Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
Thursday, April 19, 2018
ATTENDANCE
Members present: Joanne DiCamillo (regular), Anne Bing (regular), Michael Gaffey (regular), Joan Flynn (alternate)
Members absent: Emily Griswold (regular)
Ex-officio members absent: Thomas Degnan, Tree Warden
Guest: Nicholas Vallas - Bartlett Tree Experts
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 4:00 P.M.
OLD BUSINESS
Dogwood trees in front of town hall - Mrs. DiCamillo met with Nicholas Vallas onsite in March and explained the problems with the trees as reported by the Facilities Manager. Nick evaluated the trees and they discussed remediation. She invited him to the April 19 meeting to meet with the commission members.
The members assembled on the front lawn of the town hall to hear Nick’s assessment of the area where roots were found encroaching the building last year. He pointed to a stump from an old cypress tree, adjacent to the dogwood, where several roots were exposed on the surface of the soil. He felt certain that it was the roots from the cypress that impacted the building, not the dogwood, as dogwood trees do not develop such large size root systems.
He went on to discuss each of the dogwoods, explaining where structural pruning would help with eliminating the problems with the fruit. Members shared their ideas for heading back the branches that overhang the entrance walk.
After, the members met in the second floor conference room where a long and thoughtful conversation took place. Following the discussion, Mrs. DiCamillo authorized Joan Flynn, Alternate, to vote in place of Emily Griswold and asked for a vote.
Motion: Michael Gaffey made a motion, seconded by Joan Flynn, to recommend structural pruning of the dogwood trees in front of town hall to Mr. Degnan, Tree Warden.
All present voted in favor, the motion was approved. The chairman will contact the tree warden.
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
Motion: Joan Flynn made a motion, seconded by Anne Bing to elect Joanne DiCamillo Chairman for 2018, the motion was approved. Mrs. DiCamillo thanked them and asked if someone would consider serving as Vice Chair for the remainder of the year. Joan Flynn volunteered. Mrs. DiCamillo thanked her and will contact the town clerk for direction.
CLERK’S REPORT
The minutes of the February 15, 2018 meeting were considered.
Motion: Anne Bing made a motion, seconded by Michael Gaffey to approve the minutes as presented, the motion was approved.
BUDGET REPORT
The Tree Commission balance as of April 2, 2018 was $10,332 with no new expenditures.
NEW BUSINESS
Communications:
3/15 - 33 Sill Lane - resident reported dead/dying tree by the roadside on Mill Lane
Mrs. DiCamillo visited the site and spoke with the homeowner. The tree’s trunk had a large crack on one side and was black on the lower portion. May be a fungus. Other than a few broken branches, it appeared to be healthy. She was not certain if it is a town tree and will contact the tree warden.
3/12 - 5 Hillside Road - sugar maple and Norway maple marked for removal by tree warden. Not certain they are town trees. Very poor condition. The tree warden asked Mr. Adanti, Director of Public Works, to determine the location and advise him of the outcome.
3/1 - 58 Buttonball Road - new resident reported dead tree in front of home
The tree warden visited the site and determined the tree is on the homeowner’s property.
2/28 - 11 Longacre Lane - resident reported a large tree leaning over wires across from the mailbox at 30 Saunders Hollow Road. Members were asked to inspect the tree limb.
2/22 - 7 Sill Lane - ash tree and sugar maple marked for removal
The tree warden detected signs of EAB in the ash. Sugar maple was in poor shape. He reported both trees to Eversource. If they do not take them down, the town should take care of them.
2/21 - 12 Library Lane - resident reported 6/7 small dead trees lining the road in front of home
The tree warden marked 14 (3-8inch caliper) dead or dying trees for removal.
2/20 - 4 Hillwood East - resident would like to remove a tree that her arborist believes is on town property.
The tree warden met with the homeowner. The tree was not a town issue. He offered to contact Eversource for her.
Pruning Estimates - review
Members reviewed pruning estimates for trees in four locations of town; the dogwood trees at Town Hall, the memorial flowering cherry at the Police Station, a white oak near 57 Hawks Nest Road and an oak at the corner of Liberty and Prospect.
Motion: Joan Flynn made a motion to approve the quotes for all of the trees, seconded by Anne Bing. All present voted in favor, motion approved.
MEMBERS REPORTS
Mrs. DiCamillo - follow up to member’s suggestion for tree planting adjacent to Rogers Lake Dam. The homeowner, who lives next to the dam, owns the property. The town does not plant on private property.
ADJOURNMENT
Next scheduled meeting will be held MAY 17, 2018 at 4:00 P.M. in Old Lyme Town Hall
Respectfully Submitted,
Joanne DiCamillo, Acting Clerk
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