Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
November 15, 2007
Attendance:
Members present: Anne Bing, Joanne DiCamillo, Gerry Foster, Adela Wilmerding
Members absent: Emily Griswold, Pat Moll, Joan Flynn, Tom Degnan
Guests: none
A quorum being present, Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 4 PM.
REPORTS
Clerk’s Report
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and accepted with the following amendment added by Gerry Foster: Tom Degnan will remind Ed Adanti about the other hazardous trees Tom has identified in town.
Treasurer’s Report
Joanne DiCamillo reported that the budget balance was $22,855 as of 10-31-07. The balance included a $350 payment to Tennett for tree trimming.
OLD BUSINESS
Tree Commission Annual Report
Joanne DiCamillo has submitted the Tree Commission’s Annual Report to the Town Clerk.
36 Lyme Street- trimming
Joanne DiCamillo reported that the Norway maple at 36 Lyme Street (Zallenger) was trimmed on November 14.
Town Tree Trimming & Removals
Joanne DiCamillo reported that three dogwoods on town property at Johnnycake Hill Road & McCurdy Road are being crowded by an American elm. The elm is on private property (Lawrence). The owners were contacted and did not object, so the tree was trimmed. The cost of trimming the elm and the Norway maple on Lyme Street was $300.
NEW BUSINESS
Roadside Trimming – members’ suggestions
The chairman asked the members to canvass town roads to identify candidates for our roadside-trimming program before the Dec. 20 meeting. In the past John Roach has made suggestions. She called Ed Adanti a few weeks ago, Acting Superintendent in John’s absence, to ask for his help.
There are Euonymus bushes blocking visibility on Brown’s Lane/Mile Creek Rd. They could be trimmed or possibly a few removed. Joanne sent a list of tree items to Tom Degnan to evaluate on 11/2 that included this item.
Gerry Foster reported that the Lyme’s Senior Center sign is blocked by brush when approaching from the west side of Town Woods Road.
Mr. Glass of 37 Coult Lane reported a dying tree next to a utility pole on the edge of his property. Joanne DiCamillo and Ed Adanti looked at the tree. Joanne stated that she felt the town maps should be checked to find out if it’s a town tree. She spoke with Ed Adanti and asked him to use the maps to confirm the location.
Joanne reported that the dead tree that John Whitmer complained about in the Village Estates development is not on town property.
Adela Wilmerding reported that the three dying trees on Buttonball Rd./ Old Shore Rd. still need to be removed. Joanne spoke with John Roach several months ago about these trees and will report them to the Tree Warden.
Joanne DiCamillo stated that Ed Adanti asked her if the town crew could remove or trim 1 shrub on the south Sill Lane Green, along Route 1, that is blocking visibility. Joanne believes that the Duck River Garden Club planted the shrubs some years ago. Members are requested to evaluate this shrub.
With the Tree Warden’s approval, Joanne contacted Susan Stotts of CL&P about the removal of the blue spruce on the Sill Lane Green.
2008-2009 proposed budget
Joanne DiCamillo will request the same budget amount as 2007-2008. There is a $4,000 carryover from the previous year, which will be used for tree maintenance and tree removal.
MEMBER REPORTS
October 25 Tree Conference Report
Gerry Foster and Joanne DiCamillo attended the Annual Tree Conference. Gerry and Joanne reported that the conference was very informative and especially enjoyed the breakout sessions which covered a variety of topics. Joanne reported that State Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal, spoke about the rights towns have to compensation from developers who cut trees down in Open Space or Land Trust areas. This happened in the Lords Woods proposed development when trees in the Wetlands and Open Space areas were clear cut beyond the outlined area.
Blumenthal reported that CT led a coalition to sue utility companies in the Midwest for damages caused by acid rain resulting from pollution they generate. Blumenthal also won a case against the DEP for failing to recognize greenhouse gas emissions as a problem
OTHER BUSINESS
Site Visit - Tantummaheag Landing
The site visit was canceled due to heavy rain. The visit will be rescheduled after Thanksgiving. The chairman will notify the members of the new date and time. The Town Landing Committee is considering improving a few of the town landing sites including Tantummaheag landing which may involve some tree removals.
Stump Removal Policy
Joanne DiCamillo reported that Tom Degnan, Tree Warden, recommends that the tree commission plant more trees and revisit the stump removal policy. Currently the tree commission does not remove stumps when trees are taken down. If a homeowner would like to have a removed tree replaced, the commission would remove the stump and replant a tree.
All members should look at the stumps on Ferry Road/Lieutenant River Lane, in front of the Village Shops property (Hannas) on Lyme Street, and the Wencks property to evaluate sites for possible stump and tree planting. A discussion on the policy will be continued at the Dec. 20 meeting.
Town Hall expansion – trimming/removal for new utility pole
Trees were trimmed at the town hall along the north driveway and by the utility pole in the rear to allow a new pole and wires to be installed, paid for by Town Hall Renovation funds. The river birch, in the front of town hall, was also trimmed. A white birch next to the river birch has been tied back to allow for the renovation, but may eventually have to be removed because it is very close to the new addition.
Nursery Wrap-up activities – hoses
The hoses have been disconnected and coiled. Members are asked to pick up their hoses. The nursery plants are doing well and have benefited by being watered all summer.
2008 Meeting Schedule
Joanne DiCamillo submitted the 2008 meeting schedule to the town clerk, and has emailed it to commission members.
Member’s information
Joanne DiCamillo has updated the member’s information.
Mail – CT Forest Conservation & Science Forum – UCONN Conference
Joanne informed the members of the forum being held at UCONN on November 20.
Congratulations – alternate member- Gerry Foster
Gerry Foster has graduated from Tree Warden School. Congratulations Gerry!
REMINDER
Next scheduled meeting is on Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 4 PM.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM.
Submitted by:
Martha Hansen
Clerk
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