Okay, I don't have my little gap. A nice thing to say. Where is the public meeting. >> That's usually the >> Oh, it's on the top of the >> Yes. Yes, sir. You're good to go. >> You're good to go. >> Okay. Uh, 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. >> Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
You have to call the meeting to order first. >> Okay. Okay. We'll call the meeting to order for this April meeting 2026. 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. >> There we go. All right. I was waiting for two others, but I don't know if they're coming. Okay. Uh, let's begin with roll call. Lauren >> George A.
>> Here. >> Tracy. >> Barbara. >> Excused. >> Jim. >> Tracy. Yes. >> Uh, Carol Sick is excused. George Warner is excused. Carol York >> here. >> Kathy >> here.
>> Okay. All right. Next is the minutes of last month's meeting. Um, >> I do have two corrections for the minutes. >> Sure. I don't know if you want to wait till the end. >> No, you can do it now. >> Oh, okay. Under absent members in the minutes, um I'm listed as absent, but I
was not. >> I know you were here. >> I was there. >> I didn't catch that, but you I remember you being here. So, >> and and under new business >> when you talked about the damaged trees, >> Leland Cyprus is misspelled. >> Okay.
>> Wow. >> Yes, it is. >> Good for you. E Y >> Lauren, I can give you my copy. >> So, motion to um accept the minutes as revised by the commissioner. Okay,
>> I'll second it. >> Roll call, please. >> George A. >> Yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> And uh Kathy, >> yes. >> You have to abstain >> or abstain. Sorry.
So, I don't know what we would do in that situation, but all right. Um, the next thing is well, there's no guests or members of the public here or comments. So, let's get right to the removal request. We don't have We'll go back to the street tree removal request because it's technically not a request, but
we'll discuss the situation with the street tree on at 311 Howard in under new business. >> As far as the residential trees, we've got we'll start with 601 to 609 Pittsburgh Avenue. And Carol, you took a look at that. >> I took a look at it and I spoke with the
contractor. There are um 11 trees on the property. Um one of the trees is in the footprint of one of the proposed houses. The other um 10 are not. Of those 10, two are dead.
>> The remaining trees are just suffocated with ivy and are in really bad shape. Some of those uh I think maybe three or four though the remaining live trees. So it would be four of the eight might even
be in the street lawn area of the >> It's hard to tell because it was just a vacant lot. >> Yeah. >> So I would uh propose that um we approve taking down all 11 trees. Um the one
tree in the footprint of the house uh we don't require any replacement for that tree. Of the remaining 10, two are dead and so we won't require replacement for those. But the remaining eight trees, uh I suggest we require a two for one
replacement. >> Okay. I'd like to make a have entertain a motion approving it with those conditions. >> I'll make a motion. Okay. >> To uh as I stated. >> Okay. >> So seconded. >> Roll call, please. >> George A.
>> Yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy, >> yes. >> All right. Coming up next, we've got 216. No, I'm sorry. 209 Pittsburgh. That's also your district, Carol. You've
been busy. >> Not my district. >> That's not your district. Who's that? That's your district. >> No, not >> No, not anymore. That's George's. >> Oh, that's George's. Well, I looked at it. >> I looked at it. >> And it's a beautiful little weeping cherry tree. >> It's just a little weeping cherry tree. I don't see that it's in decline. It's just been pruned like that as far as
>> But it's in full bloom right now. And it's beautiful. >> Yeah. >> And I don't know why they don't want to take the crepe myrtle in front of it down because if they can't get around the little >> weeping tree. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, I would I would make a motion to deny the request.
>> Okay. You want to put that as a motion? So seconded. >> Roll call, please. >> George A. >> Yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy, >> yes. >> So the tree will remain. >> Tree stays. >> Thank you. Perfect.
>> Okay. Next up, we've got 1261 Ohio. >> Okay. That's my >> That's your >> I've been busy. >> I say. >> All right. So, this there's seven trees involved in this request. Five are in the back part
of the yard and they're um cedar trees that have been overgrown and they're like 30 feet tall and they're half dead. >> And um I would re uh suggest that we approve having them removed but have
them replaced on a one forone basis. Uh there's two trees on the front lawn. One is a pine tree and one is a a a big tree. >> A maple. >> I It could be. Has no leaves, so I can't tell.
>> Maple. Okay. Uh it's gigantic, but it's got um one of the limbs is has broken off at one point in time and there's a big gap in the cavity. I did look at that. >> Yes. Yeah. Um, so I would um suggest that we approve the removal of that
tree, but we do not approve the removal of the pine tree on the front lawn. >> Okay. >> It's leaning, but it's >> and that that house, I believe, is the one that has a cedar close to it in the front. >> Right in the front, right up against the the >> And I can't tell if it's right against that that owner's house.
>> It looks like it's right in the back. >> Dead center. Yeah. So, we're not going to do anything about that. Not doing anything. But while we're talking about these that are in the backyard, um I believe that they had wanted to take all the trees out that are there. And there's two maple, >> not the maples. >> They're going to maples should remain in
the backyard. >> The maples remain. It's only the five cedar trees. >> Okay. >> And they're pretty. >> So we'll approve out of the seven trees we're going to suggest six could be removed. The large maple and then the >> and then the five pine
>> and the five pines. If I may re to recapitulate, you're saying a one for one on the on the >> on the replacements >> on the cedars. Okay, >> that's what I was suggesting only because I thought they were meant to be like a hedge at one time.
>> Yeah, there's not room on that side for more than >> So I I mean that's my suggestion, but the the maple on the front lawn would be a two for one, >> right? Because it's large. >> Okay. So I I don't know if there's >> you'd have to do a full um disclosure as
to what exactly you are going to um propose. So it'd be two trees for the front, >> one for one >> for a total of blah blah bl >> or a >> or a contribution to
>> There you go. Perfect. Very good. That's free. Yes. I'm I'm sorry. I'm just >> Nope. No, I'm doing my >> Someone's got to run rough shot over us. >> That's right. All right. So, who wants to make a motion? I'll entertain a motion for that. >> I'll make a motion as I stated. >> Okay.
>> And I'll also second it. >> All right. >> George A. >> Yes. >> Jim. >> Yes. >> Carol York. >> Yes. >> Kathy. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh 614 Jefferson. >> Except one. >> Yep.
614 Jefferson. That's yours, Jeff. >> That's my district. Yes, I was um apparently this came in on March 10th and I just received this um um kind of recently, but it really doesn't matter.
I was out there. Um I took pictures yesterday. Um I'll be honest with you, I don't see a reason that I understand the uh quality of the tree. I really do. But I was out there and the
trees do not look diseased. They're not ready to come down and I don't think they should come down at any time. >> Now, let me ask you this question. This they're requesting to remove two of the three trees. There's three trees there.
>> Yeah. >> But they're going to they're requesting to move remove two. >> But I thought they were putting on an addition. >> They they are. Yeah. that says side edition >> and that would come in from another um that would come from in the construction and we have not received that
application. Okay. >> To date. >> So since we haven't received that and it does have to do with construction, should we just table this until the next Yeah. >> till we get I suggest this be >> tabled. Well, can it >> chairman if I may? Um,
>> we should make a motion on this, >> right, >> to date, >> put the kaibos to it, and then wait for the revision >> construction or Yeah. see what they come up with. Construction. >> That's That's my feeling. >> Well, if you'd like to make that motion. >> Um motion to um
deny the application to date um pursuant to the conditions as presented. I'll second that. >> George A. >> Yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy,
>> yes. >> Okay. Um 505. No, I'm sorry. Yeah. 505 Jefferson. Back to you, Jim. >> You know, there are people that have some very popular districts. >> So, um
I'm going to take a leap of faith. I I note this tree, the tree in the back as a um um as the invasive um lantern flies um species. And I'm
going to request that that tree um be removed pursuant to the either the homeowners discretion or whatever needs to be happening for a
proper removal through the municipality. However, the four pines, they're turned very low and narrow. And I think the request is so more cars can
come in. I if only this was something that the request had to do with something having to do with this tree or this species being something that
was of a concern, but everything is about maneuvering and cars and parking and given the circumstances or the request, I'm going to say I'm going to
make a motion to deny this aspect of the request. Now, mind you, this is a democracy and I appreciate all interrogatories
and concerns. Well, the only thing I'll I'll make an observation. They appear to be all leeland cyprus and um some of them are leaning somewhat. Not necessarily that they're going to fall because they're in a protected area. So they don't have as
much wind um you know erosion and whatnot there. But you know that's it's up to you. You can make the motion if you like. >> Okay. I should I do this in two motions? >> Okay. >> I would suggest they filed in two
separate things. I mo first motion is to remove the tree of heaven in the right um rear of the um the back of the backyard um
for protective purposes at 505 Jefferson. >> I'll second it. Georgie, >> yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy,
>> yes. >> Second motion. I I move to deny the application for the four pines at the driveway of the property the boundary at 505 Jefferson
pending a a request of to revisit same >> I ask a question before we vote on Um, so the picture that I'm looking at, the trees are leaning towards the house
and it's really hard to tell if there's actually enough clearance for a car to be parked right sort of next to those trees. What was your observation with that? >> Well, it doesn't appear that they'd be they'd be able to use it as a driveway
now. >> Yeah. So when my feeling is this, when you buy into a property in the city of Cape May, you buy into the trees being a large
part of the infrastructure of your property. And that is basically what we are what we are due to respect and protect.
If they come back and say these trees are the cypress trees that um chairman has prescribed. We can revisit that on
the next move and and and we we appreciate those those moves. We appreciate those moves. So, would they have to submit another
another request for removal? Well, if this is denied, they're >> Well, I mean, if we do deny the four pine trees, >> I guess we would just ask for clarific if they if they want to make an appeal, we would ask for clarification as to why they were doing that. >> Yeah. So, so yeah, the appeal is is is
and it can come back easily and go to um the city manager and it would go to the go to him. >> But at this point, trying to protect Yeah, >> my district. I'm going to say this at
this point. If the city manager overrides me, that's perfect. But they'll have to provide some information that says that these trees are not healthy or whatever and but the city
manager will make that final decision. >> Okay. So, we need a motion on those four trees. So motion to deny the application for the four pines at 505 Jefferson Street.
>> I have a second from anyone. >> I'll second that. >> Okay. >> George A. >> Yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy, >> yes. >> The last one of tree removals is the um
122 Decar Street. This is a Norway maple that it's uh the home is being renovated at 122 Decar. We have a letter from the neighbor. The uh tree I looked at it and Carol you also looked at it. Would you want to give your take on it first?
>> Well, it's u not in great shape and it's like wedged in between the two houses and I understand that it's in order to do the renovation to their plumbing or their sewer line the tree needs to come out. And I noted also that the the roots
of the tree are more onto the neighbors property and they're uplifting their sidewalk to the point that I don't know how you would remedy that. That being said, we don't always remove trees because of the roots, but this being an invasive species, I think we should make that take that into consideration. But I also think, and this is not either of
our districts, but we have to decide this. I think we need to go with the two for one replacement clause. if not on their property, if they don't have space or they don't want it, >> they're on their property, then to put it into our tree bank for two two trees because >> two trees >> it is a, you know, it's in a visible
location. So, we hate to lose trees in a visible location. So, would you like some I'll entertain a motion for that? I'll make a motion that we approve the removal of the tree at 122 Decar Street with the condition that um two trees are
planted in its place or a contribution is made to the shade tree tree bank >> for two trees >> for two trees. >> So seconded >> George A. >> Yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. >> Kathy, >> yes.
>> Okay. So under new business, we have First of all, I want to get this discussed and I think we've all taken a look at this tree. Under new business is a tree at 311 Howard Street, which is actually located on Columbia Avenue, but the address is 311 Howard. Now, the
issue came up. I was uh I spoke with the city manager about it because the sidewalks are being redone. His concern is, and I understand it, that if they cut the tree roots that are holding the tree in place basically, because the
tree leans into the into the street, um that the tree may falter. Now, that tree is the sidewalk that's there is slate, and from what I read, they're not using concrete with the slate. They're using a substrate. So, they should be able to
ramp that, I would think. And I know you can't, you know, have too steep of an incline and whatnot for ADA, you know, compliance. However, you know, >> you've got the the driveway bibs everywhere that they're so there's a a dip and everything. And, you know, um
I um I looked at it um I hate to lose, you know, a mature uh sycamore, but it does have a lean to it and it has those roots. The other issue is though I don't want to see I I I don't I think I we have to tread cautiously with uh setting a precedent
because just because of tree roots removing that tree. Now ultimately I think it's going to come down to the city manager's decision but I think we need to and I'll entertain a motion on in either case either to you know get remove it and plant new trees there or
deny the removal at this time. Okay. I I looked at that tree also. And if you look on Columbia Avenue, there are many sycamores that have big roots. The sidewalks are up. Their roots are hanging over the curb. And I
I'm afraid that we're going to set a precedent that, you know, anytime a tree lifts a sidewalk or its roots go outside of the curbing, it's going to come down. And and I >> I saw it as well and I agree with your
point. If they can ramp over those existing roots and not compromise the integrity of the tree, it's a beautiful tree. >> So many trees in Cape May >> have that same >> lean >> lean >> and roots uplifting the sidewalk. >> Yeah.
>> So again, if they can ramp over it and >> Well, my my point >> I concur. So um just the last commissioner um I also saw it and um vice chairman um uh George Warner said
if you were to u rate this at 1 to 10 what would you say and I'd say 8.5 and the rationale for that is it's every tree in the city of Cape May let's embrace this
that's my feeling So, I'll like I said, I'll entertain a motion either way, either for the preservation of this tree at this time or the uh approval of its removal. >> All right. So, I'll make a motion that we uh deny the request to remove the
tree at uh 311 Columbia. Oh, no. Howard Street. 311 Howard Street. >> So, seconded. >> George A. >> Yes. >> Jim, >> yes. >> Carol York, >> yes. Kathy. >> Yes.
>> All right. The next thing in the new business is Arbor Day and it's Yes. >> May I was asked to take a look at 1301 Maryland. >> When did that application come in?
>> This came from you chairman. when >> um it was before the corner and he is out and he was absent and he said, "Would I took a take would I take a look at it?" >> Yeah, but we don't know. We don't have that on the agenda for some reason. Um
>> I don't know the date. >> Okay. >> It was on um Lauren's email. It was on >> Thank you. >> but it's not on our list here. >> It's not on our agenda. Wow. Okay. Okay. George Warner requested him be moved to the next meeting. >> Oh, okay. >> Oh, is that right?
>> I didn't know that. >> I was going to take the reign, but if he's going to >> Yes, since it's not on the agenda, we'll just wait until >> we'll table it. >> Yes, we'll take it. >> Perfect. Thank you, sir. >> Okay. So, the next thing is um Arbor Day proclamation. I mean, the J Shats
proclamation is going to coincide with Arbor Day, which is April 24th. That's going to be at 11:00 a.m. Uh, not sure the location yet or the specifics, but we'll fill you in before before the time arrives. So, that's one thing. Um, and
he's going to be brought here from Pelican Point, which is nice. >> Unfortunately, I'll be in New Hampshire for a memorial service. >> Oh. >> From the 21st to the 27th. So, >> yeah. Well, >> oh, damn. Oh, excuse me. Um, and I think and the the mayor has
proclaimed Arbor Day already. It's in your folder. Y >> um, April 24th. >> April 24th. >> And then we have the subcommittee report. Vice Chairman Warner is not here. >> Before we go to the subcommittee reports, >> I just wanted to bring up one item, and
I I'm not sure whether it's old business or new business. Um but at last the last meeting Jim brought up an idea about tracking tree replacements. >> Yeah. >> Um so that we know when people actually >> comply
>> comply. Exactly. So I started putting together a spreadsheet um that we can use to track it. But what I was going to ask is if all the commissioners could send me information about trees in
their district that >> that need that require replacement >> that require replacement, >> but I was struggling with how far back to go because we didn't always require a two for one replacement or a one for one replacement. And I was trying to think
if we went back as far as when we instituted the new ordinance. >> But was that in 2024? April of 2024 or 2025? >> I think it was 2025. >> Maybe go back that far. >> Mhm. >> And start tracking.
>> Yeah. >> Although that one at 1517 beach goes back to 2023, I think. >> Does it really? >> Yeah. >> I see. But anyway, but um so maybe >> but here's the thing, Carol. Even though
we didn't have it as part of the ordinance, if that was an agreement that the that the people agreed to, I mean, they should really adhere to that, >> live up to it. >> We had a we had a situation in my district where they took down two two silver maple and we required them to replace the two trees
>> and they did and then we said we didn't want we they replaced them with the species that we didn't we didn't approve. >> Yeah. And we had them remove them. So, so but I mean I was trying to establish a a cut off point for how far back we go. That was
>> because we just can't go back to the beginning of time. >> It's just not >> Well, no, >> I would say 2024 then. >> 2024. Okay. So, I'll start with um and is it okay if I send an email to um
>> all the commissioners asking for >> lists? lists if they have. >> But it should also be each district commissioner's responsibility to follow up on that, too. Like you can't keep track. >> It's fair. >> Well, I wasn't planning on keeping track of it. Okay. But but I thought I thought
once we did that, I thought it was up to code enforcement to follow up and I also thought that part of the replacement was the homeowner needed to tell us when >> provide they're supposed to provide proof. >> Yes, they're proof of planning. So, I
mean, to me, that's code enforcement. That's not what we do. But, you know, um I can be convinced either way. >> Yeah. Well, I I just I do it. But, I mean, you know, we're volunteers. I don't want to put extra work on anybody either. But I think if you're especially
if you live near the district where you where you're >> right >> where you um not govern but advise um then it's easier for you to keep an eye on it, you know, and then if you don't see it being done, but they really are supposed to turn in proof that they've complied with with that ordinance.
>> Exactly. Is that in the letter that they get when they >> I don't know. It's not. That should be >> Yeah, >> that should definitely be that we'll put on the subcommittee topics. >> Okay. for a revision of that. >> Okay. Do you have anything else under new business?
>> Um, >> no. >> Jim, do you have anything under new business? Cap? >> No. >> All right. So, then let's go to We'll have to skip down to the U. It's not uh secretar's report. Treasures report. >> Treasur's report. Well, I'm happy to
report that in the last week, we received $2,400 to our tree bank for the property on Washington Street. >> Oh, wow. >> So, >> well, good. Great news. That is good news. >> We're starting to grow. >> Yes. >> That's great. >> Very good.
>> All right. Council report. No one's here. Is there anything else you want to discuss? >> I just want to say welcome Kathy. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Your first your first meeting. >> Happy to be here. >> We said it off the record, but we'll say it on the record now, too. All right.
Anyone want to make a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> I'll second it. >> All in favor? >> Yes. Hide us.