because it is very hot in the summer. The club would like some recommendations on what species of trees would be best. Mrs. DiCamillo stated that it is very important that the trees are planted properly and watered consistently to ensure their survival and health. The Tree Warden should stake the locations for the trees, and a permit will be needed. The Tree Commission would like to see a plan put together for the planting and maintenance of the trees since they will be growing on
town property. Mrs. Reiter stated that the trees will most likely be planted by a professional landscaper, although Don Bugbee, of the Parks and Recreation Department, offered to ask Public Works for help with the project.
The Cross Lane playground equipment has also been removed, and the Junior Women’s Club has plans to raise money and replace the equipment. Emily Griswold stated that spotted salamanders have been sighted in the area. Mrs. DiCamillo recommended that they meet with Kim Groves in Land Use and ask her to check the maps for vernal pools or wetlands in that vicinity. It is possible that they may need to appear before the Inland Wetlands Commission. Emily Griswold will be the liaison for the projects.
Chairman’s Report – meeting with the Board of Finance
Mrs. DiCamillo and Mr. Degnan met with the Board of Finance on March 3rd to review the proposed 2015-2016 Tree Commission budget. She mentioned that the Tree Commission budget was cut in 2010. Since that time, major storms have caused significant damage to town trees. Subsequently, the tree warden put a freeze on tree planting and Public Works has utilized most of the Contracted Services line item for trimming, clean up and removal of damaged trees. Mrs. DiCamillo requested a total of $16,000 to be divided equally between the Tree Commission and Public Works. Public Works will have $8000 to be used for tree removal, emergency trimming, and stump removals. At the suggestion of the town Finance Director, this amount will be moved from the Tree Commission budget to a line item in the Public Works account. $8,000 for
tree maintenance and a $1500 line item for tree planting will be added to the commission’s budget.
Mrs. DiCamillo requested an increase in the tree warden’s annual stipend of $1500. His last raise was 10 years ago. Currently, tree wardens in surrounding towns earn anywhere from $2,500 - $7,500. She also recommended hiring a part time Deputy Tree Warden. The tree warden’s position has always been part time. Mr. Degnan works out of town, sometimes on weekends and commutes an hour each way. He is not always available to evaluate and post trees. With the upcoming Eversource three month tree trimming project in Old Lyme, there may be the need for someone to respond quickly to tree questions and evaluations. Additionally, someone in authority should be available at all times to respond to residents’ concerns, visit with them, to provide input and to authorize tree trimming or removals in the absence of Mr. Degnan and
Ms. Reemsnyder.
The Board of Finance approved a total sum of $5000, to be used toward an increase in Mr. Degnan’s stipend and to hire a new deputy. As required by state statutes, Mr. Degnan will interview the candidates. Mrs. DiCamillo will begin the search for candidates.
31 Lyme Street – privet hedge – The overgrown privet hedge in front of the house was been pruned. A Bartlett Tree Company rep consulted with Mrs. DiCamillo about when the trimming should take place.
Exit 70 southbound ramp – tree removals
Mrs. DiCamillo has heard complaints about the recent tree removals and pruning work on the shoulder of the exit ramp. She contacted Greg Gallup, the Eastern CT DOT district representative. He told her that the vegetation was overgrown, causing icy conditions on the ramp. Vines were strangling the trees, branches were damaged and some were dying so the majority of the trees and vegetation were removed. Mrs. DiCamillo asked why the roots of the invasive vines were not removed as well, and if there was a plan to replace the trees and to plant grass on the bank. Mr. Gallup stated there is no plan to remove the vine roots or to plant grass on the bank. The town may apply for a permit to plant trees there, but will also be responsible for maintaining them. There is no plan at this time for the DOT to remove trees or vegetation
on the bank next to I95 on the north side of Hall’s Road. However, the DOT is planning to clear pine trees from the bank along I95 where it joins the campus of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts College. He agreed to contact the town to provide a timeline of when the work will begin. Mr. Gallup also stated that the governor’s office has issued a mandate to the DOT that trees and vegetation must now be cleared 30 feet back from the roadways due to cars sliding off them in icy conditions and crashing into trees.
Mrs. DiCamillo asked Mr. Gallup about the trees that were topped between Route 156 and the Connecticut River, near Pilgrim’s Landing. Mr. Gallup checked in the files back to 2007 and did not find any information indicating permits were filed to trim the trees. He offered to investigate the matter and follow up with Mrs. DiCamillo.
Mr. Gallup affirmed that a tree was removed at 236 Shore Road with his approval, as it was in decline. No additional trees are scheduled for removal.
Senator Art Linares – CT State Senate Bill 833 This bill will require public notice to be given before the DOT cuts trees along State roads, to allow for public comment. Please email State Representative Devin Carney and State Senator Art Linares in support to this bill, and put “Bill 833” in the subject line.
OLD BUSINESS
Eversource Energy Tree Trimming schedule – The schedule has been posted on the town website
Mrs. DiCamillo would like Tom Degnan to meet with Eversource before they trim trees on Lyme Street.
The old elm tree should be reviewed very carefully. Mrs. DiCamillo will recommend leaving it alone.
Lyme Street, Ferry Road, McCurdy Road tree trimming – the trees to be trimmed have been marked with blue ribbons. Bartlett Tree Experts expects to trim the trees next week.
Lyme Street, Ferry Road, McCurdy Road, Cross Lane tree removals – Iselin Tree Company has completed
the tree removals and stump grinding.
Town Hall landscape maintenance update– The contractor will be notified after the 2015-2016 budget has been approved in May.
Brighton Road tree –Tom Schellens reported that a tree on Brighton Road was dropping branches. The tree warden posted the tree for removal and notified Eversource. They will be removing it.
55 Lyme Street, OL Historical Society – A maple tree in the front lawn appears to be in decline. Mrs. DiCamillo contacted Tom Degnan to evaluate the tree and to confirm if the location is on the town right of way.
MEMBERS’ REPORTS - none
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Communications:
Sill Lane – Mr. and Mrs. Burr requested the removal of a very small, dying dogwood tree from the tiny grass area at the north end of Sill Lane. They would like a new tree planted. Mrs. DiCamillo responded to their request and told them that the plot is not appropriate for planting because of its very small size. Also, public works piles snow there including road salt and sand. She suggested a phone call to town hall to request removal by public works.
7 Oakridge Drive – Tom Degnan will look at the oak tree.
12 Ferry Road – the Tree Commission received a request for the evaluation of three maple trees. All the trees have dead branches and growing under electrical wires. Mrs. DiCamillo reported them to Tom Degnan.
Mrs. DiCamillo reported that the southern pine beetle, native to the southeastern United States, has been found in Connecticut. The beetle attacks pitch pines among other pines. Experts feel that the beetle does not pose a threat to Connecticut’s native white pine.
The Connecticut Coastal Conservation District Plant Sale is coming up this weekend, April 24 – 26, in Old Saybrook.
REMINDER
The next scheduled meeting is Thursday May 21, 2015, 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall conference room.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Gerry Foster moved, seconded by Joan Flynn, to adjourn the meeting at 5:35 p.m. All present voted in favor. Motion passed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha Hansen, Clerk
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