Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
September 15, 2016
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ATTENDANCE
Members present: Joanne DiCamillo (regular), Anne Bing (regular), Joan Flynn (alternate), Emily Griswold (regular)
Members absent: Gerry Foster (regular)
Ex-officio members absent: Tom Degnan, Tree Warden, Alan Miezejeski, Deputy Tree Warden
Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. The commission has openings for two members.
Mrs. DiCamillo asked for a motion to authorize~Joan Flynn to vote in place of Gerry Foster.
Motion:~Anne Bing made a motion, seconded by Emily Griswold, to authorize Joan Flynn to vote in place of Gerry Foster. All present voted in favor, motion passed.
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CLERK’S REPORT
The minutes of the June 16, 2016 meeting were considered.
Motion:~Joan Flynn~made a motion, seconded by Anne Bing to approve the minutes as presented. All present voted in favor, motion passed.
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BUDGET REPORT
Balance & summary of posted expenditures:~Mrs. DiCamillo reported that there was $16,050 in the Tree Commission budget at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2016.
2015-2016 budget balance:~There was $1,525 left in the Tree Commission budget at the end of the 2015/2016 fiscal year.
Chairman’s request to carry-over funds for tree removal and trimming:~Mrs. DiCamillo requested that $1200 be carried over for~tree removal and trimming at~145-147 Mile Creek Road.
NEW BUSINESS
Mrs. DiCamillo received the following communications in August:
8-10-16 from the Selectman’s office~– From Ted Gaffney of the Florence Griswold Museum – notification of tree work in the riparian buffer along the Lieutenant River.
8-12-16~- a resident reported that a large maple tree was cut down on McCurdy Road. The tree was in the town right-of-way~and~had not been posted.~Mrs. DiCamillo contacted Tom Degnan,~who confirmed~he did not~post the tree. Further investigation revealed that the owners of the house next to the Christ~the~King Church driveway wanted to~relocate~their driveway farther east~and spoke with Public Works about their plan.
8-16-16 from the Selectman’s office~- Ted Schaaf of Johnny Cake Hill Road requested an inspection of two trees located on the town right-of-way because they are dropping limbs. Tom Degnan will inspect the trees.
Hefflon Farm trees – from Selectman Sibley –~~Markus Warlitz emailed Selectman Sibley to request a tree inspection. His wife, Karin, had contacted Mrs. DiCamillo in the spring to report a dead tree near the association's~fire well and a second dead tree. Tom Degnan inspected the roads at that time and a tree on Hefflon Farm Road was removed. He returned once again, met with an association representative and discussed the tree by the fire well and one more tree on Foggy Meadow Road. It has not been determined if the tree by the fire well is a town tree. He contacted~Ed Adanti and asked him to check~the town maps to~determine who is responsible for removing the tree. He will post the tree if it belongs to the town. He posted the one on Foggy Meadow Road for removal.~
8-22-16 from the Selectman’s office~- A letter was forwarded from Darcy Murtz regarding~a maple tree posted in June~at 34 Mile Creek Road, on the left side past the railroad bridge. The tree is very old and rotted in the center. Eversource~is supposed to remove it. Ms. Murtz is concerned about the tree falling and blocking the driveway.
8-30-16 from the Tree Warden~– Tom Degnan posted the following trees for removal: a dead oak tree at 308 Ferry Road, a dead maple tree at 177 Mile Creek Road, and several at 1 Smith Neck Road, a cherry tree at 20 Pine Road, trees at 16 Johnnycake Hill~Road.
The Tree Warden identified several roads in town where the trees need trimming and crown lifting. The pruning will allow for better truck access by town vehicles. They include: Dogwood Drive, Sandalwood Drive, Cyprus Circle and Beechwood Lane.
He sent the list to Mrs. DiCamillo with a list of specifications to include when she prepares the bid for the work. He will meet with all of the contractors to explain the requirements and the details before the bid deadline.~
Eversource removed a tree at 20 Lyme Street.~
OLD BUSINESS
Bartlett Tree Services removed~a tree at 145 Mile Creek Road, and trimmed~trees at 145-147 Mile Creek Road.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Progress report on newly planted trees in Town Woods Park and Town Hall maple tree:~Emily Griswold reported that the trees are doing well. She watered them regularly during the summer. The copper beach tree is starting to leaf out again after being defoliated by gypsy moth caterpillars.~The oak tree has some minor leaf damage from the caterpillars.
The Junior Women’s Club is still raising money for the Cross Lane playground.
The Town Hall maple tree looks healthy. Mrs. DiCamillo thanked Joan~Flynn~and Anne Bing who kept it watered during the summer. Mrs. DiCamillo~will assume the watering duties~until the ground freezes.
Town Hall Maintenance – weed and water:~Mrs. DiCamillo contacted Bonnie Reemsnyder~in July about the need to water~the~trees and shrubs~regularly due to the extended drought.~Mrs. Reemsnyder~responded that she~forwarded the message to Ed~Adanti. Burnett’s Landscaping weeded the gardens in July. The Japanese knotweed was treated at a cost of $135. The knotweed should be treated~annually~to prevent it from spreading.
REMINDER
The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, October 20, 2016, 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall conference room.
ADJOURNMENT
Joan Flynn~made a motion, seconded by Anne Bing,~to adjourn the meeting at 4:45 p.m. All present voted in favor. Motion passed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha Hansen, Clerk
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