I know. >> Not even the cold, it's just the darkness, honestly. >> Yeah. It's like the, >> you know, right up against the >> tried to like bend some of it away, but um I mean, I think the gator bags were good, but I think, you know, the fencing
probably be hit or miss. >> Yeah. So, okay. >> We could also maybe have it as a backup plan as well. >> Well, I think if we're they're charging for that, like it should absolutely >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> work. I think they charge $5 per tree
and if you know Bonnie's estimating >> or something >> that doesn't include the stakes but I don't think they have staking with their >> No, it's just kind of >> it wire tied together. I forget where they might have just taken, you know, the extra >> fence wiring and kind of twisted them
together. >> Okay. Well, I can talk to them about that. >> For the I missed the last meeting. for the kits. Would we publicize the fact that like we have these available for folks to leverage if they want? Okay, >> that's what we got to figure out. I think one of the things
>> I don't know if we talked about it or if you know Christie when people come in >> to uh fill out their tree removal permits and when they have to ultimately >> get a tree put in. I think that obviously would be a good time like
here, you know, here's the whole rundown on what you should be doing for this tree and >> you can get this stuff right from the shade tree commission, too. >> And would the homeowners then install the fencing themselves? Is that a YouTube video of Bonnie?
>> I love it. >> Okay, good. Then put it on later. Put it on social. >> That's right. There you go. There you go. Um, our goal shade tree education goal should be that every new tree planted has protective fencing. I showed Kevin a
firm brook how the bug ripped off their mesh protector and damage one of the maples by the cell. However, maple seem to be one of the preferred species to rub. He said he had never seen so many deer, particularly large bugs, and I think he was convinced he should up his protection. Okay, DPW should be more. I
also think it's important. >> Sorry to interrupt. Bonnie's on the call. She's just I think in the participant section. Can you invite her in? >> Is she Will Rutan? >> I'm sorry. >> There's one participant named Will
Rutan. Is that her? >> I don't know. She just texted me. I'm on Zoom, but I don't have audio. Yes, that is her. >> Oh, she's in the witness protection. Is that good? >> Will welcome, Will. >> Am I unmuted now?
>> You are unmuted. >> Yeah, that's my husband. I I'm sorry. I forgot to switch it over. >> I would have brought you over. >> But I'm like listening to you all talk. I'm like, wait, wait, wait. I wanted to um but um now I can't even I kind of went back and forth trying to get in and
out. But um >> so if that's confusing when when I was with Kevin from Fernbrook and showed him what the deer had done at the cell tower to the that wrap that he put on the tree. They ripped it off. They scarred
the tree. I don't know if it's going to make it. Um he said, "Well, I've never seen deer like this." And so I gave him some fencing and he went over and put it on the liberty tree, which was not supposed to have any fencing on it, the elm tree.
um because he said that's going to get ripped to pieces. And then I gave him and and he puts them on the um the th the tulip trees inside the gator bags over at um community center. Man, I hope
that's okay. He thought after seeing that he they definitely should be protected better. >> Wait, Bonnie. You're saying he went to replace what he put on at the >> No, I just I had met him at the I met him at the cell tower because he was replacing some trees for the natural
area separately from the resident tree buying. He went there first. So I met him there to to show him where to pl plant some trees. So I was with him and he said, "Do you know where I'm supposed to plant this elm tree?" And so I said, "Yeah, I do." So I walked him over and showed it and I said, "Are you putting
anything on it?" Cuz I said, "Based on what just happened right here." So, I gave him some extra fencing that I had and he put it on. And then I asked him if he wouldn't mind putting it on the trees, the tulip trees, too. Um, so anyway, that's that's how that got
on. I wasn't sure if you if you were saying there was a problem with that, Chris, the the fencing over on the tulip trees. >> Uh, I haven't I haven't seen it since it was replaced, but I'm sure he did it. I'm sure it's
>> Well, it wasn't It was never same day because saying she met Kevin when they were here planting. >> Oh, when they were planting it. Oh >> yeah. So it went on that day just cuz I happened to have some extra fence. >> There were one or two that like the fencing was literally just practically
touching the trunk of the tree. like it wasn't it didn't like the f the piece of fence was just not cut long enough to give it a nice uh >> well he kind of made like a do drop like it fit inside the gator bag. I think that's what he did there. Um that's why
I said if we buy this fencing we should probably cut it the length that fits inside the gator bag. >> Sign. Well, yeah. Well, I guess because it it would also make it easier to get to the gator bag to water it, of course. But
>> it's it's kind of tricky because >> then it's really it doesn't really give any room between the tree trunk and the fence itself. Like the gator bag isn't
super wide. And then you're going to put that inside the gator bag. Is that everything? >> Well, we we could put it. I mean, the other two, the locust trees that we put in before, I put fence around them that's much bigger and I put a a um I
surrounded them with mulch um and then put a bigger fence. We could do that. That would just require more fencing. I mean, that's not a big deal either. Um but then again, as you said, the gator >> bactice, >> sorry, >> what's best practice
for fencing? I mean, >> um I don't know. I I saw up at um Hebrew Woods, they used what I I think I described that snow fencing that has the wooden slats. >> Um and that's what they use. Um they use
it instead of a gator bag, they have this like trough that they put around the base of the tree that they filled with water. So, um I don't know. I mean Kevin I mean I I don't know that he I don't know if he's the one for best
practices but I don't think that what they use is sufficient in fair head. I guess I I guess I'm asking Bonnie like we're we're determining the size that we should offer like you know should it be the size go inside the gator bag because that's best practice or should it be
bigger because that's best you know like I think whatever if we're going to promote this we should be doing >> okay well who do you think I should ask best practice for I don't know who to go to for um
>> I did I mean, did Kevin think that the fencing being up against the trunk of the tree would be is okay? It just feels like the deer will get >> No, what they're doing >> what they want to get me. >> Well, they're they're rubbing their
antlers on it. That's what they're doing. So, they don't want to rub on that metal. They want to rub the bark that's going to scrape the velvet off, right? They don't want to rub on the metal. Oh, is the metal just being there to be deterrent?
>> Yes. >> Or Oh, I thought maybe they don't care as long as they can get to, you know, some part of the tree, you know, >> you know, I I I just imagine it being a little wider so they they come up to it and they can't get to it, so they move
on. But >> Well, I would say that's true, too. um if they can't get to it. But I mean I I have seen a lot of place places where it's a relatively tight ring around the tree and it's basically just keeping their antlers off the tree.
>> Okay. So they just don't like it. >> Yeah. >> She do a study on deer psychology. You have money in that budget? >> I mean if if you want me I mean I can try to find some more best practice. I I >> have a qu I don't I don't know the answer. If it's a tight ring around the
tree, how long will that fence? >> Well, it's it's a 24 in. >> It's a 24 inch piece of Right. So, that's a 7 in diameter. Right. So, we're talking about 2 in
caliber. >> Right. >> Right. So, it would last for a bit. >> Okay. And it's really just until the bark is hard enough where then it's not damaging the tray. So that's a >> Yeah. I mean there just certain trees
that that like I said if you look around town at any baby maple it is been scraped and it's probably not going to recover or have a long life. They like lynons too. I mean
that's you know. So I um if you want I mean whether we if we get the fencing it may not just go as far. If you want to make bigger fencing, bigger rings, then that's fine, too.
I I feel like DPW right now I I convinced Nick to put some stuff that we had over at Thirsty Trail on those trees because they had nothing on them and I was so afraid they were going to lose them. But it looks awful over there right now with that black tube on top of a water bag. Have you noticed it?
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, I mean, even if we put something on there, it would just it would look nice and it would show that we are doing the right thing in town. I don't know that we're protecting them correctly. I mean, the tubing is fine for a while, but I think it's not a long-term solution. And I also don't
think the gator bag should stay on over the winter. You're basically just keeping the rain from hitting the roots. I mean, nobody's watering them, right? So, you take it off for the winter. I don't know whose job that is, but and I do have lots of gator bags in my backyard in in a thing. So, we don't
need gator bags. >> You're willing to part with them? >> I am really really willing to part with them. Might not be pristine, but they'll do the the trick. >> Okay. Um >> I agree with Bonnie. I mean, I think
she's touching on something very important. If we are the bellweather of how to treat these trees and and care for them, then we should do it the right way if we're um you know showing the town how to do it properly. So whatever I you know I would defer to Bonnie on
her expertise and and follow whatever lead she she is giving. >> No, I agree. We're just trying to figure out whether or not we're we're giving it enough fencing. But I guess >> whatever. Uh >> well, if >> I I think a lot of it's going to be, you
know, I think there probably there's going to be cases where it works well and then there's going to be cases where there's just some aggressive deer and they're just going to get at it. So I think we'll just try our best. Well, >> in you know what in a
in a perfect world, you put a a ring of mulching around the tree far enough that the weed whackers don't get anywhere close to the because they weed whacked over Marter Park. Some of those trees didn't survive that. So, if you want to say that the practice is maybe I need to
get an official, I'm not sure who the official is to put like a twoft, you know, ring of mulch around and then put the wire around that too. Um, I mean, in terms of
just, you know, putting putting a a small ring around is just a lot easier and people don't have this big thing in their yard. I don't know. >> Sure. >> Yeah. If that's the best way to do it, that's >> Let's do it. Yeah. I mean, we're we're kind of trying to get to a point where
we're going to agree to issue a purchase order or request a purchase order for I guess we'll there'll be like an estimated amount. >> No, I mean, didn't I put I put I put three rolls and uh You don't have to get
me the wire cutters. I'll get them. I just >> forget them for >> I gave mine to Kevin. >> Yeah, your name's going to be engraved on them. >> Will >> you will w
>> Yeah. are like I don't >> but no I I I I just want to make sure we get enough get the right amount get the whatever but >> hopefully people come and get it and >> and we have to like you know do this
again >> um so I guess so all right so fencing >> thanks >> wire cutters >> stakes >> wood chips if you want roughly. Yeah, 600 roughly.
>> It's lower than that, but I would vote on a not to exceed number just in case. >> We don't need wood chips. All we do is get Kevin from Frontier to dump off a pile somewhere and we can access it. That's I mean, we don't need tulips and stuff. >> What?
>> The wood chips are put put around the tulip trees, >> right? Do you >> I would throw it all in. >> Wait. and low. We can get all this at Lowe's and they'll >> go I mean, I'm assuming it's bagged with
the wood chips. >> No, Chris, we don't we don't need to buy wood chips at Lowe's. We really don't. I mean, Kevin >> Kevin from Frontier will readily drop them off. He dropped off a huge pile at um the cell tower and they spread them
on all the trails. I mean, it's so much better using that than some stuff in a bag. who never, you know, you don't want like black mulch or something. Um, natural wood chips are the best thing. That's what the tree wants. So, I mean, it does mean that they have to be
carried over. Um, they aren't just pllopped down in a bag, but better for the environment. It's all around better and they're free, >> right? >> Well, Kevin drops them off at the community center. >> Uh, no. He probably he drops them in bulk. So, >> you're driving.
>> Well, he has. You actually did. >> Um, all right. Well, I mean, then we'll leave out the wood chips and then uh but but you know, we're gonna we're going to hold you responsible for the wood chips. Sorry. >> The wood chips are >> on the toilet trees.
>> Uh well, whenever we need them. >> Can I take off those uh gator bags? >> Sure. >> For the winter. >> Sure. >> They don't need them. >> Okay. >> I mean, I don't think they No, no water ever went in any of them. Did you notice that?
>> Uh, I personally watered them. >> You did not. >> And my >> I I You filled up those water bags. >> I did. When they were first planted, I went out there. I had my kids go out there. Yeah. >> With a hose?
>> No, we had water jugs. Yeah. I ran a huge long hose for my house. >> Well, no, that's what I mean. That's what they need to do. Okay. I'm sorry, Chris. That Thank you. >> It's okay, Mom. Um, all right. So, let's, uh, so, uh,
Christy, you had a total there, a rough total 600. >> It's not, it's what she has out is >> less than that, but I would to cover yourself since we're closing all POS for the year. If there's something else that
you can think of in this order, I would say >> not to exceed number in case something comes up the last minute for this. >> Okay. >> And we All right. Anybody have any any feeling on the number? I mean
>> Christie, do we have to set do an exact PO like or is it a quote or something? I mean, do we do it like we do for other departments? I'm not are a vendor and we have an account with them. We're going to open up a PO with a
with the number that she decides right now and the amount that you order will be deducted from it. >> Okay. >> Why don't we say not 800? >> Sounds good. Sounds good. All right. We'll make a motion to request a PO
in the amount not to exceed $800 to purchase fencing supplies and wire cutters and stakes >> and other tree related
>> other tree related protection items. Treat protection related items. >> I second it. Done deal. >> Yay. >> I'll be with you on that tomorrow. >> Okay.
>> Gonna be dropped off your house early Sunday morning >> with the wood chips just in time for Christmas. All righty. We'll move on. Our 250th anniversary
project. This came up last meeting. We discussed uh the planting of 250 trees and or any other ideas that anyone might have to
commemorate our 250th anniversary. >> I'm just going to circle back to the volunteer hours. 250 volunteer hours. How about that? >> Okay. doing tree related. >> Well, I I mean I just think that point I
think 250 trees as much as that sounds great and I know Bonnie that you were all into this like it's not a realistic goal. just say that >> not for not for us maybe, but if we if we did have trees available like we have
in the past, some bare root trees at Love Where You Live Day or something and we handed them out and you know I think some people would take 10 and plant them. Um I don't know but I mean >> trees
>> what? No, we get we buy 250 trees. I mean, it wouldn't really be if you get bare root, they're relatively inexpensive, like $12 a piece or something. I don't know. It It's And I mean, maybe we do something in conjunction with Rumson and Little Silver or something
like a a peninsula plant or something. I don't know. >> That sound that sounds like a better route to go in my mind if you want to collaborate with others. But I I don't know that if we bought 250 bare root trees that
we would be able to plant those or get people to plant them. I I don't know. I don't I don't >> 200 of them end up on somebody's garage floor. >> Yeah. Um, I it's a lofty goal for sure, but I I mean and give away trees to people to
Were you thinking they were going to plant them in their own yards or find locations to plant? >> Well, maybe >> we move on to the public land issue. Then it becomes a, you know, we need to scout out the area, get
approvals, this that and the other thing. What if we put out something like maybe in conjunction with Rumson that the goal is to plant 250 trees by any means ne you know and there's like some sort of
you know temperature bar or whatever that like kind of gets you there and like we're like it's measured. So, you know, as we plant our 10 trees, like that counts. The resident tree vine trees count. Like all these things
count. I don't know. Then you'd have to again like talk about it. But >> I think that's a good idea, uh, Jill. And because I I know that um Kelly Flanigan was talking to uh who's the chair of the environmental commission
with the head of the environmental commission in Rumson and they one of the about the education programs and one of the things they were talking about is pushing increasing tree canopy ratio among the two river towns. Um, so they, you know, if we did it like
who like a tree canopy kind of competition and planting, I think think that'd be kind of fun. Um, >> have a competition who contributes the most trees or 250 like an ice cream. >> Ice cream.
>> No, but you know that Nicholas does. I don't know. Um, >> yeah. Have you guys ever collaborated with Rumson or like other bureaus before? >> We have. >> Um, how did that go? Is that
>> track? >> I just when I was driving in Rumson today, I did notice there their like their electronic sign saying Rumson America 250. And I'm just googling this now. They have like a whole like website
um with like sponsorship opportunities, a kickoff cocktail party. Like they have all kinds of stuff that they're planning for 250 years. >> So does Fair Haven. Sue Sorenson's running the committee. There's Dell there for 26 for like a cocktail party and a tea and all kinds of stuff.
>> Okay, awesome. Oh yeah, they're at Salt Creek. Oh, that was at Salt Creek. They already did it. Okay. >> How about Leah? How about every realtor gives when they sell a house, they give
a tree to plant for the >> I'm game for that one. That's that's an easy closing game for me. Um they get a lot they get a lot of talk about the trees on their property. Mina.
Um, sorry guys. I'm one woman and I'm trying to do dinner work and do this meeting. Um, uh, I don't I I don't know. I'm I'm distracted. I'm sorry. >> No, you said they got they get a care they get like a welcome package. Can they have a tree in it?
>> I can I can certainly add a tree. I said I started to say that I lecture them on all the trees on the property. I'm like, you're not getting rid of this, right? This is a good tree. Like >> good. Um, but yeah, I'd be happy to I'd be happy to give my people trees.
>> Good. Well, >> anyone else have an idea or should we table this one for the next meeting or
come up with? >> It does seem like a lot for just for very >> I mean we just the logistics involved. I mean, um, and ensuring the trees get planted >> like that would exceed our $800 for PO,
right, for all the fencing for 2 minutes. >> Oh, yeah. Well, that I mean, yeah, we could >> What's divided by 12? >> Um, >> divided by 12. >> Yeah. So, I'm saying like how many trees we have plant a month basically is like >> Oh, wow. Yeah.
>> 20 >> 20 trees a month. >> We can't Yeah. How many um sold during resident tree buying? >> Um like >> let's say 25ish. >> Yeah.
>> And and sometimes more. Yeah. But like >> but that's not going to Yeah. So anyway, I like just at 20 something trees a month in order to get to 250. that's even a lot for
a collective of people in my opinion. But um so yeah, I would think we I think I think what what I would, you know, I don't clearly don't have a good long hair, but um
somehow packaging the idea of like a tree with something else in order to get to that magic number is probably complicated, but a more reasonable goal. Yeah, like a donation Barbie tree bottle
>> something or Yeah. or some I don't know is there like 250 oh significant trees like I they're not there's not but I I don't know beach or something like that. >> Yeah. or um what else replacements? Like
are there any trees that are marked that need to be like >> the back? Like if like ones that need to be replaced and replanted >> and whether that's or like >> Well, I don't know where you're going through like if there's any trees that
are now like either like damaged or >> I don't know. >> Yeah. >> Any happy trees around town. >> Yeah. was not too. >> We have our inventory to >> Yeah. >> go through. Um >> Honey, are there any trees in town that
you think that are 250 years old? >> Yeah. >> There's one on your street that's 300 years old. There's one. No, there two on your street, Mike. The end >> Yeah. >> Um is 400y old uh white oak and there's one uh kind of toward I can't remember
the address is a 300 >> on the right side. Yeah. >> 300y old. >> Beautiful tree. >> Yeah. But the one that's on the river like at um Joe, what's his name? Is the most magnificent tree ever because it has not nobody's ever trimmed the branches. It cascades
down onto the ground. It's absolutely beautiful and nobody can really see it because it's behind the hedge unless you peek down and it's it's incredible. But they're on the they were in the big tree hunt. Um and Kelly Flanigan has a 250 year old elm tree in her yard. I mean, I
think it's pretty neat to think about these trees that were there at the birth of our country and maybe some somehow we find a way to celebrate that. >> Yeah. >> A map of the trees or something. >> Yeah, >> that's a neat idea. >> The ribbon
>> like a little ribbon by any >> Yeah, >> that's cool. Yeah, the map idea so people could go out on a walk and >> jiggle trees sponsored by the shade tree commission.
>> They probably would just identify I mean the public trees you can do that the >> there's also a beach on Graange that I think is 300 years old. Um can't remember these addresses of the people's names but yeah that that's a
great idea uh Mike. I mean, I I as long as the people don't mind everybody coming and staring at their trees. But but and you know, I I bet you that one that's up on Hans that's right on the street kind of near past Nullwood that that I'm always afraid someone's going
to hit. Do you know which one that's like right on the street? That thing looks ancient, too. I don't know how old that is, but not not all of them are on the big tree hunt. >> Yeah. Maybe we put a flag or a a ribbon or something near it just to >> Yeah. Can we wrap it in a ribbon? And
like I I what I like about this idea too is that um it'll make people appreciate the age of the tree and like also maybe incentivize them to try to protect the trees. >> Yeah. >> And then maybe put on the map.
>> Yeah. put on the map saying this tree was approximately 50 years old at the birth of our country or this size and and people can walk around and and see that. I think that'd be cool. >> Yeah, >> I agree. That's that's a wonderful idea. >> Nice.
>> Well, if I wonder I know signs are a big issue in town right now, but maybe if we just are a temporary sign. >> Yeah, I think it could be something we could do with a ribbon and a >> Yeah, >> some kind of laminated or something to hang on the ribbon or
something something. >> How do we >> How do we identify the trees? Does Sherry like suggest a few or do we use the inventory? Does inventory give any indication of its age? >> Well, the trees >> would give for for public trees. Yeah,
there's an indication of age. >> Yeah, for sure. >> There's also a monster oak in Marter Pond. There Mart in there. So, yeah, Sherry probably could estimate this, I
guess. I mean, I I had um the guy from the Forest Service come out and do the big tree hunt and he had all sorts of ways he measured it and had all the stats. I have a poster that I used to bring to love where you live day of the trees. So, I have pictures of them. So,
>> I like it. >> Yeah, it's a great idea. >> Yeah. Well done, Mike. I'll send a list of like the trees from the inventory. >> Maybe it's as it as this idea takes shape, we can figure out a way to reach out to
um residents about trees on their private property um and say this is what we're doing. Would you mind? And we can print on a more durable material like in order for it to last the entire year. Like a
laminated thing is probably not going to with like the heat and stuff. So you can >> definitely um print like on metal or plastic or something like that. >> Okay. >> Um that you could tie around a ribbon pretty inexpensively. It might be nice
to give them something that they can keep like a about their tree. I don't know. Um that they could put in their yard. I mean, I I don't like a little >> steak or something.
>> Well, I'm thinking like that to do this for that would be like a stake black is expensive. like >> you know something to loop through a ribbon if we're going to rip in these trees would be a couple dollars versus
I mean you could still keep that I guess you could make a keychain. >> Yeah. And the ribbon will you know at least will be a pie in the trunk you know >> just make sure it doesn't look like it's a ribbon for we'll get tons of cos
are coming down >> be like the right way. Yeah. >> Not orange. >> Um well be like red, white, blue, right? And a bow or something like that, you know.
>> Yeah. >> Just jumping around a little bit. Maybe maybe we could possibly have a a tasteful QR code somewhere and that could bring people to the map. So on the on the tree is a QR on each of
the trees that's over 250 years old. We have a QR code >> that would allow them to uh to reference the the full map. That might be a nice way to let people get access to it. >> Sure.
>> And some information on on the species and information but it is a tree. >> Yeah. All right, I think we have a direction. >> So, what if we all kind of scout around on our walks or whatever and look for
big trees and maybe we can, you know, kind of compile list, maybe ask the people if they wanted to be involved. >> Sure. >> If anyone's one, you can send them to me and I'll just store a list. Could we put something in the
>> fair buzz about it? Like you know commission looking for Yeah. nominating our tree. We're looking for >> you know old trees in the properties to for our 250th. >> You have an old tree.
>> Do you have an old tree? >> Do you know how old that tree is? um some just to spread the word at least, you know, as opposed to just going like door to door through, you know, via like our walks and we pass by somebody's tree in their backyard. But I
mean, you know, we can still do that, but I think we should probably also figure out a way to notify the general public is what we're doing. >> Sure. >> All right. >> I'm also thinking, well, I guess let's
see how the response is. I say maybe we should be like your trade is 250 years old if >> Yeah, >> it is. >> So now you cannot cut it down. >> Yeah, I think we keep it line of sight uh so you could see it on a walk. I like
the idea about the QR code for the map with additional information about the tree itself and maybe what it was, you know, what the species is and how big it was in 1776. I think that would be really cool and interesting. and then obviously adorn it with a ribbon and um
and make it look, you know, if if you see them around town, then you know, you can even tell the kids like go find it and see if you can go find something. I think that'd be fun for everybody. >> Yeah. >> Good idea. >> All right, we have enough information to move on or Yeah.
All right, we're going to move on to the Am I still up there? Is Willis still up there? Uh the education series. >> Yeah. So, I I was talking to um because the environmental commission also wants to do some education series and since
we're kind of affiliated both about the environment um and I said they've been talking with Rumson um who is hosting uh you know some things on green infrastructure and plants and um
wanted to do something about storm water trees and sustainable landscaping and also this canopy um uh kind of competition or encouraging kind of thinking about it as a shared resource our canopy right in our in our on our
peninsula that you know we're all it's all proving the air that we all breathe so um so I've been talking to Kelly we we met with our storm water ambassador this young man from u he's working with the D and he said he would um put
together something so anyway I'm talking. I don't have anything firm, but um we're working on it. And if anybody has any ideas or welcome, I'd love to hear them. >> Do you think this is something that like people how do we get people to come to
these talks? Is this at the community center? Is it by Centennial Hall? Is it Well, I think our new community center could be a good spot for him >> or else kind of a cool spot, too. I think
even one would work. >> Okay. Will there be wine? >> Wine? >> Uh, I don't Are they I don't know. Maybe Christie offer wine at the community center. I don't know. I there roles on
those things but >> um no again I think once it you know takes shape I think that's something we can put out on our social media and and the uh fair haven buzz >> right >> I also think you don't know like um
until you try like what timing and day works best so my thought on that would be if you're going to offer three different programs like maybe try one on a you know in an
evening, one on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon, one you know like just try different combos of time and place or time and day to see what type of response you get. Um
>> that's a >> Yep. Yeah, I know that Little Silver had a series of environmental talks um on Sunday afternoons at like one o'clock and they seem to get a lot of people. So, I don't know if that's something that works for people
afternoon. It's also the time of year too, the sports and everything. >> Football. >> Yeah. >> Good. Thank you, Mike. >> Okay. Sorry guys, I have to hop off.
>> Oh, >> bye guys. I'm sorry. >> Oh. Oh, she's >> Yeah, I have to hop off. >> See you. >> Bye. >> Um, all right. We're going to move on to the uh Fair Haven Road Cherry Tree
update. Um, I reached out to uh Sher Spiro. She did go and uh check out the fair haven trees. I I Everybody knows about the trees getting chopped and everything.
Yep. All right. So, um uh she did get back to me. She I'll just read her email, make it easier. Um she was out this past Monday. The contractor was clearly just pruning the trees back to the particular to a particular line
without paying any mind to the location on the branch where they're cutting. Some of these heading heading topping cuts can be corrected by bringing the limbs back to the next node where they should have been pruned to. This type of
pruning takes much more time than just taking a chainsaw and cutting in in a straight line. as I'm sure you all know. With that said, these trees have been pruned hard and improperly over the years and don't have too many years left due to their overall condition. Many of
these trees have decay in the lower trunk and or the canopy, often from removing branches that were too large for the tree to close over. Uh, I would recommend completing the pruning project with a more adept contractor and
planning to do a rem and planning to do a removal and replacement program in the next few years. Since the area does not have overhead wires, larger shade trees should be planted um in this location. So, traffic sign visibility won't be an
issue. Um, so that was her I I don't think anybody's going to go for that. Replacing the cherry trees with something that aren't cherry trees, obviously. Um, but >> she did touch on something that we've been talking about for, you know, a number of years that this is definitely
got to be a >> um, you know, probably move to the front burner at this stage of the game. um figure out a game plan on you know uh as she said you know remove and replace and maybe uh start looking branch replacement
um and oh go >> sorry I don't remember who did the incorrect permitting was this a tree service that did I I kind of heard the story when it happened I just don't remember >> yeah so it was a subcontractor uh sunshine tree service Christie I
think was the name I just Um and they were contracted by our the general contractor the name >> discover >> discover contract >> who was doing the uh overall project. >> Okay. >> Um so they were um I did send a memo to
uh mayor and council on our behalf uh expressing our concern of course thanking them for their immediate action. They shut down the contractor as soon as it, you know, they noticed they were just butchering the trees. Um, and they are in fact, as I, you know, I asked, but they had already said that
they are definitely going to hold the contractor responsible for any damage or, you know, sudden death that, uh, happens. So, um, so they're they're as concerned about it as we are, and that's that's a good thing. Um Chris York also mentioned um I
guess apparently that there were a few other trees in the area uh not the cherry trees that were dead um and they were removed as part of the project and the town is um actually going to replace them with cherry trees the building area
I don't know the exact area I didn't able to get out there and meet up so but it's probably good Um, >> I still think we should consider planting down a ridge road.
I mean, imagine if cherry tree there there's nothing. There are wires there. Um, and it would serve two purposes. It would help give the natural area more of a buffer from the road noise if there were more trees there. And it would be
beautiful. and it's sunny and open and there's nothing really else there and they wouldn't the wires because they're the high I don't know just an idea. >> Yeah, I I think we all would agree to that. I think we talked about that before. I don't think anybody would be
against that. I think it would be a great idea. Google. >> I think that also that could be a nice way to kind of put this out to, you know, the community that this, you know, replacement project is is on the
horizon. Um, but the overall plan of this project is to kind of like make this continuation of the cherry trees to kind of go around the corner and down road. >> Sure. So it would be like, you know, the good bad sandwich or whatever
>> take away from, you know. >> Yeah. Um because I imagine like that's going to be that's going to be a tough a tough cell like even if it's the right thing to do is you know saying that at this point in time we're going to >> got to identify something to
>> Yeah. >> take out. Yeah. No question about it. I'm sure some people are going to be upset about it, but if they understand the long-term plan, >> you know, I think should hopefully appreciate it. >> Um, >> yeah, just
>> on the on the cherry trees, I I know a while back there was a a plan some some semblance of a plan to, you know, cut down every third remove every third tree, right? plant plant a new one and
then remove the next one and plant one that was larger and then plant the next one that was larger so they were all the same size. Uh which kind of led us to the idea of trying to plant more cherry trees on Fair Haven Road, right? with with the
idea that if we were being asked to if we were asking the community to trust us to remove these beautiful old trees, we could, you know, show that new ones had
been planted and were thriving, right? And so I think we're a few years down the road from that. So we could probably I don't think it's for it's a today thing but we could take a look at how those trees are doing and you know that that could be another argument to um
when when we decide that we think it's time to start implementing that plan if that's the plan. Um hopefully we'll have some some healthy trees to look at and point to when we say gee trust us when we're going to remove these old ones and
plant new ones. Sure, I agree. And I Peter obviously know and remember that we were doing a cherry tree giveaway on Fair Road, >> right? And I know we kind of I mean we kind of took it off the agenda because
we were kind of getting bogged down with some administrative stuff but I think um along with keeping fair cherry tree fair road cherry trees that project on this agenda I think we should probably get back to you know giving away a cherry
tree on fair road. Yeah, I think it's a good idea. >> We're running with that project. If you you want to take it back on. >> Yeah, let's do it. >> All right. Um, that's all I have for the those
trees. Anything else? >> Okie dokie. >> Uh, one one comment. Uh, yeah. Sorry to interrupt, Mr. chairman. But um Will Will came in and showed me this. Let's see if we can get it in focus there.
>> No. >> Oh, there we go. Was it >> Viva? Viva. >> What? >> It's kind of blurry. >> It's blurry. We can't >> still blurry away. >> Let's see. >> It's being >> all right. Sorry to interrupt.
>> Anyway, here. Wait, hold on. I can do this. It's like uh it's like code. >> There we go. >> Oh, there it is. >> Beautiful trees. >> That's great. >> All right. You know, we we love our
trees here. >> That's cool. >> That's sweet. >> All right. Thanks, Will. >> Yeah, >> I'll pass that along. Sorry to interrupt. >> No worries. Not at all. Um, community outreach.
We just missed way le calendar updates. Peter, back to you. >> Yeah, not not too much right now. I I would normally say, you know, the community forestry management plan deadline is uh December.
Uh, so I think that's we're we're we can take that off the reminder list for now. Um, and then really the next thing is just January. Um, and this depends, but you know, we had a notice about the tree buying program. I don't know if that's still the timeline
for that, but I think it's too early to be talking about it. And then, uh, February picking a location for tree planting on Arbor Day. So, there's really nothing pressing. >> Okay, sounds good. >> Did
the community forestry management plan get approved? Yes, >> there were some edits that Bill had to make after the fact. Um, so um that wasn't the final version. He had to go back and do a few things per their
request, the forers request state. Um, but he did and it's been accepted in the clear for five years, right? >> Yep. I apologize. I should have put that in the uh on the agenda. It was kind of back
and forth between the edits. Do you know what were we missing? >> Do you know what they were? >> It was more a formatting. >> Oh, I think it was something from the state. It You didn't have to change anything >> substantial
>> for your record. I'll send the entire commission the final final so everyone has it for your record. >> Another job well done by the commission. Um, anything uh that anybody think should be
on the calendar as opposed to uh in addition rather to what Peter told us? I can't think of anything right now. >> Yeah, the um president on in January that's like March. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. >> All righty. Um, tree removal permit data. >> Points there. I'm not there. Could you tell me about a tree that was removed on H Road? Uh, it
was removed this past week. >> A big oak. >> I don't know. I I came back after Thanksgiving and I noticed it was gone. It's it's it's an even number house on H not far from 36 where I am. >> Did you see that, Bonnie?
>> I saw them there and I know there was a big tree and I think it was that one. >> Yeah. >> 74 that sound about right. >> Does it say oak? >> Yeah, that's two
red oaks. Wow. What was wrong with them? >> Does your hazards >> hazards? Hazards to what? I don't like that. Acorns slipping hazards.
Yeah, that they they if I remember them correctly, they look perfectly healthy if they were large. But oh well, they don't get a ribbon. Yeah, for sure. >> Cuz yeah, those trees created sort of a canopy for Hance Road and I it's very noticeable that it was gone.
>> Yep. >> I just And I don't think it was in the public right away. I think it was a personal tree because I think it was a little further back on the property, but not by much. It just says hazard. >> Yeah. >> And then are they replacing what we
what's the followup? Yeah, they should have a lot of replacement requirements. >> Not ethical due to the hazard. >> Oh, come on, Sherry. >> That's I I think we need to follow up and just
>> to get a little more I guess clarification. I guess we do have to come up with the definition of hazard. >> Yeah. One black locus. >> Do we have a total for the year, Christy? That trees that were removed.
>> Yes. Um I did. Uh so far there have been 352 removals. >> That is horrifying. >> 100 are for their own being, you know, the homeowner just wanted to for whatever
reason, construction, whatever, and 252 were hazard trees. >> No way. >> I think that she's very liberal with hazard. I don't know. I just I like that's that's trees that we get no replacements for because they're labeled
hazard. I I feel like that's needs to be tightened up a little bit. Can we investigate what the exact I mean we obviously we can't do it for 250 trees but maybe in these spot cases you know we provide a little oversight and see what exactly the hazard is to make
sure that indeed was a hazard to either you know personal property or or people. Yeah. I mean, if she's going out to inspect it, it would I mean, >> were there notes on it anywhere? >> Led to believe that it was, you know,
her professional opinion that this tree was in some some sort of decay that maybe it wasn't dead or dying, but it could >> or just that they were worried about a branch falling on their house. Is that
does that get qualified as a hazard? Because I'm afraid. I'm just curious. I don't know the answer. >> I'm sure it does. I mean, a lot of the allegations we get, the homeowner will write whatever that they a reason for removal. They can say
that, but she's the only one who can determine whether or not the tree is hazardous. like just because they're the resident's tree expert is being paid to take it down says this tree is in decline or this tree is whatever that whatever they write doesn't matter.
She's the only one who can determine it whether or not it's a hazard. But she doesn't necessarily, you know, when she sends it back to me to process the paperwork, there isn't sometimes there's more notes than others. >> And she's the expert. So what she says I
deliver to the resident. I know I don't have the knowledge. >> Want to change the hazard definition and the ordinance. That's our >> guess there should be a well new agenda item probably what do we think everybody
>> hazard definition >> yeah and this is exactly what we were tasked to do obviously you know we want to keep reviewing >> our own ordinance and make sureing it's effective and it's working for both you know the town as a whole and for individual homeowners And you know,
maybe we should delve into these little situations, these individual situations a little more deeply just to see exactly what's going on because that's what we said we would do. >> And I mean, I know I've brought this up before, but that was a huge tree or
trees. So, have they now created a storm water issue by removing those trees and all the water that they held either in their own yard or in their neighbors yards or, you know, there's ramifications. So, I mean, have they created a hazard by removing the tree?
Like, I mean, if we keep it, we really do have storm water issues and these big trees are really responsible for helping us out in that area. So, I I don't know. I feel like we should have something
about in the tree ordinance about if removal of that tree will impact will have a storm water impact. Now, I don't know if Sherry's the one to decide that, but I feel like that's an important consideration. >> Absolutely. >> I agree.
>> That's great. >> Also, I don't know if anybody knows the answer. I assume this is part of the ordinance. So it looks like there's a category for hazard right where there's no replacement required >> but there there are a few instances where the reason is removal
hazard and then there was a replacement provided. So do we know what what the difference is between the two? I think >> well one was like one map like for this that one it says like one maple one
honeyloust and then it says removal and then slhazard one was a hazard one did get replaced one >> wouldn't have to be >> that's how it's set up right >> like some of them are just like it's
just they just need to like you know it's not the reason is just removable That could be >> could be dropping berries and they don't like it. It could be they're building a garage and it's in the way. Could be just at their own discretion. >> There's
>> but in that case that has to be replaced or >> y >> is it worth considering that if it's removed for hazard there should still be replacement? >> Yeah. >> Changing ordinance. I assume that's changing the ordinance, but to consider
it. >> I mean, we could base it on the fact that so many of the removals are called called hazard that we're not getting the money that we we're not getting new trees in the ground. I mean, >> suddenly hazards being thrown around pretty liberally.
>> Like there wasn't this many >> hazards on last year's report. >> We should if we have that data point, it's a good data point. >> Yeah. Well, I also think that we could have we have the data point of our public tree inventory and that had all
just been looked at. We have 2,000 trees and what percentage of those trees were considered hazardous? >> It was small, >> right? >> And so there's no way that of all these trees here that all may be considered >> 352.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean it I mean maybe maybe it is but and that's the reason for you know not the same sample set but it just seems to me that that >> it's a lot >> yeah I think that's
>> it suddenly just yeah bling this reasons >> I mean we might hazard is just dead or decayed or I yeah it it it I just don't think if you're afraid that it's going to fall in your house, but
it's a perfectly healthy tree, then you need to replace the the trees, you need to or if you're taking it down because you're building a new garage and you're going to destroy half the system and then it is going to become hazardous. Well, then you still need to replace,
you know, like I think that Yeah, I really think we should revisit this. >> Think we're all in agreement. I agree. So, and that's what you know, like I said, we were tasked to do. So, maybe take a look, we all take a look at the
ordinance in the next meeting, come up with some ideas or um some ways to tackle this if we if we see this as a problem. And I also like you know just to maybe I don't know if we can even talk to Sher but about you know what she deems as
hazardous like you know there are different degrees obviously >> but just the blanket statement of hazard doesn't really help us at all. >> All right. Um, that leads us to council update. Uh,
and obviously Councilman Barbara wasn't able to make it tonight. Um, I did not I didn't receive any kind of update, any any news, anything going on as far as council is concerned. Um, so I
don't have anything. Yeah. Hey Chris, just out of curiosity, did you get an invitation to the holiday party from the bureau? >> Did Did you think that it was for the entire commission or just for you?
>> Only me. >> Definitely. >> Well, only I'm asking because the natural area got one and and Caroline was very confused. She she said it did it just really said, "Well, you can invite your committee if you want." And it was I just was curious what your take was if we were all
>> I was I was informed uh by an inside source that it was for chair chair chair people chair persons. >> Oh you didn't >> Yes. >> Oh >> but if someone wants to go in mystead I will not be able to attend. >> No no I just was
>> I am happy to scandal >> hand over my >> No Chris I just was looking for clarity. That is fine. you go and you have a really good time. >> I honestly especially now I'm just kidding.
>> I heard it's a doozy. Um but >> there is there is a there'll be a a spot available. So, if anybody wants to uh go ahead, I can I can give you the secret handshake and you
can go ahead. Um >> I mean, not to take Christiey's place, but you know, can we be your plus one or how does that work? >> She's she's on her own invite list. She's
>> um uh All right. Well, that moves us to propose new agenda items. Um, we have our 250th ribbon project.
>> Uh, hazard definition. Cherry trees are going to stay on there. Um, do we want to put Fair Haven Road or Fair Haven or Cherry Tree Giveaway? It was specific that we were making that specific to Fair Haven Road, were we not
or No, >> we were. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Just on the housing definition. I think we should broaden that a little bit to look at other issues. >> If we're talking about like replacement issue, >> you know, so we broaden the agenda. I think it'd be good. Yeah. Talk about.
>> Yeah. Maybe include the storm water thing like in that classification. >> Yep. hazard definition order >> ordinance review. I think we um yeah,
so we got that buried in the trees. Anything else? Anything comes to mind? >> Yes, I have something. Uh, how about we start to look in 2026 and maybe work with Jill to actually
uh start planting some trees in the public right away and identifying areas of need using our budget to do something like that and then hopefully as a target for the next tree planting, community tree planting, actually put some trees in the ground. >> Good idea.
>> Good. >> Will you say where would you You you have a backhoe or like work with the inventory mic, right? Is that what you're talking about? >> Yeah,
>> no, I want Jill. I want just Jill to do it. >> Just you. >> Um, >> yeah. >> Tree planting initiatives. Is that what you call this, Mike?
>> Planting. >> Yeah. I mean, and we all kind of take a look around town and see where there's areas of need. Um, especially what streets or specific in front of what houses or businesses and and then, you know, maybe even I mean, I'm I'm thinking about a couple areas already. I
may reach out to um some residents who own the property and have that public right away in front and say, would they mind if we have a public tree tren planted there and would they be willing to take care of it? Um the resident tree program specifically prohibits planting in the
right away. >> Damn it. >> Because then it becomes a burrow um maintenance project, but um you wanted a foot inside of that. >> Yeah. I guess I thought maybe we could work with that program, but I guess we can't. All right. But yeah, regardless, I still think we should get some trees
in the ground in 2020. Welcome. You offered to the shade tree could offer to buy the tree, replace the tree for >> How did we handle the tulips at community center? How did we handle that? >> Um,
well, they're not in a rightway and we just had to go through couple of channels there, parks and wreck council. Um, that was also part of a larger landscaping plan that they already had
kind of mapped out. So, a little different situation there. This would be >> private property is different. >> Yeah. Planning on somebody else's property. >> Mike, you could just encourage them to plant a tree through the resident tree
buying program, >> you know. >> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. But I still want some rightaway trees that line our roads. >> Oh. >> Um, and then also go to those maybe that or maybe even have Leah reach out and say, "Would you like a tree planted on
your property?" and but you know in the public right away which means what however many feet from the curb um just to kind of fill in our gaps especially you know since Sandy there's still a lot of areas along our roads
that you could see that there were trees there and they could use >> some replenishment >> um with the tree buying program Christie you said it prohibits planting in the right away is that
something that is definite or if we got approval to for a specific area from council could be >> that parameter was set by administration burough engineer to >> which administration
>> no >> that was the prior administration right Christie >> correct >> okay times have changed there might be a little flexibility No, >> it just always falls on if DBW can maintain it. No.
>> Yeah, >> kind of maxed out. >> That's not my decision. That's right. >> We need a a summertime water person hire. They need to hire a temp. I swear because they just keep saying that they
can't do it because they can't take care of them. So, >> yeah. But what if we work it with, you know, we do a community outreach and work with the individual residents and they'd be willing to take care of it if we give them instructions and, you know, someone who wants a tree there that the that we're going to the burrow will pay for, but you know, you help us,
>> right, >> take care of that tree and we'll tell you how, especially in the summer. >> I think that maybe I want to try, >> but to get these applications. >> Yeah.
There's probably a way I could identify like within the inventory like two planting lists like one that would be right away plantings and one that would be like you know what we've talked about like for example in um Fair Haven Field like the planting
locations there. Um probably could do two separate maps or whatever. Fair Haven Field could swallow a lot of trees around that path and around the fields. I mean, that would be that was
the one thing that Bill Brash really noticed was how few trees were at Fair Haven Fields >> along that path closest to like Marter that side over there. >> Yeah. >> And another few Well, yeah, a lot of
those big trees came down. >> Yeah. >> Oh, man. It's a good place. >> There's all around that path. just >> I mean now would probably be an easy place again if that's you know it does fall on public works to water them because they're not really
near anybody's home but that is an area of concern and something that could be filled in pretty nicely. I think though if we came up with a proposal of where trees should go like then we could quantify to council like what that
actually means. Like if we come up with 100 planting locations and you know like what does that actually mean for them in terms of their manpower, the budget, whatever. And you know obviously we would need
complete buy in or maybe it's a you know a fiveyear thing or something like that but >> sure >> starting to actually have a plan which I think was part of our community fire management plan anyway to actually do that >> planing
plan. I think we talked about it in like broad strokes so we could uh use the plan to get grant money. I feel like so >> yes, exactly. So having a plant being planned in order to apply for a grant for them to fund it would be ideal.
>> Mhm. >> I think it's like maintenance part for that >> like hire like a um you know a building grant type of thing like for
summer hires for water >> parttime employee. >> Yeah. What do we want to call this? The >> tree planting plans. >> Tree planting plan. >> Yeah. Keep it simple, straightforward. All right.
Anything else? Anyone? Anyone? >> Do you want me to put anything together? Remember like we were talking like merge or like But I just don't know how to like how we could work it in like, >> you know, could this be a fundraising
thing? Could it be um I don't know. >> Yeah. fundraising or just a giveaway to build awareness. Um, >> you know, I think maybe the the right way to do it would be like >> you already came up with those awesome shirts,
>> right? >> Get an idea of how much how much do 100 cost um for a giveaway? And then we probably have to explore how to uh whether or not we would be able to use it as a fundraiser. I'm sure there's
town issues as whether or not we can sell stuff for profit essentially. Um or you know we could give it away give it away with a new tree. So anyone who buys a tree gets a shirt
>> and go with our kids. >> Go with go with the kids. >> Um you know I mean I think that's I mean I think that's it'll help build awareness, you know. I think uh I think it's a good idea. >> Put that on there. >> Yeah. Swag.
>> Some popups. >> Sounds good. Sounds good. >> Wow. Ch swag. >> I like it. Like the shirt. I wear it. >> Yeah. >> Um
All right. That's all. No more new agendas items. No. All right. Uh, public comment. Anyone out there in Susan comment? >> Yes. >> Lay it on us.
>> Definitely think that when a hazard hazardous tree is removed, there should be a replacement. Definitely. It makes no sense not to because it's going to be a smaller tree anyway. So, and secondly, I don't think
that you want to be planting in the right of way because the direction seems to be to put sidewalks in. And that's when they use the right of way. >> So, you don't want to be planting a tree that's going to be torn out or cut down,
burn the sidewalk. I mean, just look at what went on on Fair Road >> where they put sidewalks in where people didn't have them. >> So, they're going to have fun when it snows. >> But the same thing. >> Yeah.
>> You asked for it. >> No, they didn't ask for it. >> Yeah, >> that's fine. >> That's my two thoughts for tonight. >> Very good. Good points. Too many good ones. Christy, anybody out there in >> Just will.
>> Just will. >> Yeah. >> All righty. Um, well, before we adjourn everybody, uh, I just want to let everybody know that, uh, I am resigning from the Shade Tree
Commission. This is my last meeting of, uh, I think six years, six or seven years. Uh, I want to thank Michael for tricking me into joining the Shade Tree about six years ago, six or seven years ago. Um, it's been a pleasure working
with all of you and getting to know you, those who I did not know before and uh, had a good run and uh, look forward to seeing you guys and see you later and um, no, look forward to
hearing all about this stuff. I should have loaded it up. >> Hold on a second. I just thought of something. You know what, Bonnie? I like that 250 tree planting. I >> Well, you're going to have a lot of free time so you can be planting, Chris.
>> I'll be out there with my show. Be on my show. >> But, uh, thank you all and, uh, have a happy new year, happy holidays, and all that good stuff. >> Thank you. Well, I would just like to say you did a wonderful job, Chris, and you
represented yourself well and and the commission and thank you very much for helping us out for these past six years. >> Appreciate it. Thank you. >> I second that. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. And with that,
>> all right, >> bye everybody. >> Good night, everyone. >> Thank you. Good night. Good night. >> Thanks, Chris. >> Thank you. Give beer.