Minutes of a meeting of
The Old Lyme Tree Commission
January 17, 2008
Attendance:
Regular members present: Joanne DiCamillo, Pat Moll, Adela Wilmerding
Alternate member: Gerry Foster
Members absent: Anne Bing (regular), Joan Flynn (alternate), Emily Griswold (regular), Tom Degnan (ex-officio)
Guests: none
A quorum being present, Chairman Joanne DiCamillo called the meeting to order at 4:06 PM.
A quorum of regular members not being present, Gerry Foster was authorized to vote.
Emily Griswold was seated at 4:15 PM.
REPORTS
Clerk’s Report
The minutes of the 12/20/07 meeting were reviewed. Joanne DiCamillo requested one correction. Under Old Business, Senior Center Sign, the sign is obscured from view when approaching from the north (not east). Gerry Foster moved to accept the minutes as amended. Adela Wilmerding seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Treasurer’s Report
Joanne DiCamillo reported that the budget balance was $20,995 as of 12/31/2007, the same as on 11/30/2007. There was no activity in December.
OLD BUSINESS
Ferry Road & Rte. 156 - evaluation
Neighbors in the area have contacted Joanne DiCamillo with requests to have the area cleaned up. The euonymus shrubs need to be trimmed or removed. There are dogwoods that are covered in vines. Vines should be removed and the entire area is in need of work. The commission discussed the possibility of planting some trees to create a more attractive entrance to Old Lyme Village. Joanne spoke with the First Selectman about the area. The Sedgewicks, whose property is screened by the euonymus, should be contacted before they are trimmed. Joanne will contact the Sedgewicks.
High Hopes – sightline problem
The sightline looking south is partially blocked by a tree at the entrance to the High Hopes driveway. They would like the tree removed. Joanne DiCamillo looked at the tree, which was marked with a yellow ribbon. She feels that if the brush was removed between the tree in question and the High Hopes sign, the sightline would be greatly improved and the tree could be saved. The other commission members will look at the area and report back at the February 21 meeting.
Senior Center – sightline problem
No discussion
NEW BUSINESS
Joanne DiCamillo asked for a motion to add three items to the New Business agenda. Gerry Foster moved to add Town Landfill Tree Removal, Huntley Rd Trimming and Additional Areas of Concern for Clean up to the agenda under New Business. Emily Griswold seconded the motion.
Town Landfill Tree Removal, Additional Areas of Concern for Clean up & Huntley Rd trimming
First Selectman Griswold contacted Joanne DiCamillo about the need to remove a tree near the entrance to the town landfill. The entrance needs to be widened to allow proper traffic flow for the new transfer station.
Joanne mentioned to the First Selectman that residents have reported that the shoulder of the road and several trees on the southwest side of Huntley Road, near the old Texaco Station, are covered with bittersweet vines and brush which obscure the sightline. The Tree Commission contracted to have this area cleaned up in 2002 or 2003. The vines and brush were removed and the trees trimmed at a cost of approximately $2300.00. Joanne discussed with First Selectman Griswold about the possibility of having the town crew attempt to clean it up it this year to save additional funds from being spent on this location. First Selectman Griswold suggested other areas that he would like to see cleared of vines and brush including the embankment along I-95, abutting the Lyme Academy College property on Lyme Street.
The discussion also included the litter on the embankment on the Hall’s road side of I-95. He will talk with Ed Adanti regarding the town crew’s assistance in cleaning these areas.
Adela Wilmerding mentioned that the Lyme Street I-95 entrance ramp embankment had been cleared but was left in a very unattractive state.
Request – letter from Tree Commission regarding hazardous tree
The property owner at 5 Heflon Farm Road notified the town hall about a hazardous tree on an adjacent lot on Littlefield Lane. The tree is in bad condition and the neighbor is concerned about damage to his property. The commission members discussed the problem, and decided that since the tree is on private property the neighbor should contact the tree owner directly (by certified mail) to notify him of the problem.
Joanne DiCamillo will contact the Selectman’s office and tell them of the commission’s decision.
MEMBER REPORTS
Adela Wilmerding reported that Stanford Brainerd requested that a tree be planted on Ferry Road/Lieutenant Lane to replace one that was removed.
Joanne DiCamillo reported that a local arborist contacted her about a tree in the Old Lyme Shopping Center that had been topped and left standing. He was doubtful that a licensed arborist had performed the work. He stated that state law requires that only a licensed arborist may trim trees located in public areas, including shopping centers. Several other trees in the Old Lyme Shopping Center have been badly trimmed and should be evaluated by an arborist. Joanne suggested that he contact Mr. Prosser, President, Old Lyme Stores Inc. since the shopping center is privately owned.
OTHER BUSINESS
Recent tree activity & postings
The Tree Warden, Tom Degnan, has posted several trees for removal on the Buttonball & Old Shore Roads triangle and by the stop sign on Buttonball Road. The Tree Warden has recommended that new trees be planted to replace them. A few of the neighbors are concerned about the tree removal. Emily Griswold agreed to speak with them. Joanne asked the commission members to evaluate the site and suggest tree varieties to plant.
There is a hazardous tree on private property close to the stop sign on Buttonball. Joanne asked Adela Wilmerding to speak with the owners about removing the tree.
Barbara Traskos, of 46 Lyme Street, spoke with Joanne about the possibility of moving up the planting time to spring 2008 for the new trees and shrubs planned for the south side of town hall property. Currently, the new landscape design plan is scheduled for installment in August/September 2008. Ms. Traskos is concerned about noise and would like to have the area planted as soon as possible to provide a barrier between the two properties. Joanne will recommend that Stephen Wing, the project landscape architect, be consulted. Joanne also spoke with John Forbis about the location of outdoor faucets on the new building wings and expressed concern about who will be responsible for watering the extensive new landscape plantings and how it will be done.
Sill Lane Green – sightline complaint
Ed Adanti received a sightline complaint regarding the yews on the Sill Lane Green. Joanne DiCamillo told him that the Garden Club planted the yews and suggested contacting the president before they are trimmed or removed.
Historic District Commission Sculpture Policy
Joanne DiCamillo reported to the Historic District Commission that the members of the Tree Commission were not comfortable becoming involved with approving “landscape” plans for screening sculptures. The members have agreed to act as advisors to the HDC regarding the selection and temporary placement of trees and shrubs.
REMINDER
Next scheduled meeting is on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 4 PM at the Lymes’ Senior Center.
ADJOURNMENT
Adela Wilmerding moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:25 PM, Gerry Foster seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Submitted by:
Martha Hansen, Clerk
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