your [ __ ] cell phones. >> Bring the meeting to order. >> Whoa. >> Incompliant. Don't get carried away. >> Hey, I don't do that often. In in compliance with the >> Did you break it? >> Not yet. In compliance with the Open Public Meetings 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. 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. Would you do roll call, please, Lauren? >> George A. >> Here.
>> George W. >> Tracy >> here. >> Carol Sik >> here. >> Carol York >> here. >> Kathy >> here. Anita needed turn your >> All right. Next is uh approval of the
minutes of the May 13th meeting. I'm assuming we had all had time to look over those minutes. Are there any changes that anyone feels need to be made? >> All right. If not, I'll entertain a motion to approve the minutes from last month's meeting. I'll make a motion to
approve the minutes of last month's meeting. >> Second, please. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> George A. >> Yes. >> George W. >> Yes. >> Tracy, >> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy, >> yes.
>> Anita, >> yes. >> All right. Um, members of the public, welcome back. Okay, first I want to thank you for the opportunity. Um,
I'm not going to go into a lot of the the detail that I went to at last month's meeting, but there is some things I want to bring up. Uh my request was to remove six Japanese black pine trees from my backyard, two of which were severely damaged from the uh
February snowstorm. And I have received uh permission to take those down and I have met with tree barber who I have used for for years for my lawn and other other things. Um he is he has come over and taken a look at the trees going to
uh actually scheduled it for next week to do the removal. Excuse me, Bob. I hate to interrupt you on your on your train of thought, but can you introduce yourself and tell us where you live? >> Yeah, the address from the identifying. >> I should know better. Yeah, you're on the pling board. Um Bob Gorgone, 1100
Missouri Avenue, Kate May. Um so anyway, that the uh of the six trees, I I requested to have all of them removed for a number of reasons. Um one, the mess. Uh, I think I mentioned before I clean up probably about three times,
maybe four times a year 12 bags of pine needles each time. In fact, I was looking at my next door neighbor next to his garage and and the pine needles, he does not maintain it because no one's been living there for a while, but the pine needles there are over six inches deep.
Anyway, um but the thing with those trees is if if I'm required to uh pay the replacement cost to the city, uh that's just way too much money and I can't afford it. So, um if unless uh that portion gets waved, um
I'm not going to remove the trees uh because I just can't afford it. Um there is one tree there though in the middle that I think is it's it's uh growth of it is is stunted because of the two trees on either side of it. It is leaning on the my neighbor towards my
neighbor's property and I am worried about that tree at some point in time if we have a bad storm of either portions of it or the tree itself coming down onto my neighbor's property. So I just want to state that. Um, regarding the
other trees, like I said, uh the two trees that I have approval uh to remove are coming down uh next week, the third tree on that side, um tree barber took a look at that because I I want to get it pruned and and I have pictures of the
tree if you want to see them, but um I need to remove roughly threeish or so feet um on on the side closest to my house and on my neighbor's property and even uh top it. So there would be a
pruning. And looking at it on the side adjacent to the middle tree of the three trees, there's a lot of dead branches there. Um and uh tree barber figures that you when we take down the other two trees, it's going to expose a lot of
dead wood. And he has estimated that probably 20 to 25% more or less of that side of the tree with that dead wood that dead wood has to come off which is going to be a bare side of the tree and the tree is going to be uneven and uh could cause some
issues in the in the future of excuse me of that tree um uh creating some problem and some some danger uh and in addition to being really unsightly because you're going to have almost one whole side of
the tree bare because the deadwood does have to come down uh come off the tree. So, I'm uh requesting that that be put in the same category as the other two trees that I have uh approved to to remove. And you know, I think the the
ordinance does uh cover that type of a situation. um the treere's age, size, and species, uh including whether it is invasive, and I know Kate May does not consider that invasive. Um other communities in New Jersey do consider it
invasive, including uh Beach Haven. Uh they prohibit new inground plantings of the Japanese black pine and legally classify them as nuisance/ invasive plants. uh Avalon which actively targets and
removes uh infestations in dune systems with this is something that was funded by an NJD grant and this is to uh protect maritime forests and this uh Brigantine they've actively removed the pine trees from sand dunes to protect
native species and mitigate fire risks in the dunes so uh other other states I had mentioned before have also banned them Massachusetts and Delaware in particular popular um because they are considered invasive and they are
non-native trees. Um they uh location of the tree also um is my backyard. It's not on um uh it's not part of the streetscape. It's not part of the canopy that you see going down the streets. So
that tree would be standing alone pretty much bare in the other side. Um, I mean, I have a text from my uh uh uh tree guy from the tree barber uh that states that, you know, when he removes the two trees, he's going to and and does
appropriate pruning of the other tree that one side of it or a good part of one side of it is going to end up being bare because of the dead wood that's in there. Some of that caused by storm damage and a lot of that uh just because of how the trees grow.
So, >> I visited the property. I don't recall seeing that tree being that bad, but I certainly can look at it again. However, I don't know if anybody has questions about this comment. >> I'd like I if I just want to >> Well, I thought you were finished. I'm sorry. >> One one thing on on that just on the
timing just again so I don't have to, you know, repay the the tree guy to do all of his setup and take down of all of his equipment. Um, you know, I don't know if there's any way of expediting an answer in that. so I can have them all done at the same time. >> When is he scheduled to do the other two
trees? >> All I know is next week. >> Okay. >> This is your your district, isn't it? >> You have any comments on >> I I have pictures that I can show you of um where I feel the problems are.
>> Are they the same pictures we saw last time? >> Well, I I took a new one and I kind of marked it up. Bear with me. this one. >> I'll go back. Carol, while I was looking, do you have any comments on
that? >> Um, I I didn't notice the first tree. I noticed the damage on the second and third trees, and I'm good with that. But I would like to go back and take another look at the first tree on the right side. The one close
>> the one that supposedly has the the going to have the dead wood on the one side of it. >> Yeah. This this is the tree here and it's it's the one this is the towards the front. >> Right. Right. So behind. >> Right. So the two behind are coming down. This is the one that once the
other two come down, it's going to expose all the dead wood on the back side of the tree. >> Try to get a picture of the dead wood. >> Yeah. It's hard to see. >> I know it. I know it is. And this is just kind of a rough um estimate on what the pruning would be putting a little bit on top there.
>> I mean, I'm more than willing to come back and look at the first tree. >> Um >> I can go too. >> Yeah. But but right now I wouldn't agree to taking down that tree. >> Well, I'm going to get a prune anyway while he's there. >> Sure.
>> I'm going to have the deadwood taken up. Well, I I think part of the what the weighing of the scales in this particular case is that if he takes down 25% or more of the tree, he'll be violating an ordinance that was just passed by city council. And that is which is recommended by his tree
professional. So, it's either he violates the rules one way or and here's the other thing. If he takes down that much uh of the tree, say it's more than 25%, is that going to affect the tree? Is that going to certain way? And uh I
mean I mean >> he says it's caused by storm damage. I mean I I' I've looked at the trees. You know I live in that neighborhood. So >> I'd like to suggest since this this is a a new variable that's been put in >> uh over and above the initial application was that we defer any
decision until next month's meeting and encourage all the commissioners to take a visit >> to this site and prepared to discuss it in July. >> I am going to take the two trees down. I I got to get them down. They're a total eyesore. I got all dead dead material.
>> You were given that for me last month. >> This is on the third tree. >> I know. So, it's going to cost me more than it would cost having them all done at the same time. Just pointing that out that that's an added expense that I have to bear
>> unless we get there. >> Um, well, is there any way we can >> There's no way of expediting that. >> Well, I'm just just going to ask. Is there any way we can expedite looking at the tree and making a determination before next month's meeting so that Mr.
Gorgone does not >> uh you know incur additional expenses >> on the tree removal? >> I can I can go by >> I can go by >> that's reasonable. Do we what about the >> whole email in? Is that how it would
>> I guess we'd be able to teach each email in individually >> email you? >> I mean I don't know that >> that's up to the discretion I think of the city manager at that point point >> because at this point we're kind of either tableabling this discussion or
denying it. >> So we don't have the option Shane. Is that what you're saying? I'm saying as a as a formal board or a commission that we are, we definitely should not be having conversations through email.
>> Okay. >> I would agree. >> I wasn't sure if I >> that violates open public meetings act which George chairman just read in the beginning. >> Well, then then our our choice now is to approve it or disapprove it. If we disapprove it, you certainly have the right to appeal to the city manager or
our code >> and he he's required to take our comments into consideration. Correct. >> So if you have a comment and you want to see the tree, you know, email our secretary and that way it can be filtered from her to the city manager without violating violating the open
public meetings act. >> If you feel Lauren >> Lauren Yes. >> Well, I would I would think in order to to start the appeal process, we'll have to deny the application. >> Correct. But are we just denying the application
to remove the third tree because the first two trees have already been >> That's already been approved. >> Correct. They have been approved. Yes. >> Right. Yeah. >> Do you have a recommendation? >> Would you rather us approve it or deny it and then get back to you over the weekend? And
>> I I'd like it approved. I mean I don't >> Sure. >> I mean I you know I mean I've got a text from my from a professional there that uh >> What do we do? >> I'm gonna have a bear. you know what's I'm going to get a prune while he's out there anyway because in case you deny it, >> you know, I mean I I I've I've already
spent three months trying to get this thing resolved. >> Well, >> and I and you know, another month and it could be another I don't know how long it's going to take. >> Certainly not taking the 45 days that is suggested in the ordinance. >> Yeah, >> I would put this variable or this uh
possible solution on the table if you wanted to. I would say we'll approve that tree as long as you plant two other trees and there you have sir you were I'm just saying what you we discussed you were talking about pollinators you wanted to get pollinators I'm not talking about planting a huge shade tree
at this point you can plant um red buckeye or fringe tree they stay small and they they attract pollinators you know you can put two of those in your garden in place of this third pine >> and they're not a large tree >> what kind of what kind of trees are they
>> uh there's white fringe. There is um red buckeye. They're usually a multi- trunk tree or even sweet bay magnolia. They're all native species. >> Traditional evergreens or anything like that. >> Traditional ever well evergreens are going to have the same issue that you have now. They're going to drop needles
3inch needles. >> Well, you can do American holly, but those needles are like >> arborvite >> for an arborite wants them removed. But >> did they do this if they do drop their neighbor?
>> I mean I would any >> what other comments does anyone else have? I mean it's you know >> well I was going to make a motion that um I agree with what George put forth is that we agree to take the third tree down on the condition that two trees are
planted in its place. >> And it doesn't have to be in that location. It could be the back of your property. It could be in the back of the yard. It could be in your front door >> to be able to dig there would be I'd >> no heavy. >> And there's other tree species too. There's there's Carolina silver bells a
native species and they're they're not a large growing tree either. >> Can any of those go in the curb? >> Well, we usually usually the city provides the curb cut trees. Yeah. You don't have curb. You don't have a city street tree. >> They they took that down 20 years ago. >> Okay. Well, >> the city did.
>> Yeah. If you purchase it, we can plant it there, I would think. >> Yeah. other. Yeah, that's fine. You could put one there and put something else in that. >> You would need a How do I I mean, >> you would just need to let us know what species you're considering. We would tell you if that's
>> Is there Is there a list somewhere? I don't need to be up. Yeah. And we have other We have other trees. >> There's a list on the website. >> There is a list list on the website. And uh and if you want other opinions on the you know, if you make a decision, say, I think this tree will work. If you want
an opinion on it, we're we'd be happy to weigh in with that, too, and work with you with that. And then just put a small, you know, like one of the other trees I suggested in the back. >> You don't have to do a three-inch caliber. >> No, no, no. >> Mr. Chairman, there is there is another option of contribution to the tree back. >> Yeah. Or else
>> with the size of that tree that is $600. >> Just want to let you know there that there was another option. >> So, do we have any commentary or does anybody want to make the most trees? >> Okay. I would I would make a motion to do exactly what you just described
>> to allow the removal of the third correct >> pine and replace with two smaller >> right >> two other trees. Okay, >> I'll second it. >> Okay. >> Is there a time frame on planting the trees? I know there's certain times of the year you shouldn't be planting. >> Yeah, we usually say 90 days, but because we're in a drought, we'll we can uh let that go a little longer.
>> Till the fall. >> We'll be back to look. >> Yeah. >> Plus, you'll be in conversation with him about the street tree. >> Yeah. >> With us >> because it is going on the rightway. So, we can't put we don't want certain species. >> You have to get permission from someone to put one in on the curb line. >> Well, you'll have to get you'll have to
get a your contractor, whoever is going to plant the tree for you, we'll have to call the 800 dig before they call for the uh to make sure they're not going into any utility lines and things like that. And you don't have a sprinkler system there. >> You might be better off putting them in the backyard.
>> Yeah. Well, no, that there's no charge for that. They come out and they just mark it. >> I know. I I yeah I dealt with them for 20 years. So >> Okay. So we have a motion on the table. Lauren, would you do a roll call, please? >> Is there a second to the motion? >> Yes. Carol second. >> George A.
>> Yes. >> George W. >> Yes. >> Tracy, >> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy, >> yes. >> Anita, >> yes. >> Okay, good. >> Thank you. Thank you for your time.
>> Yeah, that's good. And just so everybody knows, I don't have a vote here. I'm just a leazison to the council in case you didn't understand this. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Good night. >> All right, let's move on to the street tree
removals. 1211 Delaware. >> That is the one in your district. >> That's the one in my district. It's a large tree uh in full leaf and the homeowner was concerned that it has some fissures and there's large branches that
are look like they've got gaps between that and the trunk of the tree and she thought that might cause uh problems for the tree. And I guess after discussion with George and Carol, we decided that
its time has not come yet and we're going to deny the application to remove that street tree. >> Right. Do you want to make a motion on it? >> Now, I don't know. Um, we also said that every commissioner has to look at a street tree. >> That's right. Before it can be
>> I don't know whether it's premature to say we're denying the application. >> I didn't I have a picture of it. I don't know if that counts. I did look at it and I do have a question about the city water shut off is under the tree. >> So >> I thought they moved that. >> They did.
>> Okay. So it's not under the tree. >> I I'm just seeking clarification. I >> I don't know. >> Yeah. >> Because I think >> is that in the >> That's probably that tree was planted before they did all the >> checking for utility lines. That tree is there quite a while.
>> Have the probably there well over 30 years. under tree. >> See here had to relocate. >> Yeah. So it was >> on the on the application city water shut off under tree had to relocate. >> It's not like it has >> So it has already been >> relocated.
It has already been >> that must be the old >> everybody has this under. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Well looking at it this way count. >> I think I think pictures count. What do you think? >> No. I demonstrated it but she Oh, now she says she didn't.
>> Yeah. I think it's a pretty uh healthy tree for >> a pretty concur I took a look at. It looks pretty good. >> That's a rare one for that species. >> I think it would be >> okay. >> Kind of a shame. >> Yeah. So, want to make a motion to deny
the rem. >> I'll make a motion to >> I'll make a motion to deny the request to remove the tree at 1211 Delaware Avenue. >> I'll second that. >> Thank you. >> Roll call. >> George A. Yes, >> George W. >> Yes, >> Tracy.
>> Yes, >> Carol Sick. >> Yes, >> Carol York. >> Yes, >> Kathy. >> Yes, >> Anita. >> Yes. >> Next on the agenda is 604 Madison, which technically I'm, you know, it says 109 Vermont. >> 109
Mount Vernon. I'm sorry. >> 109 Mount Vernon. That's my reading. Um that is a Leland Cypress that is in the back and it's really on the um it's on the city right away. I guess it's above Cape Island Creek, but the lay cypress
blew over in the storm. I mean it's completely sideways. So that's going to have to be taken down. There's there's there's no way of doing anything with it. It's it's down. It just has to be cut apart. In fact, public works could actually probably do that. We should probably forward this to them. did
>> public works. >> Public works and I don't have a picture. >> Um they didn't send a picture with the application either. >> They didn't send a picture of the application. >> No requirement. >> It's a requirement on private property but for public property I don't know >> public property
>> but it we since it is on public property we are supposed to all look at it >> even though it's in the back. So I think we may need to wait with that until other people weigh in on it. >> So we'll defer this until >> we'll defer that till the next meeting. So, >> yes. >> So, the one at 109 Mount Vernon,
>> is it a hazard? >> No, it's in the back. It's >> Oh, okay. It's not going to hurt anything. >> No, it's it's behind the property line. >> Because it was a street tree. I was looking in front of that. >> No, it's Yeah. No, it's kind of It's just on the city right away. It's not on street. >> All right.
>> So, we're deferring. Yes. July. >> All right. 1100 Missouri. We already did that. 1263 Illinois. Carol. >> Okay. Uh 1263 Illinois is a evergreen tree that blew over in the storm and
it's leaning against their side deck or porch and uh I would recommend that it be removed. >> Okay. And we're going to wave that $75 fee. >> Yep. We're waving the fee and we're waving the requirement to replace it.
>> Okay. >> All right. >> That's what I'm seeing. Storm damage. >> Storm damage. Yep. >> Want to make a motion, Carl? >> Sure. I make a motion to approve the removal of the tree, the pine tree at 1263 Illinois Avenue with no requirement
for uh to pay a fee or to replace uh a tree to replace the tree with the two for one requirement >> due to storm damage. Right. >> Due to due to storm damage. >> I'll second it. >> Roll call, please. >> George A. >> Yes. >> George W. Yes,
>> Tracy. >> Yes, >> Carol Sik. >> Yes, >> Carol York. >> Yes, >> Kathy. >> Yes, >> Anita. >> Yes. >> All right, moving on. 921 Washington Street is a multi-runked um
malberry, but it's it's in full leaf. It's not in danger of doesn't look to be in danger of falling over. Um, so Matt uh took a look at it, too. It does have some rotting at the base.
>> So, we can allow the um my opinion is we can allow the removal, but they would have to be held to the two for one replacement or else a contribution to the tree bank. >> I've looked at it also and I completely concur with George's analysis there. >> Would you like to put that in the form
of a motion? Um um move the the application for 921 Washington Street be approved with uh the proviso that it is subject to the two for one or tree bank uh okay
provisions. >> Okay. >> Anybody want to second that motion? >> I'll second it. >> Roll call, please. >> George A. >> Yes. >> George W. >> Yes. >> Tracy, >> yes. >> Carol Zik, >> yes. Carol York, >> yes.
>> Kathy, >> yes. >> Anita, >> yes. >> All right. 1420 Pennsylvania Avenue. >> Okay. 1420 Pennsylvania Avenue is in my district. >> I know.
>> It's a very large dead tree. And um >> it is it is dead. >> It is very dead. >> I know. I I took a look at it. And I I would make a motion that we approve the removal of the tree with the condition
that there is no fee and there's no requirement to replace the >> I second it. >> Seconded by Tracy. Roll call, please. >> George A. >> Yes. >> George W. >> Yes. >> Tracy, >> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy,
>> yes. >> Anita, >> yes. >> Okay. Next is 239 Windsor Avenue. Um, we discussed this at our subcommittee meeting. They, um, there's two trees on the property. It's not a very large lawn
space that they have. The one out front is a, um, weeping blue atlas cedar. It's really only 4t tall, but it spreads out across the entire front lawn. And, um, so they, you know, they're they're
wanting to do a new landscaping plan. I did discuss with the homeowner the two for one replacement or the tree bank. They're willing to do that. The other tree is a vitex at the back of the garden and it uh it also takes up the full um that full section of the lawn
and it hangs over into the neighbor's yard and it's up against the uh the garage and they're redoing everything so it's going to go through significant more damage. It had I'd say it lost about 30% of its crown in the storm to begin with. it would have survived. It
is surviving but it's um I suggested that we would give the permission to remove that too and uh you know also the two trees. So they my opinion would be that we'd grant permission to remove both those trees and that they would be replanted with four trees or the
contributions to the the um tree bank. Anybody have any questions on that? >> George there there's no way that that tree can be resuscitated. I looked at it. >> Which one? In the back. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's pretty It's been It's been pruned badly over the years, too. It's
just, you know, but >> wasn't it full of ivy? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I just looked at it. I looked at it from >> Okay. Anybody want to make a motion then that we grant permission and and >> so I'll make a motion that we approve the removal of two trees at 239 Windsor
Avenue on the condition that they uh homeowner replace two for one trees or a contribution to the tree bank. >> Okay, second someone. >> I'll second it. >> Okay, roll call. >> George A. >> Yes. >> George W. >> Yes.
>> Tracy, >> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes. Carol York. >> Yes. >> Kathy, >> yes. >> Anita, >> yes. >> All right. Next. 1017 Virginia >> Avenue. Okay. >> Back to you, Carol.
>> Old Carol, we could go home. >> And this is this is a very frail looking cherry tree that has maybe one branch that has some leaves on it. And um my recommendation is that since it isn't
dying or isn't dead but is dying that we uh approve the removal of the tree and not require a fee or a replacement. >> I I looked at it too. I agree with I agree with your opinion. I mean there's no
>> I drove by to looked >> Yeah. And I drive by that tree every day and over the last three years it has just steadily >> declined. It's about 78 of it is completely gone. >> Carl, you you would recommend approving the removal? >> Yes. >> And no replacement. >> No replacement and no fee.
>> No replacement. >> Can we get a motion on that? >> Carl. >> Sure. I make a motion that we um approve the removal of the cherry tree at 1017 Virginia Avenue with the stipulation
that there is no fee required and no requirement to for the two for one replacement. >> Seconded. >> Roll call. >> George A. >> Yes. >> George W. >> Yes. >> Tracy, >> yes. >> Carol Sik, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes.
>> Kathy, >> yes. Anita. >> Yes. >> I wonder who's up now. >> Tree goes. >> All right. Uh, next we have 604 Madison. >> You skipped over. >> I'm sorry.
>> 131. >> 1341 CN Virginia Avenue. >> 1341. >> Okay. Sorry about that. >> This is yours, >> Carol. >> All right. 1341 uh CN D Virginia Avenue is a gigantic pine tree that was damaged in the storm. And uh based on uh
previous trees that have been approved for removal, I am going to uh suggest that we also approve the removal of this tree with the stipulation that they have a two for one replacement. Uh even though it was storm damage, I still
think we need to require two. >> So it wasn't as severe. It wasn't severe enough to do that. >> No, not severe enough. Well, it's the same thing as a tree on Idaho. uh what was it 1011 on Idaho and then there was
another tree on um maybe Delaware um that we denied the removal of the tree and then it was appealed and Paul reversed the the decision. So I think this falls into the exact same
>> and so why waste the time? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So now just that's a good thought. I don't know whether those two trees whether they waved the fee um the fee and the two for one but I I believe we
>> which one was >> it was the one on Idaho 1011 Idaho and then the other one was on um oh her name was Carol Miller but I don't remember what the address was I don't have last >> I remember was a tall pine tree
>> it's we have a >> it is from >> maybe to >> Vermont, Vermont Avenue, Patterson. No. >> No. >> Maryland, Lafayette, Washington, Jefferson. No.
>> Um, what was the street car? Did you think it was? >> I think I think it was this 1221 Vermont. >> Vermont. >> 1308. Um, I know we um we talked about it at a
couple meetings ago. >> Well, I remember that. >> I don't remember what >> we uh we w we waved the fee. I actually gave him a refund. >> Okay. >> Well, that was the >> that was a different that was a different case. So, that tree was leaning over
>> if I'm not mistaken. >> 21 month >> in the backyard. >> Maybe it was. >> Yeah, that was leaning over. You're talking about ones that were repealed and the city manager then allowed. And did he require the replacements? I believe he did require at least a tree bank contribution.
>> I think he required either I I think there was a two for one requirement for trees, >> replacement trees. >> Do you want to table this until we have clarification on that? >> Good idea. >> Sure. >> Okay. I think I think we should get clarification from the city manager on
those resolutions. It should have been in not last month's, not from May, but maybe from April. >> Check. Let me check >> because I remember seeing it on your pad. George, >> putting pressure on me, Carol.
>> Um, >> Carol, what was the address? Was it Vermont? >> Pardon me. >> What was the address of the one that was >> the one? The one that we're deferring is >> No, I know that one, but the one that >> we're trying to determine what the address is. I know it was the woman's
name was Carol Miller. >> That's not the That's not the one we discussed last month. I think that was the previous month. So, we'll have to get clarification over this. And uh >> let's research and defer 21. >> Is everybody in agreement with deferring this? >> I don't ever remember seeing anything
written. I know it was discussed at a subcommittee meeting, but I don't ever remember seeing an email that those that address >> requests were appealed, >> okay, >> and overturned. So, there was no paper trail that I was aware of. >> Okay.
>> I just remember the discussion from the >> Well, I think we need to get clarification on on just what the procedure was with the other cases. Would you like to make a motion to table this? >> Sure. I'll make a motion to defer the the um approval of the request to remove the tree at 1341
CN D Virginia Avenue >> until next month. >> Yep. >> Seconded. >> Roll call. >> George A. >> Yes. >> George W. >> Yes. >> Tracy, >> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy, >> yes. >> Anita, >> yes.
>> All right. 604 Madison. Okay. So, >> what's that? >> Well, we could take it offline. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> All right. 604 Madison Avenue. Did anybody look at that tree? I don't think
we had a commissioner at that point. >> I just >> I looked at the tree there, but it wasn't >> 604 Madison. >> I looked at that. >> You looked at that. Would you like to comment on that? Um, it to me it has had some damage, but it looks like it just needs to remove all the vines that were
all growing up all over it. Okay. >> Looks like it could be trimmed. >> Okay. Anyone have any questions on that one? So, we're going to deny the removal. Is that your opinion, Tracy? >> Yes. >> Okay. Do you want to put that in the
form of a motion? Um, a request to remove the tree at 604 Madison is denied. >> I'll second it. >> Roll call. >> George A. >> Yes. >> George W. >> Yes. >> Tracy, >> yes.
>> Carol Sick, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy, >> yes. >> Anita, >> yes. >> Okay. 1205 Vermont. Commissioner York. >> 12:05 Vermont. Uh there are three trees on the front lawn. Uh there's one tree
which is just to the left of the driveway which is dead. Uh there's a small tree up against the front of the house which I think is not dead but just needs to be pruned. And then there's a large tree closer to the sidewalk which
is in full leaf. And the homeowner had a concern that it was kind of oozing and the bark was curling up. But the tree looks very very healthy and doesn't look like it's in any danger of doing anything. >> Um, so I would recommend that the tree
closest to the driveway, which is dead, be approved for removal and the uh removal of the other two trees be denied. >> I agree. I I took a look at that property and um the tree it that's closest to the sidewalk it's it's pretty
incredible because it's a purple leafed plum and it um they usually don't get that large. They struggle. >> It's a beautiful tree. I mean I I haven't seen one that large in Cape May. This is about the largest I've seen. >> So um I agree that that there's nothing wrong with that I can see with that
tree. >> Would would that tree that's being taken down be subject to two for one or tree bank? >> It's dead. >> It's dead. >> It's dead. Yeah. So, you want to put your opinion in for me? >> I'll make a motion to approve the
request at 1205 Vermont Avenue to remove the dead tree closest to the driveway and deny the removal of the other two trees on the front lawn. >> Seconded. >> Roll call. >> George A. >> Yes. >> George W. >> Yes. >> Tracy,
>> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. Kathy, >> yes. >> Anita, >> yes. >> All right. 636 Hugh Street. The tree is dead, >> long gone. So, uh there would be no
>> I I concur. >> So, there's seen >> better days. >> Yes. Well, let's hope. So, um there there's I don't see any reason to uh charge a a application fee or >> or the replacement clause. Can someone
put that in the form of a motion, please? >> I move that the tree, the application for the tree on 636 Hughes Street for removal uh be approved and uh no fee should be paid. >> I'll second. >> Roll call.
>> George A. >> Yes. >> George W. >> Yes. >> Tracy, >> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy, >> yes. >> Anita, >> yes. And finally, 221 Grant Street. 221 Grant
Street is a tree in the backyard that is leaning on about an 80 degree angle. I don't even know how it's still standing, but it's it's 2/3 dead and it's >> What is that? >> That's what That's what I was just trying. >> It's almost 90°, so it's like
>> Oh, wow. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, it's pretty bad. >> So, um Yeah. Just about It's getting tired. needs a nap. But so I my opinion is that's my district. My opinion is that I would I would recommend just letting it be removed and no
replacements for it or any contributions to the tree bank. >> No fee. >> Um well they should still put the application fee in but it's not anything that that can be saved at this point. It's not even worth saving. >> It's backyard George. >> Yeah. All the way in the back corner.
>> So did you say uh require a fee but no replacement? >> Yes. Okay. Can we get a motion about that made? >> Sure. I'll make a motion that we approve the request to remove the tree at 221
Grant Avenue. Since the tree is dead, there will be no two for one replacement requirement, but there will be a fee for the permit. >> A second on that motion. >> I'll second. >> Roll call. >> George A. >> Yes.
>> George W. >> Yes. Tracy, >> yes. >> Carol Sick, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy, >> yes. >> Anita, >> yes. >> All right. Old business. Does anyone have anything to bring up in old business?
All right. If not, then let's move on to new business. New business, first of all, includes our new commissioners. We have Commissioner U. Novino, Anita. Welcome to the board. and uh >> Melissa Robinson who will need to be sworn in uh will be joining us as an
alternate. So, welcome aboard. >> Thank you. Welcome. >> We we still we still need a body. >> Yes, we still have room for one more alternate. So, >> keep your ears and eyes open. See, >> I'm trying. >> Okay. >> Recruiting shoes on. >> And u also in new business, does do all
commissioners have a parking tag >> for when they visit? >> I I still am waiting on mine, but it's coming. >> Okay. Yeah. And >> everyone else has one. >> And does everyone have their uh their their badge? >> Yeah. The lanyard. >> Everybody need to get their lanyards
from the from the code. >> I've got to get a new one. >> I I just sent I sent your question. >> Would you be able to send out an email code enforcement of when the commissioners can come pick that up? >> Yeah. Because I needed one actually, too. >> And you know,
>> Shane, you can take a picture and send it to them and they can use that. >> Is that right? Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. So you don't have to go up and get it taken. >> Oh, so if you have a professional picture taken, yeah, definitely use that. >> Airbrush it first. >> I I I took a Mrs. Nino's picture and we'll see how it comes out.
>> Okay. And then since we're talking about uh you know, basic you know workings of this place, I think we need a new um name tags for the table. And I think I'd like one this time. >> Well, I think I think the new members are under order. I think we ordered one
for Matt. Um, order one for Shane. >> I'd like the green color. >> Oh, I like the green color. Yes, >> I like green. >> So, >> do we have any updates on the shirts? >> Oh, yeah. If you're Go ahead. >> Uh, shirts are ordered in production next week. I
>> Okay. What did you have something else now? >> In new business. >> I was going to do my section, but I Okay. >> All right. Subcommittee report. >> Nothing to report, Mr. Chairman. >> Treasures report. >> Sure. Um so at the start of this last
month we had $2,400 in the tree bank and since then we have uh received $500 in contributions uh memorial contributions in memory of Jay and so our tree bank balance is now $2,900.
>> Excellent. Excellent. >> We're growing. >> Thanks girl. >> That's great. And so we use this tree bank just so everybody knows to buy more trees for the streetscape, maintain the trees, water the trees, things like that. >> I the the ordinance is pretty liberal on
on our uses, educational uses. Um uh so if we when we get the the funds in there that we expect, we should be able to do a lot of good things for the city with it over in Buffalo. One other thing I should mention, I'm
sorry. One other thing I should mention under new business is um Carol Sik wrote a very nice article about the um arbor program that we had for Jay and it has not been published yet at this time. So, I um I contacted Casey Ratigan and uh
she's not she was not in, but I'd like to forward that article to her and uh see if she can get it onto the website and perhaps get it into the newspaper. >> Could you send that around, Carol, if it's okay, I'd like to read that. >> Oh, okay. I should have brought a copy,
paper copy, but do you have the article? >> I do have it in my in my emails. Yes. So, I can fold that. I just wanted to let you know that that's what my thoughts are. Okay. >> And if there's plenty of photos, too that they took, so we can definitely make a Facebook page or, you know, Yeah.
>> Yeah. I meant to bring the the exit zero that had pictures of the the event also. >> Yeah. >> I don't know whether >> that event was >> I've been looking for that, but I've been missing exit zero lately. >> You can get that online. >> Okay. I look at that. >> I'll Yeah, I can send you the
information of what uh um >> edition it was. >> Right. That was timed perfectly thankfully >> uh >> for Jay's sake. >> Um so while you're talking about the website, Carol S and I put together a list of
um Q&A about tree care and that was supposed to go on the website and it's kind of like gone into a black hole. >> When was this done? >> Oh, it was last year. It was done months ago and then we were gonna we're gonna make copies of it for the the event at
city hall at not city hall at uh convention hall >> and only the lantern fly and the approved trees made it to the event. >> So, do you still have a copy of that? >> I do have a copy of
>> Well, I went to the library and printed those out myself. I wish I knew I would have printed those, too. >> That's okay. Thank you. But um maybe we can get that >> um >> I mean maybe you could send it to that communications person and maybe she could jazz it up and >> put it out there. That was that was
going to get into what I was going to say next. >> Ready to go. >> Yes, I'm ready to for the council report. >> Are you going to talk about communications? >> Communications do a number of things that we want to coordinate with the uh you know tourism department that
maintain the website and more. Um, one of the things as just mentioned was a list of the Q&As's I want to bring up to them uh promoting JAST's Arbor Day event. Uh, and we also want to put out there uh information about the lantern
flies such as you know filling spray bottles with water soap um uh vinegar things like that and how to how to reduce the lantern flies in your yard. So this is all the stuff we want to coordinate with them. Some of the stuff we want to maybe print out too. Uh, one of the other things is someone
tip my tongue >> trimming. >> Oh, we've had a lot of ordinances done recently. So, we have to have on our on our shade tree commission page uh all the new ordinances maybe named by title and then a quick link so they can
go right to the code instead of having to search the code because sometimes it's a little cumbersome and timeconuming. >> And and Councilman, when when does the uh trimming ordinance take effect? >> I think it's already in effect. I was going to say >> I thought it was June 22nd. >> Is it >> I that's what
>> we have a we have a wait period. >> Is that right? Okay. >> Things have changed a little bit with that new law. So I'm kind of behind on that. >> But but it it did pass council and thank you for your advocacy there. >> Absolutely. It was supported un unanimously by Great.
>> And and and chairman just quickly um that new trimming ordinance the highlight is the canopy >> right. um what's that 25% >> less than 30% is what it >> less than 30%. So it's it's it's a real
deal um uh act by city council to again preserve the city's county. >> Yes. Yeah. Certainly going to come in handy for that. >> That's great. >> Excuse me. I have something to add Shane to city council. Um some kind of notice
can it ever be made excuse me to the public about our shade shade tree city USA. I mean that we are a shade tree city and people should know that their property the trees on their property
>> are not theirs to take down or now excessively trimmed. Um I think the public ought to know something. >> Absolutely. I think there's an opportunity there to maybe make a brochure and really, you know, promote ourselves and hand it out to the real
estate people so that way they they can hand it out to their their uh customers and maybe get into again that's another thing that should be part of the um >> I need to war your notes >> the water bills. We need to have stuff if if everybody's going to get a water bill, we can load it up with other
paperwork that we want to share. So, if you want to come up with an idea and send it to me what you see you think should be encompassed into that, just email me. I'd be happy happy to look at that. >> The city manager has made that offer to us. >> Yes. >> And and you know, you you would you could work with him in figuring out
which of the the bills we put it in. >> Right. >> So, who are we? >> You mean you can send it to me and I'll I'll be happy to look at it. >> You mean just things that should be included, right, for the public? My my email is smeyer katemaycity.com
meer. And >> just one more thing if I can. >> Yeah, go right ahead. >> How um something for everyone to think about that not not only the citizens and the homeowners, but the contractors in town. Uh you know, we've been getting a
lot, well, we didn't know. >> Um why didn't anybody tell us? >> Uh we want to put our our thoughts as to how a mechanism can be developed that the contractors involved in that business know exactly what our rules are, what they can do and
what they can't do and they can't hide behind the veil of well I did not know. I don't think ignor ignorance is a defense for anything. >> Well, my question is when they when we have um construction done and things like that, the homeowner has to get a permit, but yet if they're doing pruning
of trees on their property, they don't get a permit for that. Is there a way that we can I mean I know we have the permit to take down a tree, but if they're going to have somebody come in there and top the trees and then say they didn't know, if they have to get the permit, they would get that form
stating, okay, here's your pruning thing, you can only take this much off and this has to be signed by you and your contractor. >> So, I think we're going to have to come up with a form somehow with that something. I don't know whether you can require a permit for trimming on there. >> I don't know either. I don't know how
that would be put into place, but >> yeah, I don't think our ordinance >> No, our ordinance doesn't cover that. >> No, we missed it on that. >> We can always look to our neighbors and see what they do. >> Westgate Bay. >> Yeah, good idea. >> They do. Okay. >> They have people. It's like a fire fire
drill out there. If if someone hears a chainsaw, people start running into the cars and finding it. >> They did that in West I think Westgate May. They had a property over near First Avenue and they've halted the construction because they weren't taking care of the trees. I mean, they stopped it. >> Yeah.
>> And that's the I think that's severe, but that's what what >> that's what needs to be done. Exactly. >> Can somebody explain to me how the process goes in reference to builders who come into the city? Are they required to converse with
someone in the city in reference to what they're doing and whether they have the correct permits or is it always uh the obligation of the homeowner? because
uh if I'm for instance a builder and I come into town and I don't know anything about the shade tree commission or a lot of other things, I'm going to start doing what I do. And if a tree is in the way, I'm going to cut it down
because I know nothing about saving trees and could care less. >> That's what we were talking about before that we need the public to know more about why. Well, it is a shade >> within the application process. I know for zoning, for planning, and now for the HPC,
if uh there if a person is coming before any of those boards wishing to develop a property uh and trees are impacted, they have to get our approval or our at least
recommendations as to what they do. And George, I think you had a couple this week for uh was it zoning? >> Yeah. >> That you went through. Yeah. So that's how within that I think five five different >> applications to be approved for building
>> there's a mechanism that >> um that that the builder through that zoning um planning or >> the entire permit process. >> Yeah. >> It gets reviewed by the construction office. >> It's actually a signoff box on there. Well, then why are there so many
problems with people who uh let's say rebuild, not build, but make changes to a home and cut trees down? >> So, that just because they're random, they don't listen. >> Having just been through this process, personally, I do not recall any
information regarding. Now, I knew I needed permission to take any trees down, but there was nothing in that packet of information to your point, Carol. um that would have alerted to me me to that. So, had I not known and let's say there was a tree like right up
against my house that was going to prevent me from doing the addition. >> But Kathy, did you have did you have to go through zoning for yours, too? >> We didn't we went through HPC and I think just we didn't have any zoning variance. >> See, that's that's where it comes into
play because when it goes through zoning, that's when we get alerted to go and look at it. If it doesn't go through zoning, we don't get we don't always know about that. >> George said, "No, it goes to HBC." >> HBC now. Yes. >> Yeah. >> We have HBC >> that was a product of the new
ordinances. >> Okay. >> And we still have some ongoing uh litigations on several properties um that are not resolved yet. >> Did you have anything else, Council? >> Yes. I was going out of some of my ideas of everything that was just discussed, kind of put it all together and kind of
formalize it in different ways. The last thing I want to bring up, has anybody looked at the space tree today? >> I did. >> Yes. I must make >> So, just so you know, have you do you know what a space tree is? Anybody? >> I I I need to know what a space is. I keep reading about it and I'm like, what
is a space tree? >> So, if you come out here through the side door and go in front of the colonial house. >> Yeah. >> It's right to the right side of the front of the colonial house. Okay. >> It's a little plaque there. It was a tree that was germinated in outer space and it came down here and they planted it. I don't I don't can't remember how
many trees. >> I think there were only 30 in the state. >> 30. So, it was looking pretty bad, but it's not looking so good. >> No, it's making all new growth. And um it's a white pine. It does need to be, you know, the soil needs is very compacted. It needs air spading is what
we were told and some fertilizer and stuff, but I I don't see I I think it's it's still giving it its best shot. >> George, you went out there with a consultant and actually >> Well, yeah. >> looked at it hard and >> Yeah. So, we have to make sure we get that taken care of as soon as we can. >> George, how tall is the tree?
>> The tree is about 20 ft tall. >> 20 ft tall. Okay, I'm going to go check it out after the >> But you can see what they call them candles, the new shoots on those pine trees because it's got a lot of new growth. All of the old needles off pushing it pushing out, >> right? Okay. It's molting.
>> Yes. >> But it's >> technically it's not supposed to, but >> Anything else, Councilman? >> No, thank you. >> Okay. Anyone else have anything that they'd like to discuss at this point? >> No. >> Good meeting. >> If not, I'll make a motion to adjurnn. I mean, we adjourn.
>> Okay. Second. Second. >> Yes. >> All in favor? >> I I Thank you. Yeah, meeting just