for one second. >> Turn my live sound off. >> We're live. >> Um, okay. >> Good morning everyone. Today is November 6th. It's a Thursday and I'd like to call this meeting to order. Lauren,
>> can I do the pledge? >> And we'll do the pledge of allegiance now. >> That last one. 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. >> Statement of adequate notice pursuant to the Sunshine Law. Adequate notice in accordance with the open public meeting act was provided on January 3rd, 2025 of this meeting's date, time, place, and the agenda was mailed to the news media, posted on the township bulletin board,
mailed to those requesting personal notice, and filed with the municipal clerk. I'll move on to roll call. Miss Eastston >> present. >> Miss Irons, >> present. >> Miss Johnson, >> present. >> Miss Arthur Letterman's excused, absent. And Miss Bouquet, absent.
Thank you. Okay. New Jersey Shade Treaty Federation membership. >> The minutes. >> Gosh, I'm rusty. I apologize. Okay. The minutes. Has everyone had a chance to look at and repeat the minutes from September 4th? I did. And um unless
anybody has a correction or edit, I'd like to move to accept the minutes into the record. I have one uh comment uh on the community outreach for cranberry school. What what page?
Page two. Got it. Community outreach for cranberry school. It says um you explain that the um we have the that school plans to uh collaborate um with
us on planting trees once the construction's over and I don't remember hearing that just so I thought we should mention that. >> Okay, I'm going to mention again in today's agenda. That's a good idea. Yeah, this is something that um on Arbor
Day Mrs. Miss Tisler approached us and said um because we've been wanting to coordinate something with them regarding climate change curriculum and she said that they'd like to work with us on a specific project which is planting trees on a campus um going forward but not
until the construction is done and I don't know when that will be. Does anybody have an idea? >> I think they have goals but I but with the construction company I don't think there's I don't know of the exact >> Okay. If anybody hears anything, send an email to us. I'm just curious if they do
have a realistic >> Yeah. >> I'm not sure >> finish time since we're going into the holidays here. We probably plan on uh a year from the fall next of 26 probably because um by
the time they get done uh even if it's a spring, it'll take a while to figure out. So the the fall of 26 at the earliest, which would be a good time to >> Yeah. So maybe we put on the calendar for our June meeting that we discuss
that again and we check in with um Miss Dizzler and see where they are if we because it would maybe start with the new kids or not new kids, but that that the next school season 26 27 is what you're saying. That would be the kids we'd be working with, >> right?
>> Okay, that sounds good. >> Yeah. Um, anything else on the minutes? >> No, I I accept. >> Do you want to second? >> Make a motion to accept. >> Okay, I second >> with that change. Oh, not change, but with that note. Okay,
>> all those in favor. >> I I >> Thank you. Thank you. Okay. So, um NJ shade tree federation membership we paid the annual dues which are now up to
150 and um I don't you I guess you'll get the email. Lauren will get the email that and and we also now participate and are members of the New Jersey Forestry Association which is the which are the folks who offer the backyard forestry
programs on the third Thursday of each month generally. Um I did go to the drone one. Did anyone else go? >> That's the one we watched, right? Yes. >> Yes, we watched. It was pretty awesome.
I was surprised. I was surprised about um how uh well just I learned I wasn't expecting that exactly but it was it was very good and Jackie and I I can't remember what did we would get him to get this guy who isn't even in state to
come survey the town for us. The the survey the drones do a lot. It's really amazing. Um, >> yeah. Well, well, they were doing they uh it's up in Sussex County. >> Oh, that's right.
>> They had spongy moth crop big time. And homeowners, a lot of homeowners up there own like 50 acres or 500 acres of the forests. Yeah. >> And so it cost a fortune to have the airplanes come by and spread uh
insecticides. So, these two guys got together with drones and they can do smaller forests and um they can get really low and so it's more effective, you know, they can go a foot and a half above the trees and and wave and you
know, up and down and uh >> yeah, and and moneywise too, it's it's a lot more affordable for them them. So, uh I guess this was the first year they used it and it was really good. The previous
year a lot of people had lost uh major parts of their forest from spongy moth which is a new name for >> gypsy moth. Moth is a new name for gypsy moth if you don't know. I don't know if the Latin change too or just a common name. I'm not sure. I was really because with the drones they could do very
targeted >> um uh applications and it wasn't like everywhere. So, it works for small forests. So, um I don't think we have a spongy moth problem in in cranberry that I'm aware of, but is that's it's good to keep them in mind should we have a
spongy moth problem going forward. Um and we also learn about the spongy moth and its life cycle to some extent. And I I believe yes, all of the backyard forestry webinars are available to watch afterwards. You won't get the CE for it, but you can watch it. Um I believe
they're up on their site. Um, so anyway, we'll continue our as well as the New Jersey Shade Federation membership also will continue with our New Jersey Forestry Association membership. And that's why on the budget sheet that we passed out, um, we're
asking for 225 to cover that. Uh, that's an extra like $15 because I'm not I'm wondering if New Jersey Shu Feder I mean um NJFA might raise their Jews from 60 to 75. So I allowed for that and I added $15 more dollars. and um shade your federation
which used to be 90 is 150 now it's that's where we are with that and while I'm talking about um shade federation don't forget they're a resource you can call them to for information I called about um the site for a can some kind of
canopy measurement which I'll get to and also um they're just really helpful in directing if you have a question about something related to forestry or the management plan um New Jersey. Well, that's actually New Jersey Shady Federation. And I can tell you that next
year's conference is going to be in Cherry Hill. So, I wanted to let you know about that in advance. Okay. Cranberry Day. Um um Barbara or Jackie, do you want to talk about that? Um Shar's not here. I was going to give that
ahead. Yes, Barbara was there. And since >> uh yeah, Barbara actually was there all day long. I got there to set up and then I took time away and then I came back to clear everything. >> It's a long day. >> Pouring rain showed up. We just
>> But uh it it was fun. Uh and you know, we had a lot of interaction. Uh a lot of parents came with younger children trying to get some of the kids would be interested and some want to just move on. But it it's it's always a fun day.
>> Yeah. And I like that the voice reached out to you. >> So it not only some questions but >> Oh yes, thank you for reminding me of that because I forgot to have to if you guys are done about cranberry, I should
report on that too because that was the very next weekend. Everything happened happening so quickly. A boy scout leader reached out. They were having a boy scout jamboree and they wanted to do nature badges and so Jackie and I met a table the following Saturday at
Cranberry Brook Preserve. You can want you to talk about that one thing. It was the Cub Scouts. >> Thank you. Yeah, up to fourth >> fourth grade or fifth grade. But uh a lot of the uh cubs were just being introduced to scouting, but there were
girl scouts there, too, which I I was happy to see. Uh I think in the older group, uh the Girl Scouts have their own troop, but the uh the cubs include the girls girl scouts, so that makes it easier for some of the families. But the
kids were amazingly interested. Um Kathy and I split the time up. We had like five groups for 30 or >> for 30 minutes. Five groups for 30 minutes. >> Yeah. By the time we got to the last group, it was exhausting. >> Well, we would do something at the table.
>> Yeah, we did something at the table first and talked about. >> We had pictures and um you know, like made sure they all knew what to identify poison ivy. But we talked about um good bugs and bad bugs and uh you know they
had a very negative most of them um impression about insects. So we let them know the majority of insects are fine. And but then um when they were done with that Kathy led them over to a field and I was I've never seen this done before.
I thought it was so cool. Kathy would just wave her hand on the top of the grasses or the, you know, wild plants and all the insects would fly up. It would disturb them. I thought that was really cool. But anyway, >> if I had an insect nest, I could have
caught them, but I had just wander. >> But but that part again, they were just amazed. And some of them wanted to go right in there and uh we wouldn't let them do that, but they learned a lot. And we did get a letter from the scout
leader thanking inviting us to do something like that again. And we will if we're invited, even though it was last minute, we were able to pull cranberry table cranberry table stuff and have it there. Um and then also being having the actual being in the
meadow, seeing the insects. We had several butterflies that day. Um we had some interesting insects. But it's amazing to me how many kids and parents did not know what poison ivy looks like. So, we had a poison ivy a d sheet that showed in these different stages and we went and we showed each group what
poison ivy looks like. Um, and it was kind of astonishing to me that the scouts didn't know how to some some of them did. Oh, we also had a a um an assistant. Now, that was an older scout. Is that correct? Right. Boy scout. Okay. We had a boy scout who was earning um
service hours >> and he was very knowledgeable, very knowledgeable. And occasionally he would just look at me and say, "I'll take this." And he would answer he would answer the question or and he also was very enthusiastic. And so we really did have a great time um that day and we
hope everyone learned a lot and that was the Saturday after cranberry day. I'm not sure. And I hope I hope we had have some pictures. I'll have to get those pictures to you. Um cranberry trees Yes, please. library program. It wasn't terribly well attended, but we had a very lively discussion with some
residents about their specific tree issues and um in general about the new ordinance, which is, you know, part of a statemandated stormwater management um uh plan, but also that it's important to know to for us to well
for us to know and or to confirm that they're the residents using a licensed arborist. That's another reason. Um, someone had it. Well, effectively it was a dead tree because he called the utility company. Instead of taking the tree down, I just took the whole canopy
off and left like a a 15 18 foot stump. So, he had to have that removed. And yes, he didn't get an application, but only so that it was clear that he was using a license arborist because it is the law. Because if you don't use a license arous and something happens, the homeowner is liable for everything. And
um that's another law actually. there's another state law that you can only use LTE or LTCOS's to do tree work in your yard. Um, so I believe that there was some encouragement to do another program and we're planning on doing one in the spring as well.
>> Yeah, we we talked about that. Yeah, definitely one in the spring and one in the fall uh every year because word of mouth too will spread. But the um the one in the Heritage Park, they definitely said, "Oh, it'd be great to do this in the spring." Yeah. I'm gonna
ask we just move the TreeWalk and Heritage Park up here just below um the Cranberry Trees Yes, Please program. Yes. >> And we'll just move that there for now. And Jackie and Barbara can report on that as well. >> That was just this past Saturday. >> Yeah.
>> The first. So, one of our residents made a suggestion we all fell in love with and this was an arbor or let me put it in his words label the trees with their
names. We made out of this idea an arbor. but to be faithfully to him just to label the trees and then we brainstormed like if the scouts could create such labels or if we buy them. So there are
so many um options we could make this idea a reality. >> Yeah. So that was really um it was a wonderful reunion at Heritage Park. >> Right. It was and uh one of the residents that came up with that
suggestion offered to pay for the making the labels. So we'd have to coordinate with PARs because nothing goes in park, you know, without letting them know or talking to them. And we and they may have a specific kind of label in mind. I'd like
to get something similar to um the Are you familiar with Grasser Sculpture and the signs they have below the trees? because they're longlasting. I don't know the scaffold put this together. We'd have to have them done somewhere. Um, but another place that has labels, but they're different is at
the Mer Educational Gardens. And I don't know about the Middle Sex County Educational Gardens if what kind of labels they have, but we could look at all of those since those are they got a lot of different labels. And we wouldn't label every tree, but all the one of each species. I mean, there's a lot of
repeating trees. But um I think it's a great idea and to coordinate with parks and Heritage Park is a good one to start with. It has more specimen trees I think. Plus that's the walking route for everybody. Anything else about the tree walk? It was also a very thoughtful idea to
combine the tree walk with giving honor and reverence to the memorials. So, this was a nice combination we could repeat next fall as well. >> Yeah. And there is a there's a new memorial that was not well a couple new
morals since the last time we did a walk at Heritage Park, but specifically there's the new um this crane sculpture that memorial which is brand new. Um well, thank you so much. She also got great weather and also I got feedback from two of the
people who were there who said it was great. They learned so much. When are we having the next one? So I can't wait till fall probably. Maybe the spring. >> Well the spring I think definitely in the spring we get because a lot of the um trees will be in bloom. You know the trees are going to bloom. Of course,
spring is a busy time for everyone, too. But, uh, it would be worth, you know, we we and I planned on an hour and it and, you know, after an hour and a half, I said, "Okay, let's leave." >> Yeah, that's about the right amount of time. And you can and you can walk the whole park easily in that time.
>> Oh, yeah. Oh, definitely. >> That works out. >> Definitely. >> Um, okay. So, community forestry management plan, volunteer hours. Okay. I'm going to report my hours. I'm calculating them. But what I'm going to do right now is just give you my CE, okay? Which is
>> one and a half hours. It's all I could find >> in this last quarter in September. So one and a half hours. And it was the drone. Um let me tell you specifically what it was called. Um
let me see. It was called I don't know. >> I have it because I it was back in September. got back. It was uh October 16th. Backyard in 90 minutes. The drone's over New Jersey. Better Forest
Farm and Land Management. >> It was the 16th, huh? >> That's what I had written down. >> Oh, I know. I was away and I watched it on my phone. That's what that's remember,
but I was still able to attend. So, that's that's one and a half hours. I'll record all my hours. get back to you. Thanks. >> All right. >> Next. >> Wait, sorry. >> Four. >> Four. Got it. Thank you.
>> So, um, just to reassure myself, volunteers hours include work sessions, cranberry day, um, prep for the tree walk if you did any print or you know putting together
>> um also include your core hours because that was all for shade tree you don't get CE >> but you get five hours of volunteer for that because it was a five hour day wasn't it >> yes so I did not include the core training in my volunteer hours which
would be 14 add those hours but none of C because you do still get credit for spending that time So then it's 19.5 hours of volunteering and zero um educational C is a subset of all.
Sorry. Go ahead. >> Okay. I have um 25 and a half volunteer hours, but I didn't add the CE hours into that. my I have four hours
uh of CES and they were um setting your trees up for success was one of them. Uh and then uh
>> when was that one? That was uh 918 and that was I think that was the one from Pennsylvania uh that that I found out about through the master gardeners, but they had
uh the person that gave it uh was from Penn State, I think. I could be wrong. I I could look it up, but I don't want to waste time. um we were able to sign up for um master gardener hours or the um shade tree uh
and so I had to send it in you know and say what county I was on what town and county for the shade tree commission >> so it was for shade tree yeah so that one and then the other one was the drone
so So, the drone in the um Oh, I'm sorry. I have a different Well, the the setting up your trees that
must have been uh the shapes, you know, what are the the backyard one? Um the one I just talked about that I got credit with. um was uh tree tree ID basics 10 common
trees and trees that they get mixed up with. Uh so anyway it was four total of four okay >> um you know that puts us wise because this is coming to the end of the year we've never struggled participate major
things this year I just I have them here. Um, it looks like so far Jackie had only reported three CUS. So then adding from today it'd be
um 9.5 C use. >> 9.5. Okay. I think >> three plus you have seven and I have one and a half. >> Oh, 8.5. >> 8.5. Sorry guys. That's fine. That's fine. >> Um I have to look that up. I'm not sure if we still need one. I'm gonna go to
whatever whatever the next backyard forestry is, although it hasn't been posted yet. >> No, but third Thursday. >> Yeah. So, I'm gonna try to do that. And if um they they're pretty good these these these webinars generally. >> Yeah. They begin at 7 at night, 7 to 8:30
>> and they run about an hour and then 45 minutes or so for um >> May I ask a question? >> Yeah. Yes. Um I attended the RKA's tree identification course. However,
I did not say, "Oh, please." So, I signed up. So, there's evidence, but I did not say, "Oh, yeah, I want the the credits." I did not say that. And um so I attended two. However, I don't know if this is sufficient in order that they
would >> well were they for accreditation for your stewardship um activity. >> They would have they could have given >> because you can't because you can get credit for one or the other probably is what I'm saying but not both. >> Yeah. And you can book those classes
individually. So some were certified for um pesticides. So, um, >> so the courses you took definitely was a community forestry management plan credit option, but you didn't select it. >> Can you just contact um,
>> yes, I could >> the office that provided the CE and and get some kind of statement from them or or whatever and then we can add that. Yeah, I could be a backup. >> So if we need one or two
>> then maybe then they could give >> me those one or two and then I could let them in. >> Yeah. Moving when you in the future when you sign up for these courses, you know, when there Zooms, uh you know, you give them information and
they will ask you, do you need it for this this or this license? And uh that's when you let them know. >> Yeah, I think I think we're good. We got 85. >> Yeah, I think it might be eight is all we need. >> No, that's No, it's fine. It's about
shortages. It's just been odd year. Also, no one was able to attend the conference this year for credit, right? Unusual, which is a little unusual for no one to go, but it was one of those years. >> So, um I think we're good because I think it's eight, but I'm pretty confident. what I will do. Um, so let me
just jump to this since we're on the community forestry management plan. The annual application is out already and now we can't file it until we file our Tree City USA application and I don't and that will go come in directly to Jerry who will send it to Lauren who
will alert me and that will have to be filed first. But um, you I encourage I meant to print this out so I can show it to you. Did I? Uh well it just came in the email from New Jersey Shade Federation. Did everybody
get that email? And in it you can scroll down and the AA or annual accomplishment report application is there and that's what Laura and I will be filing. Whoever works with Lauren will be filing. Um, so we'll accumulate all our data and that includes if you get more CE this year
before the end of the year, even though we're not at a meeting to report it, can you please report it to Lauren and what it was so we have the year completed? >> Yes. >> Um, if you get any C before the end of the year because we we won't file that report until January anyway, even if we fill it out. Um,
>> because I'm not sure I'll be able to get all the other numbers and figures from the administration. >> Yeah. >> For that, but we can get going early. I know the basic stuff. And it looks like they still haven't changed it up. It looks like it's the same it has been for the past several years. And that came that email came yesterday from New Jersey um Shad Federation. You didn't
get up and forward it to you, but you all should be on the list because we're all members of the of this um commission tree removal replacement ordinance appendices and application. Um there's nothing new there. Shireen and I were going to get together to work on the all
the tabs on the website and was hoping to see her today. So, I'll work with her, make um make some kind of plan with her hopefully before the end of the year to to take a look at that. Jessica and I had done this several years ago and we updated many things, but it's time to do it again because things and we have some
new things. Um community outreach already Jackie had mentioned um that at the September meeting I said I would be working with the school at their behest regarding planting trees on campus which will be the learning opportunity, the educational opportunity for us and um the kids will be involved. I think maybe
every class is going to pick a tree or something. I'm not sure, but they'll look to us for recommendations of what species and of course it depends on where you're planting it and all of that. So, um, and they there were a lot of trees planted along the road on the far side on the north on the south side
of the school uh when we did the nonet loss planting, but I'm not sure they all survived. Um, but anyway, I'm not sure what they have in mind, but they'll let us know because they have those all those planning fields out there. So, I'm not sure where they're looking to plant and but not
until the end of this construction cranberry community. Um, well, we reported already on well, what we're going to do is another program in the spring uh we hope um in the library as well as a walk. We we try to repeat that
seasonally um so that uh well so we have some continuity and all that goes toward um earning credits for sustainability and also looks great on the annual report. I got the pictures from Jackie. Thank you very much from
the walk. >> Barbara, you took the picture, didn't you? Because I don't think I see you in any picture. >> No, I tried to get a picture with her. >> So, okay. Well, anyway, um thank you. Um >> and Kathy, one other thing is that um
>> for this community, Cranberry community, um outreach, um I had talked to you about um have trying to get some door hangers with information for homeowners when they have a tree planted in front of their house. Uh just so they know
what the tree is. And >> you know, we could have standard, you know, tree care We could talk more about the tree care thing. I don't Yeah, I mean that would be great if everyone in front of whose house you plant a tree, they would take
care of it. But I don't there's no guarantee, but it would be on a case by case basis. But in terms of tree care in general, yeah, we do have a template for the door hanger because that was a project we worked on years ago. I hope maybe that in the office somewhere there is still a box that I purchased of all
the door hangers which is um it's one it's two up actually with a perforation and they have a hole already cut into them. I don't know if I still have a sample on my book or not. And I had put done templates for sugar maple
trident and a couple others which explains the characteristics of the trees, you know, it's rate of growth and all that. And then the other side I'm thinking must have probably been some kind of tree care, but I'll have to look. I don't know if you have the template somewhere. >> I can look.
>> Um, it was even it was a while ago, but I'll see if I can find it. But but more importantly, I mean, we may have to buy another box of the hangers, but could just look around. Anyway, so it's they're I think they're eight and a half by 11 and then it's perforated in the middle and they have holes in them. So,
we couldn't have used that paper for anything else. Um, and that's a great idea. That's al that's in our community forest management plan, the door hangers. And the thing is we made door hangers but we didn't have any trees to plant and so we didn't have that opportunity to use them but we created
them you know with the intent to plant. So canopy assessment um I called up Emily Faron and I took notes and I couldn't find them this morning but basically the canopy assessment is a ruck on the Rucker climate page. I
wonder if I use my phone to find it if it would rem um it's the climate. It's Rucker's climate something. I will find it and I'll send it to everybody. When I went I went there and I was looking around but I then I ran out of time to figure out
how to to find our assessment. So what recorders has a >> they have data that we can look and yeah um and we I looked at this years ago. >> Okay. >> And I believe this is the same site now. It's not going to be current but there
will be some kind of um aerial assessment. We just have to find it in there. So I'll send it I will f to find that or I'll call Emily again. Like I said she's very helpful. and she said she was going to introduce herself to you at the at the shade federation. I said we had someone going for core. Did
you meet an Emily Faran? No, there's a lot of people there. Okay. um consultant. Uh Jessica is going to share with us um the Zoom call that we had with a an arborist, the full-time arist in Princeton last November. And um
several us of us were present for the consultant, just a general discussion about the inventory and the report on trees with the SA tree consultant, Matt. That was at um our September work session, I believe. I'm sorry. Yes.
Yeah. Um, and that's all I have for old business. Does, um, anyone else have any old business that we haven't touched on? No. Okay. So, moving ahead, new business. Um, you have before you a
sheet of um, meeting dates. Now, we can call, we can schedule a work session at any time. That's why we have $100 in our budget for the um, notice for having special meetings because The budget only includes the notice of these meetings for us. So one, two. So
does anyone have um any kind of um conflicts or that they're aware of? Now um this is again the first Thursday of
these months that we meet. Um >> except for January because the first Thursday is January 1st, >> right? No, see that's that's what we haven't done before, but we'll do that again because we then we get we get started and then we that's something we just did this year for the first time
and we'll do it again. So, let me see. January 8th. >> So, that would actually be the second Thursday. That's why I put a little after. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Got it. Okay. So, is everyone available on the 8th to come for the reorg meeting? Is that the only thing that is on the going to be on the agenda? The reorg meeting?
>> I think that's kind of how it Yeah, I think that's how it has to go. >> That's what we did. And so at that reorg meeting, we could plan a work session for later that month prior to our February meeting. So we can just report on all our progress in February if that makes sense to you guys. But this way
we'll be together on the 8th to um to plan a work session. >> I have a question. With the number of work meetings that we have, uh would it be possible to just have
a meeting every month on like the first say the first Thursday um and if it's not a regular meeting that it would be a working meeting or a work session >> just for planning purposes to keep >> plan just to just to plan just to
simplify that we know that well it'll be meeting every 30 days and some will be a formal session like this and others >> we can't we can't do that so much oh well I see what you're saying so plan to have work sessions
um >> because we have had three I think >> we're getting close to three I think we had three last year >> you know maybe take August or take a month out um if it if it's a difficult month for people but it seems to me
we're close to. >> Yeah. But again, requirements, you'd have to we do the >> the legal ads of all of these meetings, the regular um regular meetings. The work sessions I advertise separately and
I advertise them as a work session. And if you know, if we picked a a day for a work session and then no one was available that day, then you have to cancel the meeting and then do a legal ad to cancel it. So, if it works for you guys to just keep what we've been doing
because I don't know if everyone's schedule would align where >> you're there be back and forth about the work session day because once you advertise it then there would be another process for cancing it >> right. We'd have to add more money to >> it might be better as well >> to just do the one ad when we know
everyone's available on that work session. >> Yeah. The way we've been doing it is we plan at a meeting we plan whether work session is necessary. I believe we had three last year. Is that right? I I I like the idea not to schedule it, but just for us with our own calendars, you
know, every time we go to put something on our calendar when it's a first Thursday of the month, we can, you know, say, well, maybe if I have an option, I'll try to keep that open in case we have a work session, you know,
because when we do have a work session, it's a challenge and we usually end up with a Thursday and um We also have to have it you know decide on it two weeks ahead of time so it's published even for the work session. So, you know, I'm not
saying let's make it formal, but for our own help, you know, because I have other things on other Thursdays, but the first Thursday, uh, >> we we Yeah, we have been trying to keep it to a Thursday, not necessarily easier, >> but we haven't been able to necessarily get that first Thursday, but we have
keeping the meetings to Thursdays because there's nothing else. >> And I have something every third Thursday. >> We've been doing that. And then when there's a need and we have a lot of you know we have to get together and work that's when we plan it. But you're Jessica you're saying that's not sufficient. >> I just think that it's often enough that
we do it that it would be easier to put it on books. I think other committ meetings on the books not the work sessions >> work sessions on the books. It's just that they would then be >> I'd have to double check on that. >> But then they have to be cancelled because I think other committees do that. They they know that they're going
to have to meet. They they need to allow for the possibility of meeting frequently. I see meeting cancellation all the time. >> Yeah, those are meetings, not work sessions. A lot of work sessions take place. Well, you know, the committees that have studied more people, they can get together and work more than two at a
time outside of meetings. That's a that's >> and I think that's part of our hard to have >> even we can't really it's hard to have any discussions about anything happening. So I think well my preference would be to have something on the books
and I don't know if that's it doesn't have to be a meeting and I can't you know the difference between a a working session if >> um yeah >> no formal action could be taken at a work session so that's why it's different >> in terms of the scheduling though and
what's involved with that >> but we still have to follow like open public meetings act is what I'm saying with the legal ad notifications so I think the way we did it this year. Work with me. I'm I do the legal ad for the work session. >> It's hard to plan in advance. Like it's
you to get >> a month a month or a couple weeks is not great advanced notice for working something into a schedule. So, I'm just putting that out there. My preference would be to have >> I could look into
>> for the year if we think there's a good chance that we're going to be needing to throw in maybe just throw in a couple of more concessions on times when we know it's peak. >> I'd have to see if that's a different legal ad like if we did one with the regular meetings and then maybe at the first meeting we have we plan the work
sessions and then I do those in a I'd have to figure out if how I'm able to advertise it. Well, can we wait till next year to if we're going to make a change so that we can plan that our work session at that first rework meeting? >> Yeah, I just wanted to introduce this. I just wanted to like just put this out
something to think about. >> Yeah. To Jackie's point, we do try and keep it to a Thursday and I don't generally like keep every Thursday open, but um we you know when we get to like so the work session um the first work session, what you know, what will that
agenda be? Um, I mean I think we need one because well let me continue let me get through the agenda and then we actually can get back to this. But other than adding work sessions through the year like we did last year. Other than that are there any other um issues with
the dates of the meetings. >> I just like to say I think it's great that we're adding the rework. >> Yeah. something I guess we should have been doing all along but no one in no we weren't aware we weren't aware of it but that is what is done starting but um I guess it came to the attention of the
administration last year and so I guess that's what every um commission is doing now reorgan reorging yeah okay so um >> do you want to do a motion >> oh to accept this um well sure I mean I think this is okay for now we can plan
the work sessions I mean that's the you know the flexibility of too. >> Yeah. >> Um and really the only reason we're planning the work sessions is because only two people can get together at a time to work on something which is effective as well but it's more effective you know when we have three, four or five. >> Yeah. I just don't want to misspeak
because the >> the TC is the one who we send these proposed dates to the TC and then they do their resolution to adopt it. So I don't want to mess anything up. >> I understand >> with the work session aspect of it. >> Yeah. Well, we and we we can still you know move on this next year. We can make
changes. if we need to >> because like these dates need to be submitted by like end of this month. So then they could >> Yeah, I know there's there's there's timelines. >> It may seem like it's easier to like plan the dates in advance, but like for legal requirements, it may not work out that way.
>> But definitely the public meetings will be um >> Yes. >> So I I'd like to move that we accept the meeting dates for 2026. >> All right. We could do a roll call. Miss Eastston. >> Yes. >> Miss Irons. >> Yes. Miss Johnson.
>> Yes. >> Miss. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. The next thing is um the budget which is the same as last year except for the increase in membership dues. Now while it is true how many copies do I
have? While it is true that we didn't um we had very few expenditures. There were a lot of reasons and you know maybe the sound of excuses. Personally I had several losses this year and I I lost most of my time for the whole year. Second of all, tree met and maintenance. I was trying to coordinate something
with um DPW, but I think I have to be more clear and maybe go through some other channels regarding um staying uh what do we call it? Um staying current with what trees DPW is
taking down, what work they're doing. We noticed in H Park when we went for our pre-walk that there've been a lot of pruning done and I wasn't aware of that. And that's good to know because generally well exactly um Shade has been doing the pruning in the parks for like 10 years now or something quite a long
time. We go through the parks every year um depending they don't all get work every year but as of last year everything was like caught up between barn memorial millstone heritage and village I think that's all of them. Um and we wanted to certainly look beyond
that to the tree cops and village park um so that we get our micro forest back and then is as well like looking at crime preserve which is basically preserving invasives. So I'm leaving that the same. Um you know the thing is ideal pruning time is during the dormant
season you know the but that's between like fall and winter and there's budget for this year and now that changes and that closes out really December 15th something like that this year's budget. So we'll work um I will continue I will
uh work with DPW as much as I can. um the tree planting we this is reason why we didn't do it. It doesn't rain. We don't have a water source. We don't have a good idea for the water source. And this is something else I'm trying to I'd like to work out with DPW. They don't have a water truck, but they have a
truck that they put a vessel in that does hold water. Um because if we're going to spend 10 or $20,000 on tree planting um not that I mean it's not us spending it but if we're going to use taxpayer
money they we need to ensure their ability to thrive and watering has been an issue. We planted three trees last year and I believe only two survived. Especially it was very upset that the dogwood tree in village park died that was planted by the girl stealth. They had a mosaic thing. The mosaic thing is
now at DPW. We want to get that replanted. Um, another tree to substitute and get that mosaic back in. That was for a daisy group that is now going to be in second grade next year. So anyway, so that's why we have but Jackie and I did prepare
an RFQ request for growth with all of the locations. Although I'm realizing now $10,000 isn't going to cover it um that that many trees is. Although maybe it will. Maybe you will because we're thinking about 500 a tree, right? So we should with the end the root guards. So we should be okay
>> and and uh we also plan on um the entrance to shadow oaks for next year. >> Yeah, we well that there's five trees I think on that oak. Now I I had an idea of putting shrubs but you know that's
something we can discuss but it still would be a cost. Um did did you look at those trees by the way? Do they have to come down like sooner than later? They can't even be pruned back anymore. It's that bad. That was my understanding, but I didn't actually look at them myself. >> It appeared uh a number of them were
dying and it could have been um oak tree. They were oak trees. But I believe it is DPW's intention to take those trees down, which is another coordination factor I have to get on because we want to replace them and we will decide with I don't know um I know there's a resident who looks whose house
looks on that island and she's extremely upset that the trees are in bad shape. Well, all the trees in sadly are in bad shape. BLS has done a number on all the trees. We can't we can't change what's happened, but we won't put oaks back there necessarily. Um I would say but we but I guess we'll work as Jack and I are
working. Yeah, we plan for the spring because we hope to get those trees in in the fall, but spring planting is going to be specifically the island at um is that Jefferson? >> Uh yes, >> I think Jefferson shadow oaks and then also parks insists on some kind of
shrubbery around the lion's marker at Milstone Park. The lion's marker is about this big. So, um, you know, it won't be trees and will be some kind of native, a couple shrubs or something, but it used to be a circle of terrible things that got insect infestations and,
um, we don't want to overpower the stone, but they want to set it off with something. So, that was that would be included in the spring uh, planting as well, right? And I would like to suggest um in the future to plan on uh the fall
is the best time, you know, considering the lack of water in the summer for tree planting. Uh but spring has also been considered appropriate, uh you know, and so you know, like Princeton plans on
one, you know, set of tree planting in the fall and another in the spring. Now, right now, looking at the fact that we weren't able to plant these trees in the fall, hopefully we can plan on it in the spring and >> only fall back to the fall if we have to
>> and um make sure we have that watering plan. Uh if we use um tree gators, I would think that the uh they could be refilled. >> Yeah. Well, this is there's no
consistency because the PW has different prior, you know, other priorities. I mean, taking care of the entire town, right? >> You know, a few specimens are not just not always on the radar and I don't know how to >> change that. >> Um, so that's why and you know, here's you know, we're in a drought. We've been
in a drought for a long time now. We've been in drought in a drought. New Jersey is in a drought period for over a year. The ground is very dry. The water tables are very low. And that's why we hesitated planting trees we when we have no no support. >> Yeah. I was wondering if there would be
like a watering schedule on volunteer basis possible. And the idea came to me when um on cranberry day one of our residents approached us and say she would even
water her trees all by herself in front of her property. So on the sidewalk and um so I'm referring here to I think it's 74 South Main Street. >> Yes, I'm familiar with that.
>> And there I felt there's so much commitment. So she offered to water those two trees. She's hoping that they will be replaced too. And I was wondering, we have uh high school students, middle school students,
scouts, even all of us. We could step up and I don't know what we could use like sign up genius. We have a watering schedule and then everybody makes sure to water trees, the new planted trees on a
regular basis and it's a community effort. >> Yeah, if you would like to head that up and make that happen. The thing is you can't actually you can't have a watering schedule because if we get a rain you don't want to o overwatering the tree. It's just as bad as not watering it. Yeah. So there's actually a very specific um
>> but it's yeah to the judgment of everybody involved >> you know when we were planting trees more regularly back in the days of the no net loss and then Jackie and I planted trees a couple of years to you know fill in because because the township committee wants us to put on the village first. It's always about you know the historical village of course
and maintaining that. Um, but we don't get regular rain anymore. That's changed. And so that's a huge difference. Um, you know, all those trees survive then, right? With without >> if we're talking about 10 trees per year or 12 trees per year, um, we could have
a learn for the volunteers and explain all this to them and, uh, you know, keep in contact. Then one of us could just, you know, shoot out an email, you know, every week, make sure you get the tree. You know, they need
what, an inch a week or something in the heat. >> We have to live up the requirements, >> right? >> Yeah. But also, I mean, it could be I don't want to label it, but like it's the idea, the concept is like maybe adopt a tree for only one or two years.
And then yeah, like Signup Genius or other apps, they would send you a reminder and then we could always put in if it has rained. Thank you. You don't >> mean if you if you would be willing to sign to take care of all of that and sign up because it will change. It won't
always be the same. If someone's away, maybe they need to let some The first year is the most good, but they really should be watered for two years. So, I was going to send an email to all the people who are waiting for trees to sadly inform them they will not be planted this fall because of the drought. We're looking to plant in the spring. Do they have any interest in
watering the tree after planting? Now, these aren't all going in front of homes. For instance, there's uh two different park trees going in. Um so, they're not in front of someone's house. There's are there other trees that aren't going right directly in front of
someone? I think those only two that are off. They're not street trees. Um I think Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, I I think uh it's a shame for us to not plant trees just because of this problem. We need to
serve solve the problem. And at um a sha tree convention uh they've talked about other towns that use uh this method of the the homeowners you know being very proud of the tree in front of their house and and it doesn't work 100% of
the time but with you know like we only have like 10 or 12 that we're planting a year probably and so we ought to be able to handle >> that's manageable. Yeah it's a good point. I just want to say when we planted the street trees at loss when many trees were there, we had complaints because people don't always want trees.
So it is on a case by case basis. >> And also at the core training I saw pictures of water bags. They look like they do and you put them around trees and the night >> tree diapers. >> Yeah, >> that's what they're called. Yeah, I was
thinking of those far away in the park where you cannot carry heavy buckets of water. Let's say um like a so once those bags are filled with water and then it's
just dripping slowly uh around the >> I did research that. >> Okay. And uh I only read it quickly once, but it sounds like there's something in those bags that uh you just soak it before you
install it. But not only does it help to, you know, absorb the water when it rains, but it said something about when it floods, it would take the water away. So, I'm not sure, you know, I I I would
rather research that, but again, um the there's a way if there's a willing, you know, there's a way to do this. We we can always have a wagon, you know, for someone in charge of trees in the park, but you would think we could at least
get the DPW to take care of the ones in the parks. >> Well, where's the water source in the park? There isn't one, is there? No, no. Well, not yet. Well, no. They will have they're going to have a fountain in Heritage Park. But like again, the
women's club had takes care of those flower pots on me and um we have these huge containers. uh I have no idea that uh that I put in
my when it's my turn I uh put them in my car and I take my hose from my house and fill them up whilst they're in the car and then I just lug them you know I park near the the water pots on me and I mean the flower pots on me and so the women's
club does that through the summer take turns because that's what we do and so I'm sure if the women's club can do that. We can get homeowners to do a tree in front of their house and um we could find out
where they got those. Uh actually, I think I talked to someone that knows uh someone that has those big things that we could divers. >> No, no, the water, you know, fill up the thing once a week from their house. I
also would love to add that and I learned on the tree day that we will soon like next year get like a water station in heritage park where you can drink
>> well yeah filling up water bottles on the parks >> we don't have one there they kept bringing yet and I think it's installed in village park maybe I I don't know. But I know the Heritage Park, you know,
Sally showed me where stuff is there now. >> Yeah. And they marked already um the location. So maybe it's even possible if >> you order to refill those. >> How would you do that? You need to attach a hose to the faucet and you
don't really want to. I mean, you can't you can't get the bucket under the little faucet. Well, you could get really >> Barbara and I will volunteer to work on this and see, you know, we'll we'll record it to, you know, shade tree how we're going to do this when we >> when we actually get the trees planted.
>> So, we definitely have to coordinate with parks and also regarding the diaper versus the gator. >> Um, if someone wants to research that um because I don't know that the donut is very aesthetically pleasing. People are used to the gator. I'm not sure how the diaper would go over. Although the
diaper with the diaper, here's the p people that make it the diaper from di >> those donuts green like dark green. Maybe you can order them in different colors. They >> they are dark. Well, I hope they're not white. I read >> the one I read, they said you could put
the mulch on top of them, but I you know, like I say, it needs more research. >> So, they absorb rain or irrigation water and they slowly release it back to the plant when the soil dries. It promotes healthy. You see, it's Well, we have to someone do some research. I'm just curious about this. Now, the one the the
one benefit of this is it doesn't go around the trunk because the other thing I've been experiencing is um tree gators left on all winter and we have bark damage on the trees that did have them like there's someone there's that's I mean this is what we need arbers for to
attempt to that to intent for the attention of the trees and the care of the trees specifically all that afterwards. I learned at core training that you have to remove those donuts when it's freezing. >> Yeah. Well, okay. So, that's the thing. We need to be careful how much we take
on. I don't want Chry to take on all of the physical work for tree care. That's not that's not the plan. I believe um the public works department and we have budget for an arborist. But I don't hiring a consulting arborist. They're not going to be out there doing the tree
care. That's somebody else. You know what I'm saying? That's, you know, that's not what we really need the arborists for. What we need is a team devoted to trees and maybe it's the community volunteers as you say. So, >> well, also >> and I will let you know how many people respond. Yes, they'll water the trees.
>> I would sign up. >> Yeah, I mean the owners once I hear from I found out that the um one town when they uh pay uh landscaper to plant their trees
you know, they they charge them so much money and the township holds um 10% I think uh for the first year because they they in their contract with them they're responsible for keeping the
trees watered and so they don't get that 10% of the cost of planting the trees until after the first year. I love that. >> Yeah, we did that. That's how it was with the no net loss trees also. >> Okay. >> Um but these spending less than $40,000. We don't
have that kind of contract. You know what I'm saying? >> No, I know. But whatever our contract is, can't we, you know, include that they're responsible? >> The planters, you mean the landscape people? >> But people, whoever it is that plants the trees are supposed to be responsible
for a year to make to water them, but we you know this I found out that does sunset do that? Do they will they water them for a year? That was one of our >> Well, I don't know. That's the thing. You know, it's something to consider. Um
>> because that would take the most critical year responsibility away. >> Uh yeah, I really like that with public works because they have the means, they have, you know, and I know they do get that jug on the truck to water the
flowers. They water the annuals regularly or they wouldn't have survived the summer. So, I know there's watering going on regularly. Um, and I know what's difficult about this is it's all spread out. There's a tree on Knight. There's a tree in Heritage. There's a tree on Prospect. There's a tree on all
the way south Maine. >> Um, but it's still within the village pretty much, you know, it's we're not watering the whole township. So, it's it seems like a simple problem, but we haven't been able to solve it. And even when we talk to and maybe Taylor has a better suggestion about how does did we
talk to Taylor? Did we talk about watering trees and the Taylor? >> Yeah, because I just listened to >> Yeah. And what did he >> yesterday and that's where I got the idea from of holding 10%. Uh but of course it's probably his uh team in his
town that uh plants the trees. I guess I'm not sure. They seem to do everything. >> I believe he has a crew. >> Yeah, he has. >> I think unless he contracts. >> He has a train crew specifically just for trees. They're working all the time on the trains. >> Wow. >> They're working all the time. Wow.
>> And I als and and they're um also uh trained from Ruters. You know, they have to get seen from Ruters. And >> so they're knowledgeable. >> They know they're knowledgeable. They know how to prune correctly. And so when
they're not planting trees, they're pruning trees and or removing dead trees. You know, that video, all that was discussed and and um and then the contract too. I mean, I thought they
used someone that we were looking at to plant the trees. >> I know that. Well, I know the recent plant. >> They Yeah, true. But I do know that um in terms of Princeton, I know that they use Princeton Tree Care for planting trees at some point because when I had Princeton Tree Care here to look to talk
about pruning, they bragged that they were doing a big planting for Princeton Township. Um so, uh yeah, I mean he uses contractors. They don't do everything. They don't plant all the trees or anything like that. I mean, his crew doesn't do that. They do the care, but he contracts out
like we do to get trees planted. And I I I don't know if we ever discussed even root guards with him, but that's what the township requires now because of the sidewalk issue. And there's sidewalks going up all over town. That's one thing I often get calls about. He take down the tree, it's pushing up the sidewalk. Well, we don't do sidewalks. And so then I generally have to refer it to Denise
or get some feedback how to handle that. Um there's two trees in question right now about that and I will follow up with um public works um about that. Um, yeah. So, thanks for the community care
suggestion because I know there's a lot of people that want to help with trees, you know, and I will see what percentage of the houses in front of where we're planting, how many of those people would be willing. So, we start to get an idea about that and I'll let you know. Um,
anything else on tree planting? Do you want to make changes to this budget? >> Do you can we go through the um 225? >> I'm sorry. >> What I'd like to see.
>> Oh, I can tell you what we spent. We spent the membership dues. We spent some of the training. >> So, it was >> and we spent the work notice. I mean the work session the 100 for the work and nothing else. We've not spent the 37,000 the arborists that we consulted with um
over the last year have done it for free. >> It's been >> this is the memo. >> Yeah, that's the one I got. So >> So really we spent >> So we spent this we didn't spend that. That's all because we didn't get to
these things for various reasons. Oh, I just want to say one other thing about the um tree pruning. The tree pruning. We have been trying to get the trees on Main Street, all those young trees that were planted with the beautifification project and the new loss because they really need pruning for structural health. I worked with I
thought DBW was going to do it and it turns out they they never going to do it. I don't think they even have the equipment really. And that's a very subjective thing to get a quote on. So, I mean very subjective. And yes, they can look at the inventory, okay? you know that says but they really need to
look at every tree again you know to see what it needs at the time because branches break and utility companies come in and people's and people Yeah. And they would be which is why I'm that's why we would contract that out for Main Street. I thought it could be done in house that's why we contract it out. I thought it would be done in house
but I don't think it can be done inhouse. So anyway I'm sorry go ahead Jessica continue. Yeah, just I um the line that I would really like to see from them is the consulting arbur and I would triple it
because I just don't see how we would get any significant number of hours on a regular basis from someone at 7,000 um if we're really going to get someone to assist which I think we do need to do in reviewing um tree removal requests as
well as I mean, you know, planning office um proposals, you know, anything that's going through planning or zoning. Um we need an arborist to be looking at that. And if you're going to get any kind of not even
a lot of monthly work, um I I I think we're we're probably looking at something more like we're probably looking at something more like 20,000. And that would be to provide all the care for the trees planted as well as the maintenance, you
know, the pruning, the ongoing the ongoing care, the removal. Um they would coordinate with DPW on removal and maintenance. Um, it it could I mean I don't I don't know what the hours involved in coordinating but you know
that would be that would be great if it could but I think it would it would you know to actually review inquiries that are coming in um and and and should review the inquiries coming in. >> I don't I think I think I think it should be observed by August.
>> Yeah. I don't think that's a volunteer. >> Can you explain why? because that's a standard that the state is is is trying to shift to. It was a major part of trying to have the legislation implemented at the township level. >> Um I just it it takes a lot of training
and I think it also takes um >> so you mean to do the to review the applications >> potentially. I think if we're talking about hazard trees and um >> well so you would you would want the arbitist to go out to the site to do site visits. Is that what you're saying that? because where I don't necessarily
do that now the application I don't go to a site is that I look at the I check that the guy's l that the contractor is licensed um and then I look at what how many trees they're removing and if it falls
within the guidelines and they are so far they have there's no action other than approving and then they have the person do it. Um, so you're looking like for more on-site work to see what they're doing or what hasn't come up yet is replacement treats that hasn't come
up yet. >> And so I think there's just there's there's a lot that could be there. And I think um what the person could also do is help with the plan. I mean I think doing >> help with the planning for >> I mean I don't see someone actually going out and doing the work. I want to make that clear. And I don't see paying
a consulting artist to be out there with a pruning tool, >> but to coordinate with DPW, to coordinate with us, >> of like, you know, this is and to make recommendations on the kinds of things that we're talking about are like, okay, you're
planting this many trees next year and then here's also the the plan for maintaining them and what it's going to cost and it can come in with like reason, you know. So, you're talking about like um large planting plans like >> I'm just talking about >> the one the one we looked today. They're
putting some more trees. They're doing a modification one of the Amazon buildings. And our our purpose looking is that is just to review the species. Everything else is is on the planning board. All Sher does is looks at the species to make sure there's nothing going.
>> Yeah. It's going to cause a problem. And that's all we look at because everything else is laid out in code. One thing that the planning board used them. >> One thing that did concern me about that was uh >> uh there was only very few trees and
shrubs that are planting on that huge property because there's already trees there that they said they're going to keep and then there's other trees that they say they're going to move. But, you know, we didn't even look to see, well,
are there going to be sidewalks or roads put in right near where those trees are they're going to keep? They're they intend to keep or, you know, when they move these trees, what size are they? You know, we didn't have that information at all. So, and I was
thinking and the only reason why I even thought of that concern is because of the houses they're building um on Old Trenton Road. Uh >> yeah, just to say that plan was
submitted. I don't know what's going in there. >> I know. I know. We don't have any. But um after listening to that video with um that you and Jessica had with Taylor last year,
um he talked about um the one thing he looks at when people are um for the construction through the um zoning board or whatever. he goes with the zoning board because um he wants to see how
they're getting the trucks into the backyard and how any of the construction is going to affect the critical tree route of their neighbors. And I'm sure that's a concern of the neighbors right
now where they're doing the construction on Maine. And so moving forward, you know, it's >> Yeah. There's criteria in the code in um for not putting material under the canopy of the tree against the tree.
It's all part of the but is it followed? Well, and I know I know the first that you made sure they did that >> with the um >> the buildings across from Four Seasons that there was a there was a parking lot
and then the homes a parking first the you know old Trenton Road buildings and then a parking lot and then the town houses and there was a couple of trees one big tree and you made sure they had a fence around it during construction to protect Do you know what I'm talking
about? >> I think so. But yeah, that's >> Well, well, you know, so you did >> supposed to do that. Yeah, >> about that. >> I must have gone on site that day. I don't usually do that because it's not >> Well, no, it's a big old tree and it's still there and you know they have
garbage, the big garbage. Uh >> yeah. So that's that would be another role for the arborist. So really what we're asking for is the township to hire arborist. So I think we need to have a meeting with Denise because this is very different from consulting. This is someone who would have to have who would be part of the township staff part-time
whatever and they would not be reporting to us they would be reporting to the administration um we would be working with them but I believe that's how it would have to go and so I'll have to schedule Denise to find out >> depends on whether he's a consultant or
working with township because uh of insurance purposes. >> Yeah, there's there's all of that. Exactly. Yeah. I have to have a discussion with Denise then if we're looking at $20,000 a year to turn over some of what we do to an arborist. Um >> well
doing like we we can't go on site in a in any meaningful way and I think that there we need to have some kind of enforcement especially for development. >> Yeah. Well that's I agree. I totally agree but we need to have the backing of the township community administration too. We can't do it on our own. So that's why I need to speak to this niece
and see what the next step is regarding hiring a consulting arborist for the year which would be a contract thing right it would be a contract thing I believe like all the other it's a professional service like all the other professional services so it would be an annual contract but what I want to what
I directly want to understand is >> who do they report to and how much um do they like how that would work exactly how that would work, you know, with the township with them working with the
township and um I don't know how it work working, you know, with that arbor is working with DPW if they're not part of the DPW crew. That's that's these are all the questions I have to see how that would how that would work because we don't first of all our DPW who doesn't
have the tree stuff. They don't have the equipment to do the tree stuff. So that's why it's all contracted out because they don't have although I'm curious to know who um well the thing about the the trimming in Heritage Park and I think you both observed this is that the cuts were not great. Is that
correct? They were not great cuts. Did you see ripped bark? Did you see branch pl cut into that kind of thing? Um >> yeah, but there's also another thing I would love to mention and we realized this when we had the gentleman who
planted those trees 30 years ago all of a sudden. So meaning and I want to support Jessica's idea for consistency but also a long-term strategy. Heritage Park is a beautiful example and also Old Trenton
uh >> Milstone. >> Yeah. part. Um, if all trees are planted at the same time, we need to make sure or a certified arborist needs to make sure that we need different ages. We need to make sure
that not after 30 or 60 years then they're all of a sudden gone. So, we need different ages. We need a long-term strategy. We need consistency. >> Yeah, I agree. to have the next generation growing up under the 30 year
old tree right now. And that applies to quite some areas and it's really important. >> Yeah. So have >> a long-term plan has been to plant a dozen 10 or dozen trees to replace in village every year. We just haven't been able to follow through for a variety of
reasons. you know, COVID and um I mean the budget is there and I hope it'll hopefully it'll be there again next year to move forward with the horicultural materials and everything. We do have an RFQ prepared. We just have a few details to iron out. Right. It's it's been a very unusual year for the
shade tree commission. We have two new commissioners that were just trained this year. So, uh, you know, and there was a lot of and like you say the we're we're dealing for the first real year
with the new ordinance. Uh, and then uh also uh we've been dealing with the climate change and the new um recommendations for trees for planting. Uh and we have
we have updated our tree recommendation list which is wonderful uh because you can click on the you know a source to learn about the specific tree. It's interactive. Yes. So
uh we've done a lot of work. It just doesn't appear in the in the physical view of new trees planted. No, >> but we're ready. We're ready for >> next year. >> Yeah. Well, the RFQ is ready and we were
gonna ask for we just have to a few details and we're gonna ask for quotes by January 15th. You see, our budget's not approved until April. Like really, a lot of the work that needs to be done is at the end of the year and the beginning of the next year, and that doesn't that doesn't align with budget, but we'll
work that out >> as long as we get this budget. As a matter of fact, >> do we want to do a vote? Um yeah, do you want to do it? We'll actually adjust the we'll you may know on the way it is now before making any changes or
>> the thing is this is our last meeting for the end of the year >> to submit the budget. >> How about we compromise and um uh you know when we present the budget we'll have to explain uh you know in
>> a couple of budget meeting for several years. I don't know that I have to defend the budget anymore. I I but and I won't know that until January does the reorg when you when you present. >> Kathy would submit the request to the administrator or finance department.
This is like the the proposal. >> Right. Right. >> The request. So I I suggest um >> we compromise with um Jessica's request for 21,000 >> and um request 14,000
uh set aside for the arborist. >> Do does anyone know what um an hour? >> Yes, it's 75 to 150 depending on that's that's the range. Now, I haven't looked at that range for maybe a year, but last
I looked it was 75 to 150 an hour. >> All right. Well, I I would had took my calculator out and just looked at 7,000 considering we'd be paying the consultant. I just the easy number $100 an hour. And so that left us with 700
hours. And I divided it times uh I divided it by four to see if they came for four hours. a a time to cranberry to work for us at $100 an hour. It um I divided that and I
got 175 days and then I did it with five hours um into 700 and I got uh 140 days. Does that five into
75? Yeah. 40 times. >> How many hours? >> For five hours at a time. But that's presuming
presuming they charge $100. $100 times five hours a day would be $500. $500 into $7,000 goes 140 times.
>> 7,000 covers 50 hours pretty much for 150, right? 50 hours. That's a lot of hours. They won't have an office. Um the township made very clear they don't want to add to administration
costs but this is this is necessary the arborist >> yeah I feel it really is >> um save us money >> just to say in terms of just to say in terms of any arborist um what's the word I want um oh
um enforcing we have no enforcement >> that's >> this would have to be a new assignment to this person and they'd have to have well obviously they'd have the credentials but I don't know what they have to do to be that enforcer like the zoning officer is for township might
have need to inquire about that >> I think from going back to the you know some of the um like the webinars that were done at the time that we were taking on the new
ordinance are working on that. >> Um there's obviously a lot of different ways, you know, different levels of enforcement and different ways to do that. But I think that we
you you really you have to have someone who's designated as an officer legally to do that. >> I believe that's correct. and and they're really looking at having that that person needs to have some sort of training or can call on someone who is
who can easily call on someone um who is a licensed arborist or certified arborist. >> Yeah. and who would be available to testify in court type thing like that's that's what the zoning officer when it come when there are when there are um
infractions they're usually something that you go to court and the zoning officer's job is to show up there as the arborist would be >> and I think the other thing is for the the arist to be there in advance so that to to to educate and to kind of lay out
what the grant was make those very clear >> you mean to the township >> to any to the not just in the township to residents or developers to be to get kind of get in front of the problem and prevent from us getting to the point where people need I think that's to me
like having someone on staff on board and just getting that education out getting you know we we have a problem right now as to we've got more on the books than we can enforce and
we also have like a huge education an opportunity. I think there's so many people in town who would really um who would it would be great. You submit an application, you have a conversation with an arborist. To me, that's that's um you know, or if you have any
questions for an arborist, you can you can get to that person. That's a I see that as a real taxpayer benefit. >> Well, also understand that the people who are submitting applications have already talked to an arborist because they've had to have an arborist come out to consult about the tree and then insert them. They're they're already working with an arborist. So, but
ideally what I'm thinking now is I think the planning board or the zoning board should have an arborist on there because I have a professional arborist. Maybe that's a way to get to this too. >> I think the township needs to have that that person >> the township not not on not on a
particular commission. Um well it work an approval commission like planning or zoning >> and in the same way I think that when sha tree is brought in to review planning or zoning that that should be done by a certified arborist.
>> Okay but yes if they're going to enforce all the other codes which I don't look at. I mean all we look at is the species. That's all they're asking us to do. Are we satisfied with the species? So the landscape plan the landscape plan is already supposed to be within all the um
confines of everything is laid out. I remember I don't know what chapter that is but with all um you know there's particular rules for every planner to follow when they submit that and for whatever reason and this is because I pressed on it. We want to see what species are being planted because you're seeing what's happened over so many
years and now we're dealing with all of that. Um, so I'm wondering if it shouldn't be part of the planning board process because um, they see all the plans from the beginning to the end and that would be the place for the arborist to speak up because >> but there's also residential
construction and I like a townshipwide need. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So the zoning board and they're right there to say well this you know to do that >> if we get to the point where we have an argument I would absolutely see running
it worked into the process for the planning board zoning board >> you know where appropriate that that person >> yeah well appropriate I mean they have a they have for I forget which ones but they do have a professional planner they have a professional um
have a professional se I don't know they professionals that are there to consult and I think given all the things they were saying it's um to have an argist there would be great >> because we're not argists you know and I have been to planning board meetings >> um
uh yeah so I saw I just want I just realized too with that that video I had taken notes on it um with the Taylor and YouTube uh he talked about uh the certificate of occupancy
He mentioned that developers have certain rights to take trees down, you know, live trees that are healthy, but um you know, they're supposed to replace them within a certain time frame. And he said um
you sometimes that's included in the certificate of occupancy. So they until they have at least a plan to plan they can't get their CO, which I'm sure So, you know, it would be really worthwhile having. And but he did say as
the arborist, it needs to be constantly rechecked to make sure they're >> on site. Yeah. The on site on site. >> Yeah. What you need a professional for. >> But, uh, sorry. >> You know, it's just another it it's >> Yeah, it's it is a lot. It is a lot,
which is why we're looking for a professional consultant because um, you know, but just to say regarding the residents they're sending in the applications, they all have all talked to an artist is the thing. So, I don't know how I don't know the township would support us sending someone else out there when they've already talked to an arborist and we should trust them to do
what they said they're going to do. And again, no no plans have come in where there's so many trees that there needs for replacement. Okay. Um and that and I think they have a year to do that. Does that does anyone I think it's a year they have to replace the trees maybe
depending. Okay. But also want to say um there's something else I just forgot. Um, oh, so regarding enforcement, so there was a situation where trees were going down at the old pool club property. I got phone calls. I called the township administrator and the reason there was enforcement is because it was our
riparian zone. I never heard anything else about it. Do they have a plan? I don't have any contact information. So that's like a loose end. They took down all those trees. I mean, some are just laying there still. And they, you know, destabilized the whole bank there um
that goes into the Milstone. Um, now that the I know the zoning officer was called. I was told the zoning officer was called and went out, but I don't know what happened after that. There's been no communication. >> No. And that's why it would be really helpful to have someone >> because ar would be involved in that and
they would be working helping to work on the plan. I think their plan at for that property is actually grow trees. Okay. But I'm not really sure. Anyway, moving on because it is 11:30. Um, so now we've changed the budget. We've doubled the consulting arborist to 14,000 and I'll
have to have a meeting with Denise pretty quickly to see how this whole thing would work in terms of how much um uh you know what kind of enforcement power will they have and will the township committee support that um and that and also because we don't
really have much we don't really have any consequence and we're not even raising money with these applications. It's all free. um you know we can't pay for the or from the tree applications which so many places do you know they would be getting a fee for those applications and then that money would
go toward planting trees or tree care professional consulting has an arborist that's going to check up on you um even with >> but we can start that whether we have one or not there's an arborist there's an arborist in town um so so that makes
it 55075 I think the um the budget 55 5075. So I make a motion to approve this budget request for 2026 total of 55,075 um as it reads except for the correction under consultant arburist um to 14,000.
Uh so I made the motion. I'll second it. >> We'll do a roll call. Miss Eastston. >> Yes. >> Miss Irons. >> I'm sorry, but I I still have questions on the budget in the process. I I I I don't feel like I have enough
information to either like approve or disapprove this right now. >> I feel like a lot of the questions you have are only for administration. Like there has to be administration approval on a lot of this stuff is there's a lot of behind the scenes like not behind the
scenes there are legal requirements on like financial aspects to this. So, >> and and we don't know what someone would would even require to come on board to be an artist in in any form. So, we may
be we may be lowballing this. Um, and I don't we don't have any process built in to or maybe we're highballing it, but we don't have any process within this budget as we're being asked to approve it to go up or down.
>> So, um, and I just don't Okay. Well, and it >> but to remind you, you don't have to vote. You can vote nay. >> Yeah, >> you can vote nay. But this is the last meeting of the year. So, it this is just a vote. The majority of members were
>> just run through the timeline one more time for me of what happens with the budget. >> We c we discuss the budget at a meeting. Kathy submits the budget request to the administrator, the CFO. they review it if it's approved or not.
The budget is passed at a next year meeting >> in April. >> I don't I'm not a part of that process. Um it's a >> it's budget is for January to December or or >> calendar year. No, it's calendar year.
>> If it's calendar year, how is it not approved until >> Well, it's it's okay. Okay. So, the budget, there's a meeting in January where they present the budget and it's a public >> there's a budget meeting. >> There's a budget meeting. So, there's that. And my experience is for several years I had to go and explain the budget
because the budget used to be nothing like I don't know $5,000. And I explained the need for over the years explained the need for taking care of the trees. And there's a lot of money involved in that contracting out. But we never went over 40,000 because that's a whole different thing that I wouldn't even handle. That's a going out to bid
thing. And we weren't asking for more than that ever, more than like 30. And then I'm sorry, the Microsoft. And then in April is when it's like some kind of final approval process. I don't know exactly what it is, but really we'll know in January.
Um, is it because we vote? Is there a public vote in April or something? I can't remember now what happens in April that signs off on it. they you know administration and and they they take each >> but yeah on that at the budget meeting
that's when we really will know if if it's approved and if and if Denise wants me to be at the budget meeting she'll let me know >> but I remember last January I was at the meeting where you presented the budget and the um
the committee me the township committee members had a lot of questions and it got very confusing And uh when it was over uh you know I I spoke
to different members of the committee and they were they would have given us more money and here we were we thought we were asking for a lot of money and they would have given us more money at the time. Uh >> oh. That was at a township meeting where
two of the members boasted, "Oh, we could have given you more money." It was the inappropriate thing to say at that point. We'd already had the meeting. >> I know. I know. But it was very frustrating. Uh but the fact that they >> Well, whatever. Yeah. Uh I I I from my
own experience in my few years here on the earth, it's better to ask for more than less. I found that many instances uh right so these numbers aren't so arbitrary when we did the tree plantings
before we did about 10 or dozen trees it's about 10,000 that's what we're basing that on we we the numbers gone up at with the root guard requirement in terms of tree pruning having done this for many years it's generally about 20 or 30,000 to get through the parks and the other things now we've been going
through the parks so so regularly through the years are really in much better shape and some work's been done in heritage that I wasn't even aware of which means I don't need to get those trees pruned. Um so uh I mean this is based on experience how much those cost
except the orbit part. >> Yeah. >> I have a question. What is our priority for 2026? Is it planting? Is it replanting? It it cannot be pruning alone.
>> No, it's it's planting. It's getting the trees you placed on Main Street and getting our um community forest management plan someone to work on that because we need a new one. Yes. >> Because ours is going to expire. I believe it is at the end of 2027
because it says through 2027. So my understanding is that is through the end of 2027. So this year we need to prepare and find someone to prepare next year for approval. >> Yeah. But then could some money too. >> That's about $5,000 something like that. >> Okay.
>> And that's not in the budget for next year because we won't be paying for that I believe until 2027 when ours expires. But >> Okay. >> Um is that correct? Does it run through the last day of the year 2027?
We need it. Uh we need one. Um, I just don't know if it means >> this won't go till 2027. So, >> the end of 2027. So, we need to be prepared by the end of this year to get quotes and have have a new CFMP
>> ready to go by the end of 2027 for 2028. And all of this I mean the the and these are our goals. You can look I mean these this is now you know working with the same plant for 10 years but if you look at the um by the way the extra one got just got
ruined by the rain on cranberry day so I don't have an extra one now >> because that kept planting >> like this this sort of shows our priorities and we sort of you know we're doing a repeat since we're doing another five years. Did you say that we just got the information
>> um about the the outline what's required for the CM? No, we No, what we got what New Jersey Forest Association I mean what New Jersey urban and community forest association the state sent was the application for annual report.
>> Oh, okay. Okay. Because I wrote down um from you remember I showed this to you. Uh I think it was from one of the um conventions. It says the CFMP guidelines
for 2025. They're going to have key changes. The inventory now is required. That's a new requirement and we've started that requirement. Uh management is driven by data. So we need to have data like you know how many people
attend these community events we have and how many trees we're planting and how many trees we're pruning that kind of thing. Uh everyone is doing that um driven by data if we haven't in the past. And uh we have to have uh canopy
map mapping requirements. So that's something else we have to have. And it just says it's a general thing, new way to look at program goals and outcomes. >> So that might even change before we get ready to do ours which will run 28 for
the next five years after that. So there might even be more changes coming that we don't know about. >> The data the data driven is important in the canopy. we know they've been, you know. >> Yeah. Well, with $14,000, we can get the second phase of the tree inventory done.
I mean, if we're looking for arbiters to do stuff, um, we want more data. They could do that maybe. But generally, that's a very specialized thing and not everybody does inventory. And I would like to actually, you know, I what I what I'm not clear about is since we've had Sage do the first part, I was very happy with Matt and all the information,
the report and everything. Can he just do can they just do the next one or do we have to take it out to bid again? to do the second part. That doesn't make sense to me. There should be some continuity, but we're asking for money. So, that I don't think that would cover
um inventory and a CFMP. And Jessica specifically is asking for more help, you know, on site in town with the various things that are changing, but you know, um >> Okay. So, we did get a motion in second, but roll call was interrupted. So, start
again. Would you want to or >> want to? >> We had a motion in a second. >> Okay. >> But we did not finish roll call. So >> So do you want to get back to Jessica for her vote then? >> Is that happened before where you
>> Well, sometimes we do make a motion and we get into a discussion, we lose ourselves. Um >> do you want to start again? But I I just want to my mic should be on. I just want to remind you you can a you can n you can abstain. >> Okay. I think we also need motions to end or begin discussion on specific
agenda items which we didn't do on this. >> Wait, what do you mean? >> We didn't have a motion to end discussion on the budget. We went straight to the roll call. >> Kathy asked for a mo. If someone makes a motion and there's a second, then it can move on to roll call.
>> We didn't ask to end discussion. >> I mean, it just went straight to the roll call. It >> You asked for a motion. Okay. If someone makes a motion and second it, then that's what moves on to roll call. >> You can vote however you want.
>> Okay. So, do you want to restart and ask for another motion after the discussion? >> Let's start. Yeah. Start again because I can't remember when we change. Um, if the discussion changed. >> So, do I ask now if is there any more discussion before I make a motion? Is that what you're asking procedurally
wise? Okay. So, you're doing we're doing a new motion to end to begin or end discussion. Is that >> No, I'm asking you is the whole discussion before I make the motion if it seems like you're not. Is there any possibility of asking for a higher
number on the item because I just don't think like I've said before, I think your starting figure is probably going to be something more like 20,000. >> This is 90 hours of work right here. I'm just saying it's 90 hours. That seems like that might be sufficient. >> If we're asking someone to come on board
as a consulting arborist, I I'm just trying to think of what's going to make it worth it. It seems better to me to go in highballing and to get if that is what it is and to be preapproved for a higher figure than we might need than to have to go back
and find that we don't have enough to move forward. >> Right. Well, I still don't have the administration's input into how long the amount that you're so I I was that's why I was okay with 14,000 because I think we'll be okay this year once we get figure out how it's all going to work
and under who is they going to report you know all of that. But what's the process if you find if it if if the concept gets approved for a consulting arborist or somebody on part-time staff, however that works, then what would be the like what would
be the process of actually coming up with what that amount would be? And if it's not sufficient, you know, >> I think these are all questions for administration and the finance department. There's there's there's a lot being discussed
here that should just to get clarification should be going to the administrator to clarify to make sure you get the right answer. >> Yeah. Yeah. And my understanding is you know as a consultant I would be a professional services contract like any other but all the professional services
contract it's clear who what board they're on and who they're reporting to and how based on the amount they have you pay them. So >> like depending on the amount that you pay someone makes it a different type of situation, >> right? So we're being asked. So we don't have enough money. I mean we don't have
enough information really to vote in my in my we don't have that information. >> We have to vote on the budget today one way or the other. >> So um we definitely have to do that. But if if you're if you're saying
>> is there a process by which if if there is a discussion with administration and and it looks like this is something that can move forward but it requires more funding. Is there a process by which the budget can be amended and what would that be? >> No, you can't amend the budget the next
during like during the year of the budget. I don't think you can amend. You can move some things around. can't I I would like to suggest just increasing the 14,000 to a request for 18,000 to get this moving along. The 18,000
would um allow us to pay $200 an hour for 90 hours. Well, at 150 an hour, we get 90 hours
for 14,000. But I also, you know, if they're going to be putting in that many hours, then I need to find out can they be um will they have some say on the planning board meetings because they go to the planning board and I don't know. I don't there's a lot of things I don't know. So for me
14,000 I wouldn't I wouldn't want to ask for more than that because we don't even have experience with the consulting ar this year. Um and really um so I think we could get quite a lot for that once I find out what like sort of what
the directive is from the management I mean administration >> it's unfortunate we didn't at least find out about the uh insurance you know whether the house has under the township or >> well my understanding is when you that
they'd either work on a contract Okay. For so many hours I think is or it's on a they just worked hourly. We call them when we need them. That was the two options. When I was I called multiple arborists and got the rates which were 75 to 150 and those are the two ways
they explained it other than being hired part-time as a employee. But I believe that is out of the question last I talked. So those are the two ways that it works. you know, just hourly or for so many I mean
hourly pay, you know, um as we need them by request or something else, which is what Jess is looking for in the 14 I think would cover it, but I don't really know. But I think we do need to take a vote and move forward one way or the other, but but not until we're done discussion.
So, it's it's a year since we've been working on this, you know, trying to get an arborist. You know, we've been talking about we need to get an arrest. We need to get an arrest. So, um we need to get
>> I would support a higher figure, but I don't think 14K is going to cover. >> Any more discussion? Any more discussion? >> Jessica, what would you suggest? >> Um, so I I suggested 20,000.
>> Um, Jack has submitted suggested 18. That's better than 14. >> Yeah. >> So, what speaks against 20,000 as >> we don't have to use it like to have
that? I have to justify it though. >> But like we can put 20,000 if I mean if that's what everyone agrees we could put 20. I just want to end the discussion and move on quite quite frankly. So if we want to put 20 we can make it 20. Um if you feel strongly but I think if you
could prepare Jessica please for Denise and when I a list of what you specifically gives you a very you know very clear overview sort of what you anticipate this arburist would do for us during the year.
for the 20 which is um which is quite a let me see how many hours that would be and let's say 175 because rates have probably gone up because everything else is you're using 200 Jackie >> for 200 it would be 100 hours
>> oops 100 yeah well yeah it's 20,000 easy >> and and 100 hours if you if they came for five hours a day But what are they doing two to five hours a day? And what are they doing 5 hours a day? >> Well, uh
once or twice once a month they can look at all of our uh requests for permits. And then they can also uh work with the zoning board on >> the plans.
>> The plans the plans. And then they can also help us with our uh requests for >> selection of trees, >> proposals and and selection of trees and maybe do a um
info to the community, >> present a program. present a program and also do uh we have money for uh well we in the past for training like one time we had an arborist do a pruning
training and we had some people from public works and people from the environmental commission came and we learned how to the correct pruning and practice it you know book I'm not even online book knowledge Knowledge is one
thing but hands-on is so important and that that um tree. >> So I just so 100 hours a year is two hours a week. >> I don't think we require someone to come
every week. But I'm just saying though it's what it would average down to >> you know it's just another way to think about it which is not you know and that could be if it just happens once a month and that's you know 8 to 10 per month is that what we're looking at
and >> I I don't know because I'm I'm not have a clear vision of what I mean I'm not sure what >> it just seems to me like that that gets eaten up really quickly >> the so I just want to say this about the application so because I happen to have lived in town a long time been doing this a long time I know most of the people who submit applications, which
gives me advantage because I can call them maybe quickly if they've left something off or you know like what is because no one's doing the DBH so I'm getting circumcises all the time. Not a big deal. Divide them by three but um to see or if they're missing something like maybe you're missing the license number. I have to explain why they need the
license number and it has to be a certified arborist that they're putting. But there's no there's there's nothing further that's needed. I mean, you look on the website, you um I've been doing I'm familiar with who is licensed and who isn't, but you look you just check the directory um and obviously you don't
approve it, but pretty much everyone is getting a licensed arborist and they've already been on site and it's the homeowner responsibility to submit the application with the arborist. But I don't know what next step there is beyond that data collection. Yes. But what else? I mean, what else do you want
the arborist to do when they've already talked to our arborist the homeowner? >> So, it's not just, you know, can we take down this tree in front of our house or not? It's also if there's construction, if there's something like that going on, there needs to be followup, >> you know, if there's a big construction like
>> or a deck in your backyard that could involve your neighbor's tree or or another tree on your property. >> There's a lot of things that can damage trees. So like, >> so you want oversight on the resident's construction.
>> If there's something in the town that is if somebody is asking to remove trees or has major construction, um I'm assuming that gets reviewed for tree damage or tree removal, right? >> I don't go survey properties. No,
>> because I don't have any unless I'm invited. If the applicant invites me, sure. But that they just they just want to do the due process. They said in the application, it's reviewed. I make sure it's online. I approve it. It's not um I don't understand what else what what
needs to be done. This is really awkward conversation to have and at this this is something >> to have like a working session devoted to the budget and I just I feel like this is hard because we're we don't know exactly what we need. We don't know what
someone's going to ask for. Well, it's worth it for them to to do this work. And I that's why I just I want this higher number >> so that we are, you know, leading putting our best foot forward so that we have enough. We're going into a lot of unknowns and I think we just need to
allow for a higher number on that. If we're going to do >> I'm not hoping that we spend every last penny of it. I'm just saying let's >> Well, we can ask we can certainly ask, but if we're going to be doing that, what we really need is I want to increase and I didn't No one approved this with me the last time. I want to increase the amount of training budget
there is. I think it should be $1,000 because we need education and um how much of that do we use this year? >> Um >> it was just a conference >> 250. >> That was it right for the whole year. >> Well, there is a Ruckers >> according to this one. It's
>> 250. >> 250. >> Okay. So, I can't I can't do it because it won't justify. So, we'll just let that go. Okay. So, now right now we're what we're looking for is there's a $20,000 figure there. The budget will be 68075. Is that correct?
That's the total that we're voting on now. >> Yeah. >> $68,75. And just we'll put together like sort of a >> uh what what wish list for? Yeah. Like um what arbor duties what arborous duties
would entail and zoning board would be on the top um because that's where all the plans start, I believe. or I mean sorry planning board. Okay. So, um 68,75. Uh I'd like to make a motion. I'm
assuming discussion is over. I'd like to make a motion to approve the 2026 budget request for $68,75 with that one change from $7,000 consulting arburist to 20,000.
Second. Anybody? I'll second >> roll call vote. Miss Eastston, >> yes. >> Miss Irons, >> yes. >> Miss Johnson, >> yes. >> Sirman's absent. Miss Bouquet, >> yes. >> Great. Thank you.
So now Kathy would submit the request to >> Yeah, I'll just change it and and send that to both you and Denise today. And um agenda is hold on. Okay. treatment plan and recruiting.
We've gone over that inquiries. I'm sorry I don't have a number for you. Inquiries um and I apologize, but I'll send an email to you with that. I get them all different ways. Sometimes they come in an email, but I I print every one so I have a record because otherwise I can't. So, but I I haven't printed all
of them because some wouldn't print type thing and I Anyway, but um there've been like a half a dozen maybe since the last meeting of all very basic um mostly dead trees I have to say. mostly dead and dying trees is the is the most common
one. Pine and oak. Um uh member reports I think I've given enough reports for today. Um and does anybody else have any particular report today that hasn't been given already? I just wanted to mention that I did go
with you uh on two occasions to look at uh permits and uh the bottom line is it would really be helpful to have an orders to take that off of your shoulders. The one was straightforward.
It was the storage company. >> The storage company, you know, he's very uh, you know, once when I heard what he wanted to do, I thought, wow, but you go to the property and you see, okay, you know, and he was very happy to put a tree up. Now, I don't know if there's
been any follow through yet with that. And see, that's the thing. Do you know? >> No, I followed up. I followed up and I sent him the link to the recommended tree list and said we were available but he was but he was working with a landscaper already. Okay. And so we had
suggested so this is a situation where we had all these little trees. They were all ornamental something I forget. >> They were blocking >> they were they were blocking the doors and they wanted to move them. They're all except for one. They were all under six inches dv. So not a big deal. I didn't but um we approved it and with a
suggestion but not condition that because he was removing so many trees that he planted a few large trees because there's a big expanse and he was going to work with the landscape on that. >> And what was the other one you saw? >> Well, the other one that was a homeowner's tree.
>> Oh. Oh yeah. Okay. And um you know I looked at that with you and and you know it was a challenge and uh the bottom line is after and I pass it a lot of times >> and um I saw I didn't see them taking it
down but it looked like a homemade job but they must have had a professional take the top of it down because it was so huge a homeowner couldn't even if they had you know the they whatever but >> well the tree went down and we did a went down and it was definitely not
completed by a professional. I have no idea if it was started by a professional, >> but that's the kind of thing that the tree was alive and healthy. >> Yes, that they thought they thought that they they the tree roots were running
toward the house. They were concerned it was going to disrupt the foundation. Now, we don't we're not experts about that. I don't know that an arborist is either. Okay. But before we got back then the tree disappeared. So that's just how it went. Yeah. And again a lot
of this is for administration to say what authority can we in view. I mean any authority I believe has to come directly from the township. Okay. So um >> any >> I don't have any pardon >> any action items. >> No any action items. I think that was
the only action was voting on the budget and the dates for the meetings and that we will be having workshops. Um, and we have money in the budget for that. Um, any other member reports, summary of action items? I'm not sure if I can do that right now.
>> Barbara, go ahead and help her out about the looking into planning over the winter about the train hangers. >> Oh, yeah. >> And Lauren will look for the um close meeting. I'll look to see if I have a sample in my plate in my notebook
here because I think I do. Okay. Okay. Anyone um I said I would draft work. >> Yeah, like a bullet point. That'd be great. That would be great. Um, anybody else? I will get together, Sharon, and try and update those web pages. I know
we were going to do something because I made a note about the last time, but I can't remember what it was. >> Also, the do not plan list. >> Oh, yeah. I'll get I'm going to send it to I know. I'm going to send it to Laura today or tomorrow. >> Tomorrow is a day where I just have to take care of my husband all day. So,
I'll be um I'll be sending you that tomorrow, which is the do not plan. We can always continue to update it, but yeah, I'll get that to you to give to I send it to you and then you send it to >> Yep. to get it posted. >> Okay, great. Anybody else before I make a motion to adjourn? >> I was just announcing there's no public
comment. >> Um there's no public comment today. No public visitors today. Um well, thank you and I'd like to make a motion to adjourn today's meeting. I'll second. >> All those in favor? >> I.
>> Thank you. So then Lord you will to everyone's