Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
February 15, 2018
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ATTENDANCE
Members present: Joanne DiCamillo (regular), Anne Bing (regular), Emily Griswold (regular), Michael Gaffey (regular)
Members absent: Joan Flynn (alternate)
Ex-officio members absent: Tom Degnan, Tree Warden
Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 4:06 p.m. The commission has openings for two members.
Mrs. DiCamillo welcomed Michael Gaffey as a new member of the Commission. Mr. Gaffey is a member of the American Chestnut Foundation. He is a retired economics teacher, and construction worker.
Mrs. DiCamillo asked for a motion to add an item to Other Business.
Motion: Emily Griswold made a motion, seconded by Anne Bing, to add Emerald Ash Borer update to Other Business. All present voted in favor, motion passed.
CLERK’S REPORT
The minutes of the December 21, 2017, meeting were considered.
Motion: Emily Griswold 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
The Tree Commission balance as of 2/2/18 was $10,332. A total of $3,918 was paid out since 12/2/17: $368 to the clerk, $1,500 to the tree warden, and $2,050 from Contracted Services for tree pruning work.
NEW BUSINESS
Chairman’s communications:
Budget request: Mrs. DiCamillo reviewed the budget request with Board of Finance representative Janet Sturges. The total proposed budget is $13,800, which is $2,350 less than the 2017/2018 fiscal year. Contracted Services was reduced from $10,000 to $8,000; Postage was reduced from $300 to $200; clerk’s payments were reduced from $1200 to $1100 (the commission does not meet every month).
DRGC - discuss club’s request with members for suggestions of locations for tree/shrub/flower planting: The president of DRGC spoke with Mrs. DiCamillo about possible locations for a club planting project. She mentioned the south green. Mrs. DiCamillo explained that the majority of land is owned by Christ the King Church. Anne Bing suggested an open area next to the Rogers Lake dam where there may be space for a tree, however, the ownership is not clear. Mrs. DiCamillo mentioned contacting the ZEO in the building department for information. Michael Gaffey suggested checking maps of Open Space. Mrs. DiCamillo will contact Kathy Burton of the Duck River Garden Club and give her the information.
Communications from Town Hall:
Hamden Alliance for Trees – Mrs. DiCamillo received an email letter regarding the 2016 law requiring Eversource to submit a vegetative management plan to the tree warden by Jan. 31 of each year. This law was enacted after the electric company cut so many trees state-wide a few years ago.
Eversource - 2018 vegetative management plan for Old Lyme – plan has been submitted to the tree warden. The Tree Commission members looked at it.
11 Nottingham Road - tree issue on property: The tree warden spoke with the homeowner and learned that the tree is on private property. He informed the homeowner that the town does not have jurisdiction over it.
138 Four Mile River Road - large cracked tree limb along road: The tree warden examined the tree and posted it for removal.
230 Mile Creek Road - large maple across the road: The tree warden examined the tree and posted it for removal.
OLD BUSINESS
Dogwood trees in front of town hall: Mrs. DiCamillo reported that she is waiting for warmer weather to schedule professional evaluations of the trees. Mr. Gaffey suggested pruning in the summer to cut back the fruit bearing branches.
The trees were planted in the early 1980s as a memorial to Ella Grasso. Last summer, during some repair work on the town hall skirt boards, roots from the trees were found under the building. They apparently were attracted by the moisture dripping off the roof due to the lack of gutters.
MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Cross Lane Playground equipment installation: Emily Griswold reported that the equipment has been installed. Some site work, mulching, etc. will be completed soon. The new playground is handicapped accessible.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Emerald Ash Borer update: Mrs. DiCamillo spoke with a local arborist who has been taking down ash trees in Lyme-Old Lyme. Evidence of the insect was found in the trees. He noted that the Bill Hill Road area has an abundance of ash trees.
Town of Old Lyme - Annual Report: The report has been published and contains a lot of information on the Amtrak train situation. The chairman’s report is included, along with some excellent photos of tree planting on Lyme Street and Ferry Road.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Anne Bing made a motion, seconded by Emily Griswold, to adjourn the meeting at 4:48 pm. All present voted in favor, motion passed.
Next scheduled meeting will be held~March 15, 2018~at 4:00 P.M. in Old Lyme Town Hall
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha Hansen, Clerk
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