All right. Good evening everybody. In compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act of 1975, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided. If any member has reason to believe that this meeting is being held in violation of this act, they should state so at this time.
Anyone have any comments? All right. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> All right, first roll call, please. Lauren, >> George A, >> here. >> George W is excused. Tracy >> here. >> Barbara is excused. Uh Jim, >> yes, here. Carol Sik
>> here. >> Kathy is excused and Carol York >> here. >> Okay. I trust we've all had time to review the minutes from last month's meeting. Uh they were emailed to us. Does anybody have any corrections or
anything to the mid I didn't see any issues? >> Motion to accept them as presented. >> Okay. >> I'll second it. Call >> George A >> here. I mean yes. >> Uh Tracy,
>> yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> here. I mean, yes. >> Follow the leader. >> All right. Now, we don't have any guests right now, but um so we'll go right down
to the removal requests. The first one is a street tree removal request which was 809 Kernney Avenue. And I did request that whenever it's a street tree that's being removed or being wanting to be removed that all commissioners should take a look at it. I did look at it.
George Warner looked at it. Um and I believe Carol, you did too. Would you like to comment on that? >> Sure. Um I saw the sidewalk had been raised a little. Probably some of that is due to the tree. It looks like it needs to be trimmed as you commented.
The roots seem to be, you know, stable. The tree seemed to be sturdy. I didn't see a reason for it to be >> right >> cut down. >> I agree with that. I took a look at the tree. It does need There is some deadwood at the top, not anything very extensive. It's a red maple. It's one of
three in that block. And um yes, there are some um sidewalk issues, but as Carol said, not all of them are because of the tree. and that owner can apply for uh our program with the with our sidewalk program. So,
anybody else have questions? >> I thought the same. I think it needs just to be trimmed. >> Okay. So, you looked at it, too. >> Okay. All right. Then I'll entertain a motion to keep that tree in place and deny the removal. >> I'll make a motion to deny the removal of the tree at 809 Kernney Avenue. Okay.
>> Seconded. >> George A. >> Yes. Tracy, >> yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes. >> And Carol York, >> yes. >> All right, moving on to residential tree
removals. We'll start with 1031 Ohio Avenue. This is uh the site of a new construction that's going to take place. But this is your district, right? >> Correct. Right. >> Why don't you comment on that? >> Um, sure. It's um it's a small cape and
the five trees in question are literally planted right next to the foundation. There's one on one side and four on the other side. And it would seem almost impossible to be able to remove the
trees or to move the house without affecting the trees. And I I think I don't know whether anyone's seen the pictures, but they are literally smack up against >> Yes. right against the foundation. >> And so if we were to deny it and leave the trees there, they're going to die
anyway when they >> Exactly. >> demolish the house. So agree. >> I would I would make an a motion to remove or to approve removing the trees. >> Okay. >> I also I know we had talked about a twofor one replacement, but they're literally in the >> in the footprint
>> in the footprint of the the building. So I would say that we wave the two for one. >> Okay. I also don't know is there a fee when when they're like within the footprint of the building? >> Yes. >> Um
if you're Carol, if I may ask, if you're asking for a wave, are you saying that we want to um bring in the monies for the uh $200
per? >> No. I'm not. >> You're not. Okay. That's you. It's your district. You have you have every right to to do that. That's fine. >> Well, first of all, I believe in this case what I assessed from these trees that some of them are more shrub than
tree. They're just >> All right. I would say four of the five look like trees. One is definitely looks like a shrub. >> Yeah. But >> one on the left side at the end. >> But there's not I mean even even if they weren't going to do this construction, those trees shouldn't be there. I mean,
they're really right up against the foundation to begin with. >> Exactly. Yeah. >> So, um I don't know if they have not submitted a a landscape plan that I'm aware of. >> No. And the tree the house is going to be demolished in within this week. >> Okay. Well,
>> so I don't know. Um I don't know what the rules are for submitting a >> landscape >> landscape plan >> because usually we like to see that the there's trees included the landscape. And I will I have to mention that one of
the workers at the the property uh the house belongs to the former mayor K May and he said >> he's very conscious of following the rule of the law. >> Well that's a plus. >> Wow. Okay.
>> So then two for the two for one. Well, >> I think we're going to have to >> I mean, that would be a two for one. That would be six, eight trees. >> I mean, maybe we should ask them, what are your plans? Like, what are your plan? Are you replacing any trees? Are
you planning to have this big? I know the the um the construction worker said there are plans for landscaping, but he was not aware of them. >> We don't know if trees are included. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, they are going to replace the
five trees for five trees. Is that is that going to be part of the motion? The only reason I ask this is I want to make sure that we're um consistent when it comes to the tree. >> That's the only thing I'm >> Okay. >> I'm a little leerary about as to not replacing. There should be
replacements for at least >> I agree. >> I agree. Um >> say approved >> on the condition on the conditions. >> Yeah. Do you have those photos with you from that site? >> You know, I have the
>> Oh, >> is that the >> new trees? So, the crepe myrtle dog would >> street tree remove only. >> What is the street tree there? We didn't know that there was any. >> Is there a street tree there?
>> This is Wait a minute. This is No, this is not >> That's not >> This is not the site. This is 1031 Ohio. This is 1249 >> Washington. >> Can I interject for a second? >> Sure. >> Oh, sorry.
>> Given the fact that we have >> Thank you. >> As a public entity property adjuster, I'm here to tell you that we've had our share of a lot of trees being taken out by wind,
snow loads, and after the fact, soft grounds due to all the rain that we had. So, these things are falling down. I'd like to be as
I'm going to be on the record and say I'd like to be as aggressive as we can possibly be to bringing back our plumage
in ways that we've never been before. We need to be aggressive to keep this up right now because if we start falling >> pictures, >> it's going to I think we're going to find ourselves in a bad bad situation and I just want to
make sure that our >> um >> this is Mahes. >> Our tree planes are on point. >> Well, I'm going to address the fallen trees in in just a bit. I wanted to just go through these removals, but I understand. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Um, all right. So, let's get back
to this 1031. >> All right. So, so we agree that we will approve the removal, but we will require a two for one replacement. >> Mhm. I think we have to go that route. We can't start looking. Um, >> and if they want if they don't want to
pay do the two for one, then they could pay the fee to the tree bank. >> Um, I would suggest so that we do two for one for four of the five trees because the one >> I agree >> looks more like a shrub than a tree. Yeah, I agree with that. >> And and that probably should not have to
be fair. >> They should not have to pay a a fee for that because it's not a tree >> as well. >> No, >> no fee. >> No fee for the one tree. So, they're only paying the fee for the four >> trees to be removed. >> Okay. >> And I'll put that in the >> Your motion was made.
>> No, only a recommendation. >> Oh, okay. >> Anybody have any other questions or discussion on that? >> I'll restate the motion. >> Yeah. Okay. I'll I'll second that restatement. >> Okay. >> I know that's not parliamentary procedure, but here we are. I don't
care. >> Thank you. >> Lauren, >> George A. >> Yes. >> Tracy, >> yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> All right. Next, we have 1249 Washington
Street. Again, um that's your district, Tracy. Yes. >> And I know you had a couple questions or comments. Would you like to bring those up? >> Um, I did look at the street tree and I didn't know that it you said it might have a disease.
>> Um, because it doesn't have any leaves now, so you can't really tell that the top half is >> I thought it just needed to be trimmed. >> It's uh I believe what happened with that one is it got emerald ashbor. It's interesting because we had one on Windsor Avenue that became a victim of
the emerald ashbor and then this one and yet we have one on Lafayette Street across from the school and it's perfectly fine. So this one kind of leafs out late in the season and it's it always has some dieback. If you look at the upper branches you can see that there's issues with the with the
branching. So um also I believe it must have been girdled at at a younger age because it's got a ridge around the base of the of the trunk. So, I think we might have to let that one go. >> Okay. >> And um >> the holly looked fine and it's actually beautiful and I don't know why you'd
want to remove it because it's a great barrier between their backyard neighbor. >> The swamp cedar that's between the two houses that's right along the fence. If I were the neighbor, I wouldn't want it there because I had one and it was okay by the
>> street tree committee a few years ago to take it down. It's makes a mess of the house and I could hear it lean. It's It needs to be trimmed at least because I could hear it >> rubbing against the house. >> Right. Well, we already approved the street tree, the uh vitex, the crepe
myrtle in the front yard and the large Norway maple in the back. My question, I guess, is I understood they they want to replace this with a >> with a line of hedges. No, with a pythia bush or something.
>> Sorry, buddy. >> I don't. >> So, I don't I'm not sure how they're going to do that if it's a driveway. They're still going to replace something there. Well, we'll have >> Okay. So, we'll have to do um two for
one on the cedar and the Norway forget because the Norway is that's diseased. It's half hollow. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, that's that we don't have to worry about the two for >> the holly stays. >> The holly stays uh two for one with the cedar and um
>> Well, I don't know about street tree. >> Yeah, I don't know about a street tree. >> Did we all look at the street tree? >> No, >> that we all have to vote on. >> All right, then we can revisit that street tree. >> Where is that tree? >> 1249. >> 1249. >> 1249 New York street. Cedar >> the project itself. Um, what kind?
>> New York. >> Ash. >> Ash. >> 1249. Washington. >> Washington. Yes. Okay. Yeah. >> Um, okay. So, would you like to make a motion, Tracy, about that? Which removals? >> Uh, to remove the cedar. Um, but to
leave the holly >> with the replacement of two for one for >> with replacement of two for one >> and we'll revisit the street. Right. >> Second. >> Okay. Roll call, please. George A. >> Yes. >> Tracy, >> yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes.
>> Carol York, >> yes. >> All right. Next one is 1517 Beach Avenue. This uh there's two trees located in the rear of the property. I visited that site. So did George Warner and so did Kathy. I do too. >> Okay. >> Do you have would you like to make a comment about it?
>> Oh, that's a tough one. >> Well, the problem is the holly is a beautiful holly tree. Unfortunately, it's growing right up against that building. I mean it really you can't do anything with that building and it's unfortunate but I think that one we have to let go. The vitex I don't see any
reason they they applied for a lilac bush to be taken down but it's a vitex tree and that could use a little bit of a pruning but there's nothing wrong with them. They're beautiful trees >> so we're going to deny that one. That's my recommendation and the uh allow the holly to come down and I think
>> in this case do we do the two for one because >> there's room in. Yeah, we'll do it with a two for one replacement or a contribution to the tree bank >> for the holly. Um >> I believe we also approved to have a
tree taken down at this location last year. >> 1517 beach and it was on their front lawn. >> I don't remember. >> Um >> I'll have to look for it. And and and I believe at the time um
The owner was told he needed to replace the tree and he said, "Oh, he had great plans to do that and nothing has happened on the propert." >> See, that's where we each district commissioner has to, >> you know, kind >> I'm going to look for it. >> Okay.
>> I'll let you know. >> All right. Before we move on with any more business, I wanted to take this opportunity to uh wasn't a motion or a second or vote. No. Okay. >> Sorry. Um, >> I'll make
um to uh approve the removal of the Holly Tree at 1517 Beach Avenue, but retain the light the Fitex was it? >> Yes. >> Yeah. With a two for one replacement. >> So seconded. >> George A. >> Yes. >> Tracy, >> yes.
>> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol Sik, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Well, then let's move on to old business first. Is there any old business that anyone wants to bring up? I don't have anything to bring up. Under
new business, I'd like to address the damages that were sustained to many trees throughout the city during this past snowstorm. First of all, I want to thank the city and the uh DPW for their cooperation in taking care of a lot of these branches and uh down trees in a
timely fashion. uh we've worked together and I think it was quite successful considering the the amount of devastation that took place. Um what I want to note too is there's four species of trees that sustain the most damage. The um southern magnolia which is an
evergreen so obviously that's going to hold more snow and more weight. So there was breakage. I did not see any of them come down but I did see broken branches on those. The second would be cedar which is also an evergreen and that held a lot of weight with the snow on the branches. Um we did lose a few
surprisingly but very few and the rest were breakage on the branches. The two main ones that that were um the most problematic were lean cyprus. Leeland cyprus is a fall risk at most times anyway because they have such a shallow
root system and then they get tall and heavy and they become almost topheavy. So it doesn't even take a snowstorm to get them down a lot of times. Sometimes just in a in a heavy rain with winds, you'll you'll find those falling over. We don't have those on our planting list and that's basically the reason for
that. I know people, you know, they're fast growing. They make a beautiful screen, but there are varieties of arborite that can be planted or again the cedar. And finally, the fourth species of tree that we no longer plant. And these trees were planted probably in the 80s or early 90s were the Bradford
pair. In fact, every street tree that came down was a Bradford pair except for one locust, but that was because of construction and the roots were cut. >> But the Bradford pair um they were mostly up in the village green area and those came down. >> So um and like I said, they're not on
our planting list either. But once again, I just want to say thank you to the city and to the DPW for their cooperation and to all the members here who uh did a great job going out and identifying where there were issues. >> Uh Vice Chairman Warner is not here for
a subcommittee report. Commissioner York, do you have anything in the treasur's report? >> I have nothing to report at this time. >> Uh Councilman, >> I'll I'll be brief. We received another $20,000 grant for the lantern flies. So, we're gonna
>> Oh, really? Wow. >> So, we're gonna probably split that up in a number of ways. Trees, information, and things like that. Um, as you know, this is the 175th anniversary of the city of Cape May, as
well as 250th of the nation and the 50th of our national historic landmark. Uh, there's a lot of events going on around town to celebrate it. Uh, one of the things I'd like us to be involved in some of these celebrations and just be uh recognized. Um, this one program
they're doing is 175 photos, you know, of Kate May. And I was thinking it'd be really cool to get the whole Shade Tree Commission and a photograph around our our flag, you know, once we're all together again and put put it as part of that. >> And we're also going to do a um
uh what's it called? uh >> time C capsule. Yeah. So, if you have any ideas or thoughts for that, let's think about it. And um I was thinking about uh if it's up to I mean, if it's okay with the commission, if we use some of our funds to uh just, you know,
purchase some swag to hand out to people, maybe little lantern fly buttons or something like that. >> Yeah, I do think that's a good idea. >> Help participate with this whole uh anniversary that we're having. >> I agree. And we're already I think was are we 40 or 45 years as a city.
>> 43 I think. >> 43. Okay. I think so. We have our own little anniversaries to be proud of too. >> Um Matt, you're here as a city landscaper. Do you have any comments to make? >> I guess
>> you have to say the microphone. >> Yeah. Do we have a spare mic? >> Oh, there you go. >> Oh, there's one over there. >> There's an extra one over there. I guess continuing what Shane was talking about, maybe we could do, and I think we discussed it, like a Arbor Day
event at the elementary school with the tree removal that's getting removed in the near future. I did talk to the superintendent the other day. Um, so that spruce tree will be removed and it's a perfect planting area. They were kind of leaning not to plant in the front of the property with new trees,
but I told him that's an established planting area. It would be great. So, he seemed into that. And if we could coordinate with like a an Arbor Day event with the kids, that would be really cool, too. >> When is Arbor Day? >> It's in April. >> April, the end of April. It's usually the last
>> the fourth fourth Thursday in April. >> I think Do we have a recommendation for it replacement? >> Well, we were talking about that Liberty tree, but the Liberty Tree is very small. So, I would rather go with some type of probably an oak or a beach tree there. Is there a way we can get that ordered so we can have it ready to plant
by day? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. American beach would actually be really nice. We lost those two large ones across from the physical estate. The old white the White House and >> they were they were the beautiful purple leaf beach. Yeah. >> Those around. >> Yeah. Yeah. I'll look into that too. >> Maybe that's a really cool opportunity
for us to do that group photograph. >> Yeah. >> And then Arbor Day picture and and uh publicity at the same time. I think that's a great idea. Um, anything else from you? >> I don't know. Maybe we should think of
doing a program, maybe bring our flag with us. I don't know. Just thinking. >> That's all. >> Okay. Anybody have anything they'd like to discuss further? >> I just got an email for 1212 Union Street. Did there's a tree that's down
on Union Street, but then sounds like they want to take down all the rest of the trees. I guess it's not on this agenda. Is it um >> it just came in on Friday. >> Do you have Do you know what that is? Let me see if I got it. >> 1212 Union. >> Yeah, that was received after the cut off for this meeting.
>> So, that'll be on next. >> That'll be on next. >> Yeah, because it's a ton. I think it's the old Leland Cypresses. >> So, one came down or actually it was like a clump, but then they want to remove and there's like 15 of them. So, I don't want to make that decision on my phone. >> Okay. >> What was
>> We'll take a look at that. 12212. >> Good idea. Pick it up. pick it up now in Lafayette, right? >> Right. Yeah, exactly. >> I looked at it. >> I get it. There were the house next door. I don't know if they really want to take those all out.
>> Did you >> I went today. Yeah. >> The the house next to the physics state. They came down like dominoes. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. They That was bad. >> No, I just >> Oh, the physicate >> next to it. >> They uh
accepted my proposal to remove some stuff there, but I don't know if they have permits yet or that's one >> This is the first I'm hearing about it. >> They have a huge oak in the front yard that's been dying. >> Yeah, that's that's >> and very dangerous. >> Yeah. >> So, they've hired us to do the work, but
I don't know if they permit >> I haven't seen a permit yet, so we'll have to wait until we get the permits, but I know what oak you're talking about. That's >> all trees that they want. Yeah. >> Okay. Well, they'll have to send in something because I didn't receive anything. All right.
>> Just one question about u trees that were damaged in the storm on private property. >> Um if homeowners want to remove it, obviously they come down, it's a danger, do they
need to get a permit to remove the tree? >> Um >> or if they I I I thought I was talking to Carol and I thought if they you send a picture of >> That's what we discussed at this at the subcommittee meeting. Um if there's if a homeowner has significant damage or a
fallen tree, um they're to submit a photo, we're going to wave the fee because it's storm damage and um and they'll have permission then to take it down, but they should still submit that photo and the um >> and if they do not submit a photo, what
>> Well, there's that's that's the problem. I mean, they have they really should submit a photo. The only way we can, you know, keep track of that is if they submit a photo with their address. Otherwise, you know, we're not going to know what's coming down and what isn't. >> Okay, that's what I did.
>> Yeah, agrees. >> All right. Anyone have anything else they'd like to discuss further? >> Yes. >> Yes. I had the opportunity to um to speak with the with members of the subcommittee on a very very um uh
liberal level. And I think that we have to start thinking about what needs to happen when we make a decision that there is a tree that is going to be removed.
and some kind of a diary that says, "Hey, you know what? This is is a tree that's going to be removed." And set a standard for the applicant or the homeowner that we say, "Hey, you know
what? We are going to hold you to this, but not by one district person or the district representative, but by the entire commission. And it would be I think it would be
grand if we said, "Hey, you know what? We're going to continue to do that kind of thing so we ensure that the trees are replaced or that there are monies coming back into our commission.
So I I'm I'm planting a seed here. Is there an um maybe an Excel program that we can get with Lauren and say, "Hey, if so that we are saying this that this
is here, this is when it was approved and then within 9 months of that situation, can we say we'll diary it out?" And about the followup of the of the
planting of trees. >> Yes. Yes, I am. I truly am. >> I think it's in our ordinance about the timeline. >> I believe it. It says 12 months, but but >> So, what do we want to do? Re each person just look at it. All right. This is 12 months later, make sure that it
was planted or can we just say to when you buy a tree, could you just submit the receipt and then we could check it off? >> Yeah, that that's exa that's exactly right. Exactly. I mean, I don't want to get to a situation where it's like, well, it's um 15 months passed and it's
like we didn't follow up. That would be horrendous. Well, then that we're going to have to tweak the u >> the ordinance. >> Well, maybe the ordinance, but not so much the ordinance, but the uh application. >> Yeah. because we'd have to put on there when it when it requires the replacement
of trees that they've got to >> please >> come back in 12 months. >> It does say 12 months on the application. >> So, but we're not I don't know how that's being >> and other than and if it's not by the end of the year we have to look and then
we'd have to go and visit. So, so, so I say an Excel um like an Excel program just to say, "Hey, these are things that we can just keep on looking at." And then every meeting we have that and then
we're not stuck with like um or excuse me, we're not unstuck. We have an opportunity to actually investigate every one of those opportunities to make sure that the trees are either replaced or we got $200
for every tree that should be back. >> So, we have to keep a record then of the dates that all of this was done. Yes. Kind of get really >> month by month like at the end of each once you vote on it >> then it like once we're finished with the meeting. Yeah. Like then Lauren
would have to compile that on >> 12 months later. Right. And Lauren, I I I I I appreciate that that this is maybe some extra work for you. I apologize for that. But I we're trying to at a time right now that
we're trying to keep our um our trees up. I I think this is more um rudimentary. I think we need to actually do this right now. And folks, if you agree, I' I'd
appreciate some support on this. >> Yeah, I think it's a great idea. Okay. >> Yeah, I think >> kind of closes the loop on the ordinance. >> Yeah, >> George, I have a question about trees that were fallen during the storm. Like in my case, I one of my
>> So, I plan to plant a tree in place of that, >> right? >> But is that something that we should see >> when a tree comes down an emergency situation? We have not in the past required >> two for one. >> I mean I'll do it because I want to do it. I don't know if it's
>> totally required. >> Not been our practice, >> but we'll have to >> revisit that too. >> One for just plant a new one for one >> if it's storm damage. >> But I guess you can't enforce that because it wasn't something that the
homeowner >> did. It was just happened. >> It's called the act of God immunity. What's that? >> It's called the act of god immunity. >> Yeah. >> I'm sorry. I just I'm an insurance
adjuster by trade and public entity. So >> yeah. >> So but if you're doing it on your own valition that means that you have some integrity and we appreciate that. >> I like the trees. I wouldn't be here. Yeah. >> Yes ma'am. Yes ma'am. Of course.
>> Thank you. >> All right. Any other discussion on >> Thanks for entertaining me on that. I appreciate that. >> Yeah. No, I think it's a good point and we'll have to get to getting that onto the the application in a follow-up list. All right. Anyone have anything else?
>> If not, I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So seconded has to make the first motion. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Who wants to make a motion? >> Motion. Oh, Carol s. >> Okay. And then Jim seconded. All those in favor? >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. I >> I