Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
June 16, 2016
ATTENDANCE
Members present: Joanne DiCamillo (regular), Anne Bing (regular), Gerry Foster (regular), Joan Flynn (alternate), Emily Griswold (regular)
Ex-officio members absent: Tom Degnan, Tree Warden, Alan Miezejeski, Deputy Tree Warden
Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 4:09 p.m. The commission has openings for two members.
CLERK’S REPORT
The minutes of the April 21, 2016 meeting were considered.
Motion: Gerry Foster made a motion, seconded by Joan Flynn to approve the minutes of 4-21-2016. All present voted in favor, motion passed.
BUDGET REPORT
Balance & summary of posted expenditures:~Mrs. DiCamillo reported that as of June 15, 2016 the balance in the Tree Commission budget was $5,203 with $1,525 left in Contracted Services.
The Junior Women’s Club paid their invoice for the cost of purchasing, shipping and planting three trees at Town Woods Park. The Duck River Garden club paid a portion of the invoice for their tree. As agreed by the Tree Commission members, the remaining balance of $145 was deducted from the Tree Commission budget to assist the garden club in covering the cost.
NEW BUSINESS
Hefflon Farm – A resident reported two dead trees in the neighborhood to Mrs. DiCamillo. She notified the tree warden. One of the trees was removed. Mrs. DiCamillo drove through the area and spotted a small, dead spruce tree that may be on town right of way. She reported it to Mr. Degnan.
OLD BUSINESS
Mile Creek Road – An oak tree near 145 Mile Creek Road has been posted for removal. Two trees in the area need trimming. Mrs. DiCamillo will get quotes for the trimming. A very old maple was posted for removal at 34 Mile Creek Road. A local arborist called Mrs. DiCamillo and wrote a letter stating that an effort should made to save the tree by cabling. Mrs. DiCamillo contacted Mr. Degnan who agreed to meet with the arborist onsite. They utilized a bucket to perform a more thorough examination from the top of the tree. They found extensive decay in the center of the tree. The arborist agreed that the tree should be taken down.
Town Hall landscape maintenance –~Burnett’s Landscape mulched, weeded and edged the beds and trees. The shrubs were fertilized. Two trees, a redbud and native dogwood, located behind Town Hall were overlooked and should be mulched at the next visit.
Town Woods Park tree planting project with JWC and Duck River Garden Club – Tree planting went very smoothly. Emily Griswold is watering regularly.
Zoning Commission Public Hearing – The hearing took place on May 9, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Mrs. DiCamillo spoke in favor of relocating the basketball court which would protect two maple trees. She explained the reasons they are an asset to the park. The Zoning Commission voted to approve the variance to move the court.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Progress report on newly planted trees in Town Woods Park – Emily Griswold has been watering the trees regularly since April with the help of her son, Aiden, who is becoming an expert. Gypsy moth caterpillars have attacked the leaves of the copper beech tree. Emily treated it with a systemic insecticide. Mrs. DiCamillo urged her to put together a schedule and to contact the president of the garden club for volunteers to help with watering during the summer months.
Summer Watering Schedule for maple tree at Town Hall – The chairman has been watering the maple since it was planted in April. Anne Bing and Joan Flynn have volunteered to water the tree regularly July and August.
All of the trees should be watered into the fall and until the ground freezes.
REMINDER
The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, July 21, 2016, 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall conference room.
ADJOURNMENT
Anne Bing made a motion, seconded by Emily Griswold, to adjourn the meeting at 4:50 p.m. All present voted in favor. Motion passed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha Hansen, Clerk
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