Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
September 20, 2007
Attendance:
Members present: Joanne DiCamillo, Gerry Foster, Emily Griswold, Pat Moll, Adela Wilmerding.
Members absent: Anne Bing, Tom Degnan, Joan Flynn.
Guests: Susan Stotts
A quorum being present, Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM and welcomed Susan Stotts, the SECT Representative for CL & P, Head Arborist. Ms. Stotts replaces Steve Childs, the interim representative.
REPORTS
Clerk’s Report
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Treasurer’s Report
Joanne DiCamillo reported that there is no report this month due to the Town Hall accounting software being installed. She reported that the last balance on June 30, 2007 was $4,050.71 and that she had written a letter to the First Selectman requesting that the carryover from last year would be placed into the 2007-08 fiscal years’ budget under hazardous tree removal and tree maintenance. Joanne noted that there are two outstanding bills not yet deducted: 1) $125 for mulch from Old Lyme Landscape and 2) $75 for a payroll expense.
With a motion by Adela Wilmerding, seconded by Pat Moll, and unanimously passed by members, the agenda was changed to cover New Business first and allow Susan Stotts to report to the members.
NEW BUSINESS
CL & P Trimming
Susan Stotts reported that CL & P is currently on a seven-year cycle for trimming. With possible additional funding in the future, it may begin a four-year cycle. Due to the shutdown of the substation by the former Bess Eaton, there will be some overlap of trimming until CL & P can reconfigure areas so as to get all the properties on one circuit. It is currently looking at three months of trimming on Town Woods Rd., Rogers Lake Rd., Boggy Hole Rd., Whippoorwill Rd, Rt. 1, Grassy Hill Rd, and Rte. 156 with all its tap roads (i.e. Bill Hill Rd., Blood St., Coult Ln.). Susan also reported that CL & P treats stumps with an herbicide to keep from sprouting new growth. Joanne DiCamillo gave Susan her email address and requested that she receive a list of roads where work will be done in the future as well as the area map. This will help to improve communications between the Tree Commission and CL & P, prevent unnecessary overlap of trimming work resulting in reduced expenses for the
town. There was discussion regarding ABC’s tree trimming practices in the past. Susan will monitor and work to “keep the power on but do it in a considerate manner”. Susan asked the Commission to contact her with any questions in the future.
Removals
An invasive Ailanthus tree was removed at 67 Sill Lane at the homeowner’s (Hine) request. A dead maple was removed from another site on Sill Lane. Three more trees need removal.
It was noted by members that the dead trees at Button Ball Rd./ Old Shore Rd. have not yet been removed.
Town Landing Committee Report
Joanne DiCamillo reported that First Selectman, Tim Griswold, formed a Town Landing Committee comprised of all the Chairs of the land use committees. The Committee was formed in response to objections from several community residents to a land swap proposal suggested by Diana A. Johnson for a Town Landing at Tantummaheag Rd. The Committee has met three times to determine location of Town landings, which are car or kayak accessible, and whether to improve the landings for recreational use. The Committee has walked three locations: Tantummaheag, Buttonball Rd/Black Hall, and Katherine Rd.
OLD BUSINESS
Town Hall Nursery Update
Gerry Foster reported that she had replaced washers and tightened connections to prevent leakage from hoses. She noted that the lilac has yellow leaves. After discussion, members thought that the tree might be getting too much water and should receive less in the near future. Barbara Traskos, neighbor, informed Joanne DiCamillo that the Commission members could use her faucets to water. Members discussed that the hoses could only be used on Saturdays when no trucks would drive over them. Joanne DiCamillo noted that she had complained to Steve Wing who informed John Forbis regarding the damage to the Norway maple as well as her concerns for the dogwood and birch in the front of Town Hall and the elm growing in the rear. John called Sav-A-Tree who tied back one of the leaders on the birch to protect
it from possible construction damage. Fencing was installed around all of the trees. She stated that pruning on the azaleas in front should be done next year.
Requests for Tree Planting
110 Mile Creek Road (Wenck) has asked if they could plant two new trees. Joanne DiCamillo asked members to evaluate the site and respond with comment to her.
61 Sill Lane (Tolderlund) had a stump removed and would like to plant another tree. Members are to look at the site and respond with comments.
MEMBER REPORTS
Tree Planting Locations
Joanne DiCamillo asked members for any suggested tree planting locations. A discussion followed with possible ideas of Halls Road, 156 opposite Ferry road, and opposite Cooley Gallery. Joanne DiCamillo suggested that new trees be planted only in the fall to enable them to establish a stronger root system. This will help them to survive the droughts experienced in the past few years during late summer.
OTHER BUSINESS
Public Works Department
John Roach is on a leave of absence for medical reasons. Ed Adanti from the Department of Public Works has currently replaced John until further notice.
Tree Evaluations
Joanne DiCamillo reported that 36 Lyme Street (Zallenger) has requested an evaluation of a maple whose branches are touching the roof.
After review, a maple on Lyme Street at the OL Village Shops (Hannas) is tagged for removal.
Three trees on the town right of way were trimmed at 68 Sill Lane (DiCamillo).
First Selectman’s letter to Van Patten (Mile Creek Road)
Tom Degnan notified the First Selectman regarding the issue of the dead limb on the Van Patten property on Mile Creek Road. The First Selectman wrote a letter dated September 17, 2007 indicating that unless he hears from them by September 24, 2007 and is supplied proof that the tree is not on Town property that the Town will have the work done.
19th Annual Conference on Urban & Community Forestry in CT
This conference will be held on September 25, 8-3 in Wallingford. Joanne DiCamillo stated that the Tree Commission’s education budget would pay for any member that would like to attend. Members should contact Joanne if they can attend as well as their preference on breakout sessions.
REMINDER
Next scheduled meeting is on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 4 PM.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 PM.
Submitted by:
Janet S. Cody, Clerk
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