Tape isn't working. >> Tape isn't working. The machine isn't working. Okay. >> I hereby announce that this meeting is being held in accordance with chapter 231 of the public open meeting act proper notice of meeting dates has been
given to the Morris news feed, the Morris County Daily Record, and posted in the bulletin board in Burough Hall. Roll call, please. >> Okay. Mrs. President, >> Mr. Drewler, >> Mr. Lombardi, >> present, >> Mr. Mleier,
>> present, >> and Mrs. Steer present. >> Um, Garen, I know sent out the minutes. Uh, any concerns from the commission regarding the minutes from the November 3rd meeting? >> [snorts]
>> the minutes of approved as circulated >> second. Okay. Mrs. >> Mr. Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mir. >> Yes. >> And Mrs.
>> Yes. I open the comments from the public section of this meeting. >> Seeing as there are none, I close that part of the meeting. I just wanted to pass out uh regarding this budget.
Thank you. >> So, this covers where we are based on the 25 budget in the year to date spend column and what I put together as a request for 26. budget stays pretty much flat with a
slight increase year versus year. The change um is Arbor Day. In in the past, we've done uh saplings to the schools. Uh this year's saplings uh did not turn out very well. [clears throat]
And um which is an understatement and arrived pretty much I would say 80% brown. Um, so that's the biggest change year versus year where especially with the 100redy year anniversary of the burrow, uh, we're going to be doing, uh,
plantings at the park and at the school with a commemorative plaque. That's the reason for the increase there. Besides that, pretty much everything else is in line to where we are currently. Who do I give this back to?
>> Okay, >> it's not until January. Okay, >> that's fine. >> Are we are we supposed to be voting on this budget or I haven't seen it before tonight, so might need some more time, but what's the timeline? When do we need to when do
we need to vote on it by? I believe that what it is really and truly it's basically staying the same as last year just increasing slightly and I would like if I can say our day the figure that we used that was dispersed that is so small because they very
nicely did not charge us for all the seedlings which would have made it almost up to 400. Okay, >> let me let me just add Arbor Day on the Arbor Day committee. Principal Christine would would like to
plant a tree because next year is 50 years that we're Tree City USA and it's the 100th anniversary and so I think that is falling into place. was also suggested that we might do since it's
the 100th anniversary of 50 years of our pre city US might do a harbor day ceremony at school also. So
that's still in in the thought process. So and that's why that number is what it is. that should be able to get a a good tree and also a plaque each spot.
>> To clarify, Frank, I wasn't um I wasn't talking about the Arbor Day line in particular. I was talking about the whole budget. >> So, yeah, I mean, I'm all for I think the Arbor Day celebration sounds great. That's a wonderful idea. >> I believe what will happen here is you
have any comments, you should get them to the chairman, review the budget so he can tell our uh chief finance officer that everything is okay. >> When when do we need to have our >> I think as soon as he can you know
because it goes in in January when it says usually this goes to the chairman but sometimes it's nice to discuss which Mike shared with everyone. So if you'd like to increase it or something let Mike know. >> Okay. So we don't have to vote on the
budget. It's just the chairman making a decision. >> Well, with the guidance of the board commissioners. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, Michael, do you want comments by the 22nd? Would that be enough time to in
case there's any questions about it? >> Sure, that would be fine. >> Okay. >> There was a lot of push back about our budget last year and how we were calculating the numbers, which I've mentioned a lot of times. So, um I mean I look just looking at
this in front of me, I don't have any like particular problem with any number that I recognize. And I'm not trying to be problematic, but I think we should um maybe put a little bit of thought into how it is that we are arriving at these numbers, not just rolling things over.
And I think there is thought. I'd like an explanation, you know, like a line by line explanation so before I vote, I know what it is that I'm voting on. >> Sure. >> Is that possible that we could put that because clearly you had a rationale for the way that you did you did this, right? >> Yes. >> Okay, that would be really helpful.
>> I'll give you a line by line explanation. Thank you. >> And then we'll give you [clears throat] comments by the 22. >> Yep. And I'll board the budget at the next meeting in January. There's no communications moving forward to the forers report. Can
>> Can I interrupt that, Mike? Just with one comment. >> Yeah. A lot of people think that this uh commission is strictly 100% tree planning and even with the numbers
>> that everyone thinks it's all about just street planning. They don't realize that only 17% of the numbers that you guys did goes to tree planting. The rest it's mandatory. If a tree comes down, if the guy has to
complain, you got to do it. because but the public have to know and I'm going to push the council also with this is that it's only it's under 20% less than less than you know 20% that goes to tree planting and you say oh 96,000 I understand but you know
something a lot of it is repair fertilization people call up a tree f you know on on on public property um we've my compliments to all you guys the way you work with DPW Mike and and Robert and yourself Dave it's unbelievable Thank God that we have such
a wonderful DPW. This number would be double and triple if if if it wouldn't be and people have to know that. So I'm going to excuse interruption. I'm going to push that more to educate because he say oh 96,000 where are the trees? Only 17,000 because we didn't have any more
left over because we have to take care of of the town. >> Correct. So, >> so it's just I want to get that out there and if someone in the council is going to call you or what have you, we should all be synchronized, >> always available for the council, >> but more important, we should all be synchronized and to educate them because
they a lot of people really think $96,000. Why aren't these why do we have trees galore? And I'm like, well, we don't spend $96,000 on on that. It's just again under 20% 17. >> Correct. And we did do
>> I don't want to take a lot of your time and please yield. >> That was just some of the areas obviously we were trying to do a little different this year and we did spend 2x what the initial budget was on planting this year. Um we we did plant 42 trees
>> and my compliments that you're able to achieve that and it's that's through hard work that you were able to minimize the outside work by uh no offense Dave but by doing it internally you know but still that comes with a with a with a little bit of uh you know bumps because
you know they can only go so far DPW and we can't expect them to take care of every single organization in town. >> Absolutely. So >> thank you I left two of the memos that I got late today at my office. Can I go get them?
>> You'll just have to We'll just have to remember. >> They're on here. >> No. >> Uh I didn't give you the one with the uh fertilizing the trees. >> Yeah, >> it's on here. >> It's on here.
>> We got the email. I guess. Yeah, I have the emails. >> Yeah, got everybody got the email and then the other one that came. >> Okay, I apologize. Okay, thank you. >> All right, thank you. And S, by the way, thank you for that. I appreciate it. >> Thank you.
>> And then for your work, >> just on a side note, John is a pleasure to work with at DPW. I mean, he always will look at stuff first. If it's questionable, well, he can do it. If not, we try to work together with each other. Um, I think it makes both our lives easier um to do that working
together on every on their projects. >> And Dave, your I think your contract comes up end of the year or is it >> I believe I believe there's an extension >> extension. I'll double check. >> I think I believe double check through 26. >> 26. Okay, good. >> On that. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Um, memo 2586 30 winding away. There's one oak tree that needs to be pruned. Uh, bunch of dead limbs that are dropping. It's a 12 to 24 in 2587 Hickory Drive. Uh the maple front has
been dropping limbs. It's showing a lot of signs of decay. It should be removed. Plus, it's almost on top of the wires. It's a 12 to 24 in removal and it's a 12 to 24 in stump as well in there. 258
uh 45 Mountain Way. Uh, this fell in the backyard. DPW was going to take care of it for the homeowner. >> Yeah. So, let me just make some clarification on this. When I went to the This lot is also kind of aligned uh on an on an angle and has a very short
back of the property measurement from the town tax map. Uh there is town property there that's part of the flood plane for the creek that's right by it. This tree is a tree in the back of the property, which is the town property
that fell, but it did not fall onto the actual homeowner's uh property itself. They were just kind of letting us know that something fell in a close vicinity of their property line. >> So, there's nothing happen.
>> They're just going to kind of flip it back into the woods. So 2589 is uh Brier Cliff Road. Um there's a tree at number three and at number five um there's quite a bit of deadwood and these big mature pin oak trees that should be pruned out. Um so
there's 36 plus on the pruning for each of those addresses. Um going down the street, there's probably a few others that we should look at maybe next year. Um because I don't if you guys are familiar with those streets, there's a lot of big mature Yes. >> Yeah. So, and there's quite a bit of
deadwood in some of the others. So, I think maybe next year >> right click on on the worksheet then >> if that works. Yeah, we can put it on. >> Let's put it on the worksheet for next year. >> 2590 49 Sun Valley Way. This is actually the
back of the property along the brook. There's two trees that are dead that should be removed. before they fall into the property. [snorts] One is a 36 plus and the other is a 12 to 24 in. Uh two removables, no stealth grinders required back there.
I just want to add one thing uh to this. When when myself and John from DPW went to review this with the homeowner, he he did call John first. Um he will be planting trees along the brook on the
opposite side to uh the area. So, it was very prompting >> 2591. Um, Mike and I discussed some deep fertilization about trying to finish up Speedwell Avenue. We did last I guess in
the spring we did Merchant Block area. Um, and then some fertilizing along Route 53 in the in the Rotary Park by the sign there by the the train station just to try to maintain evergreens as well as the one on the corner of Silvin
and Mountain Way to do that. So, we did all that fertilization. It was $5,357 and it's about 65 64 trees to be fertilized. >> 64
64 I apologize. >> I don't think I got this map. Could you just go over where the gave? Sorry, I was listening but it didn't register. >> Oh, that's quite all right. Um, so the pear trees along Speed Well, >> okay. >> Um, we did some we did the Merchant Block area and then we did some by
Burough School. >> You already done? >> We did those >> in the spring. We started pretty much from the the tail end of the where the parking lot starts if you're coming down Granis. All those trees were done in the spring and then a few trees at the
beginning of Speedway were done and the three trees in front of Burough School were done in the spring. This is to do the remainder of the boulevard. >> Yes. Okay. The boulevard the uh the tree on that they put the lights on on Silvin
in Mountain Way. >> Mhm. >> That to be fertilized and then jumping back to Speedball as you come under the underpass as you go to room 53 on the left where the sign rotary sign is >> fertilizing all the evergreen trees. bunch of hemlock spruces um and mostly
pines and blue spruce in that park to be fertilized as well. >> Okay. And what's the rationale for like them needing to be fertilized because they're kind of display trees and we want to keep them as healthy as long as possible or what's the >> Well, yeah, I mean that is one and especially being where they are like you
said they're on display. They're key trees. They're in stress. We know that area is falling underneath >> and as far as Avenue, I mean the trees are limited where [clears throat] the roots are. So any nourishment we can get them to keep them going.
>> Sure. >> And especially you see tonight what it looks like everything lit up. It's gorgeous. >> And then just one of the things I wanted to add. So w with the fertilization the the product that's used lasts for 12 months. with all the fertilization that
we've done this year, uh, hitting every tree on the Avenue, the merchant block, and now all these trees that are on like proud display, especially once they're lit up for the holiday season, we've covered a majority of the fertilization that now we don't really need to touch
this specific area all the way until 27. So, uh, 2592 This was the uh the park for court road. Um I did not get a chance. I just got the middle this afternoon. So I'm not chance to take a look at that. I believe
DPW could probably take a look at it or might be able to do most of it and I can always get together with John and we can walk it if we need to. >> I think that's I think that's everything. Is that area
town property or is that utility or New Jersey Transit back there? That area? >> No, that that path is actually a paper street owns that path and we own property on
both sides or have an own. >> Okay. Frank, thanks to you for buying that. >> You got there right in time for developer. [clears throat] >> I would just like to add one thing. Uh
the tree had once taken away while that was hit or fell down. >> That's a county tree. >> So it was a county tree, but it was the county didn't think it was a tree, but we got help from Mr. Da who showed it on the zoning map that you know tax map
that it definitely is. So they They sent a confirmation that they're going to take the tree down, but they cannot tell me when. >> So, okay. >> They got approval. >> Yes. That was everything on I I had on memos. >> Okay. And then there's uh two worksheet
uh items that were just kind of carry over. One is in regards to seven juniper that we've been talking to. Uh Dave and I Dave and I did meet with the the homeowner. Um understanding his concern. Uh we're
going to try to make everything right and we're going to prune the one uh large uh oak tree. So it's a 36 uh inch plus prune, which is 700. And then going back to 2564,
uh, one Oakwood Court. Uh, this is the lantern fly trees, Dave, that you sprayed. Uh, so the trees were sprayed. Uh, John and DPW can remove two of the four trees. Uh, and Dave, we're asking
you to remove two of the other ones. Um, and, uh, the removal of the four stumps. May I please have a motion to approve the forers report? >> I'll move it.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> Can I ask a question? This was after on the budget sheet I'm looking but I think it was removed for the lantern flag grant. We talked about if we need to spend that down if we're going to lose the money at the end of the year. >> Okay. I was told that I had to take it
off the budget. It has nothing to do with the shade tree. It's a grant that is for the lantern flies and it's that's what I was told and it has to be zero. The number that Edmonds put on it the 3500 which I put separate from the
budget but I said, "No, technically the budget, you know, our budget has nothing to do with the lantern, the grant at all." So, what will happen is I suppose we do have it. Um, Michael, you know,
Michael will go in, talk to Anna or Dave will go in and talk to Anna and that's how they plan to do it. But it has the grant has really nothing to do with the shade tree. That's what I was told. You can ask, you know, Anna Thomas if you want, but
that's what she told me. >> So, my concern isn't like whose jurisdiction it is or the power struggle. I just want to make sure that if we have the money that we and we have lantern fly trees that we spend it. So, that's all I care about. >> But I think also it is the spraying of
the trees, not taking the trees >> to kill the lantern flies on the tree. Not to not to >> not to take it. Okay. That's what makes the difference. Am I correct? >> No, you are correct. Yeah, it's just for it's for spraying the lantern fly and killing the the actual Atlantis trees,
but not remove all the trees. >> Wait, so it is for taking out the trees. >> No, it's it's not. >> It's not. So, it just kills the flies. It doesn't kill >> kills the flies and the trees, but you cannot take the trees down with the grind. [laughter] >> We got to find out how long the gr is
still in existence. Does it expire at the end of the year? >> I didn't sign a year. >> I do believe there's one more year on it. >> Okay. >> I'm not positive. I believe >> it's not if there's another year, it's not a big deal. I just want to make sure. >> Well, we should find some should Karen asked Anna
>> how long ago. >> So, it's a rolling grant to my understanding based on the conversation and I do believe there's one more year. That figure of the 375 that was in there um was just Okay. So we don't have money s we we >> whatever
>> we don't have any money but is there money sitting there >> whatever money is there they have the money >> yeah we don't have >> we don't have it it has nothing to do with the shade tree so it's brought to her attention and they use the money but the grant money has nothing to do >> who's the day that's using it
>> I suppose the town if you know what occurs >> another so I just ask because again I don't care who uses it as long as it's getting used if it's to be used but our our charge is that We're in charge of all shrubs and trees on municipal land. So if there's if there's lantern flies
on a tree on municipal land in order for it to be sprayed, we we should be able to ask at least ask for that. Maybe it's not part of our official budget. We should be able to request >> and that's what we're supposed to do. >> And that's what we did here. We got that from there. >> We don't know how much is left, but
yeah, I mean >> then I'll find out. >> Seems a little >> Thanks, Karen. Sorry. I know it's difficult. You're always difficult. >> No, because I asked the question like how much is left and she said well it has nothing to do with the shade. So
>> So there >> okay I I'll still find it back. >> Before we move on to the next thing I just want to make a note here at the end of the year um well [clears throat] two things actually. So we talked about the stump on Mike and I talked about the
stump on Glen Brook. measured it. My tape measure said it's 12 feet in. So I believe it's not ours. Um the other thing is uh the this tree at 87 Silvin that we keep talking about. Well, I was driving from dropping my kids off at
school and I check on that tree every time I go around the corner and the insulators that that JCPNL put on. Uh one of them has shifted down. It looks like on the on the bottom wire where they put an insulator, there's a clamp
on the uphill end. I don't know why it's on the uphill end. I'm not a lineman, but I would think it would be on the downhill end, but um it seems to be kind of holding it in place, but one of them is shifted completely off the tree. I spoke to this resident on the phone, so I feel like it's kind of my responsibility to make sure that this,
you know, that her concern is being addressed. I know we're trying to, but I think we need to follow up with the CPNL and say, "Hey, at the very least, if you're not going to fix the pole, could you put the insulator back so that this woman doesn't have a third electrical fire on the tree in front of her house?"
>> You know, perhaps you could speak to Bill Houston who's head of public utilities. I'm sure he must have a number. >> No, I'm happy to do that if I go ahead and do it. I thought Mike had talked to the mayor and the mayor had a
contact so that's why I was through the chain of >> comm. So they they both do obviously as the head of the utilities division. Yes, he has it as well. We submitted that information to JCPNL. Um they could probably at the end of the day probably
use a reminder um as they don't really tend to move on things very well. No, I just I feel for the resident, you know. I mean, she was she was very worried after the second time there was a fire. I don't blame her. I know it wasn't a large fire, but I
would be nervous, too. In front of my house, I would be nervous. Okay. So, I'll contact Bill. And then the other thing I just wanted to talk about is, you know, I appreciate the work that DPW is doing, and this isn't about them. However,
when I went to at our figures on the takedowns for this year. I'm trying to look for where my notes are. There's a whole bunch of trees that that DPW has taken down that aren't on that list. And I'm not blaming Karen for that because I understand Karen's process to be that
when there's a purchase order to Dave to take down a tree, that's when you put it on the list. But now that we're using DPW more, we don't have a process in place for also keeping a record of the trees that DPW takes down.
So, I didn't go through comprehensively, but I went through the minutes of at least three different months, and I found that, you know, there were trees that had been taken down that were not on our list. And that doesn't include the trees that I asked about at the beginning of the year at Community Park. So, I think that
we need to figure out a system to keep accurate record of the trees that we're removing. So, Mike, you and I, I believe, are in charge of the committee to do that. So, I think that falls to us. So, you and I should get next year and figure out how are we going to do this? Do we need to make a spreadsheet?
What do we need to do? Because as I've said before, I think it shouldn't be Karen's job. I think we should be keeping records of that. >> But I could also put them on there. >> We can give you access. Sure. >> Right. And say TPW took the tree down if that's what you want. You want >> Maybe the three of us need to talk and
we just need to figure out a system because I think that they've been doing more work for us and it's, you know, but we we need to have an accurate record of our removals. >> Sure. sure that they're working on a tracking list and then we'll convey a
tracking list for us to have as well. Okay. As far as new business goes, uh there's the calendar here regarding uh meeting dates for 2026. The meeting date for January is the 12th
at 5:30. I haven't asked for the commission to take into consideration that moving forward because we can't make the change for January, but moving forward, um the commission would be open to moving the
meeting to 6:30 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m. >> Oh, okay. So, for now, all right, the meeting here, the reorganization meeting, >> I understand that can't be moved, >> right? If I'm saying anything, >> you can change it by by uh notice if you
want. >> I wouldn't worry about the January one. I would start with >> for you. >> Okay. So, >> 6:30, please. >> Except for January. >> Except for January, we'll keep as is because >> to my understanding when we approve the
uh meeting dates for the full year, it counts from February through the following January. Okay. Now, if everybody looks at December 2026, okay, what's happening here is
nobody wants a meeting on December 21st. So, in December, all the meetings are a week. So, that means the first meeting the shed tree normally would have their meeting on the 7th. >> Okay. >> But that's planning for it now and it's
board of adjustment. So, I check the calendar and everything is okay and if it's all right with everyone here and shade tree has the meeting at um on Tuesday. >> Okay. Would that be okay with that? >> Well, let me check my calendar. Of course.
>> All right. >> I don't think that's that's a oneoff like that based on how the month landed. I'm not terribly >> just the way the month lands. Okay. >> December. So the only other thing um I did want to talk through just looking
through this obviously I know in August there is no shade tree meeting >> on this calendar right now there's nothing listed for July. >> Oh really? >> Yeah. >> Oh sorry. >> No no problem. So, my thought process on
this is because we do have a gap um and the first first Monday of July would be the sixth. >> Oh, yes. Because I didn't know if it was a holiday >> after the office. I didn't know. >> So, how about we fix that right away and
it's July 13th instead? >> Okay. >> This way it gives >> Well, I have to check because that might be the board of health. [snorts] Okay. Wednesday is probably tomorrow. >> Oh, Wednesday. Okay, then that's fine. Shade tree.
>> No, no, they might be Tuesday. I'll take it back. >> Right. Okay. But shade tree can be on the >> Monday. 13th >> because to your point there might either Monday or Friday will be the holiday. >> Correct. You see, I didn't know when the
holiday was going to fall. So, okay. And nobody knows yet. >> So, I would just for now I would just pencil it for the 13th. Okay. But if if by chance it's going to be this the six we're open, you want it on
the 6th. >> Not really. >> I would still think because there's no August and everything. >> Yeah. Just with no August meeting giving us another week and then having a little bit of a shorter gap, I think it's better for us to have ample time to take
care of things. >> Okay. So then the we just need to vote on the change from 5:30 to 6:30 starting in February and the fact that
July's meeting will be on the 13th. >> Okay. And also uh >> oh and the the Tuesday the one off Tuesday >> and Tuesday December >> December >> in December December 1st. >> So do we need three separate votes?
>> Well no we'll just do a voice vote that everything is okay with the calendar and then this will all be in the resolution >> for 6:30. >> 6:30 the time will change and everything and also all the dates will be in the
resolution. Okay. >> Yes, we can move if you want. Um, >> okay. So, the dates. >> Okay. Who want you do? >> Sure. >> Okay. And second, >> second. >> Okay. All in favor?
>> Okay. Voice vote. Motion carried. And uh just one other thing I wanted to talk about. So there's been some back and forth regarding uh just some of the grants and uh this is one of the things I just
wanted to talk through. So um I know earlier on in the year we had approved uh working on a forestry plan. Obviously through the rest of this year we have not done that. So that'll be that will
be a top priority for 26. But one of the things that I wanted to talk about and S feel free to chime in here whenever you'd like with this. >> Thank you. >> Um there was a grant that was put
forward to the council uh that was pulled. Uh there was some questions on it. is in regards to the NJ DP uh grant for the natural climate solutions. Uh it's a forestry regeneration grant. Uh
we had put some work into this and as far as coming up with locations and um how we would work this out over a three-year time period. Um, so I I would like to get this back onto the consent
calendar and read forward at the council meeting on the 4th. >> You guys correct me. >> I know you had some questions. >> We talked about this last meeting that it was going to be circulated so we could look at it. I haven't It was never
circulated. We haven't haven't voted on it in here. We haven't discussed it. Hasn't been circulated. I don't I mean I'm happy to look at it. I said that last time, but I I don't understand why we why it isn't being shown to us before it's going on the consent calendar. Is
it >> It was voted though. We voted once before. >> Oh my goodness. No, it was not. >> And it's a chance to get $260,000. >> Making my head hurt. >> We We never voted on that. Even Mike, did we ever vote on this grant?
>> No, we've just voted on the forestry management grant. >> Do we need to vote on a grant before it goes in front of the council? Yes. Okay. >> That's your recommendation. >> So, we need to discuss it and vote on it. All right. I'm happy to look at it. >> Why would you have an objection to us
applying for a grant? >> That's not what I said, Marian. We know that very well. >> No, I'm asking because we could approve it now. I'm trying to get to where you're >> It's a $260,000 grant. Correct. >> Last meeting, Sal said there was an $80,000 outfront uh layout by the town,
>> right? >> No, there is none. >> Okay. Well, I'm not I'm not here or there. All I'm saying is I think that we should look at it before we vote on it. >> That's why I'm asking you. >> We can take a vote. We The objection is that I want to see something before I'm voting on. You can't give it to me right
now when we have >> You can hold on to it and take a look at it if you have any other questions. But this is something that we're going to lose out on. And >> we're not going to lose out on. It's a rolling deadline. You guys are forcing something through. >> Nobody's forcing anything through. >> Yes, you are. We're not, but we're not.
So, listen, most of these grants that we apply for anyway, we never get anyway. We don't fit certain criterias that these grants are normally for anyway. So, if there's a chance to get something out of this, which we'll probably won't get anything anyway, might as well just
push it through and see if we something sticks. >> I would be more than happy to take a look at the plan and vote on it in January. I have zero problem with that. I am not against this grant. I've said that so many times. All right. I'm actually for us applying for the grant, but we need to have a discussion about
what the application looks like before we vote on it. That's just common sense. And I recall that we did have the grant in front of us. It was was an inch thick. And we did Mike went out and
looked at the different spots for the trees. He he put a lot of work into it. It wasn't just something that was dreamt up. I I don't see why we wouldn't do it. I just don't see it. >> Correct me if I'm wrong. Is this the one
that has the money application? >> Correct. >> So, the idea is to get this approved now hopefully over the council. So, that deadline, >> correct? But the money do get used up, which is why it came back on to approve
it now because we don't want if there's a likelihood that we can get any money, we don't want to be miss out on it. because the grant is completely used up. So, my recommendation is to move forward with it to get it on the consent calendar for the council meeting.
>> I'm a firm no since I haven't seen what it is. >> We'll take a vote on it. >> Can there be a motion to ask Councilman to bring this to the council meeting on
December 4th? So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Uh where am Okay. Mrs. Thardy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dusler. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lombardi.
>> Yes. >> Mr. Mio. >> No. >> And Mrs. Steer. >> Yes. >> Okay. Is there any other new business prior to the adjournment? >> Uh yeah, I do actually have something.
So, um this just came across my desk um actually this afternoon, so I wanted to bring it up um the attention. I wrote a statement about it because uh it's um I want to you'll see it's a it's a it's about this conflict
of interest with Dave as our artist and um some ethics issues that some residents brought to me. So I wanted to write it out to make sure [cough] I was [clears throat] um saying everything exactly right. Over the last year I've been surprised at how many residents >> I'm sorry. Can I just interrupt for a
second? We are talking about an individual. Is this something that can be done in It's it's not about an individual. I'm not making any accusations about him. It's about his role. >> The chair has the jurisiction. >> It's about our process.
>> Okay. This just one thing. Is this a letter from someone? >> No, this is my statement. >> Okay. >> This is my statement about our process. If it were to help you feel better, Marian, towards the end, I say I want to be very clear. I'm not accusing Dave or Greenwood.
>> It's not about that. It's just it starts to get we've been in situations before where some of the commentary starts getting about an individual versus the bigger thing and s I don't want us to run run into a problem here at some point.
So I don't know if this is something that we can be >> the chair have the right to let him open a comment if you feel that it's pertinent and it helps to >> I can read my statement at the council meeting if I'm not allowed to read here in public comment.
>> No I was only questioning like no letters from any residents can ever be read. >> It's not a letter. It's my statement and I wrote it down because I'm trying to be very careful to not accuse Dave of anything. It's not about him. about the process and our process for making decisions about trees.
>> Are you naming any residents in there or addresses? >> No. >> You said it came across your desk. >> Yeah, the issue came across my desk because I mean I can I'm happy to talk about it. >> The issue from you, not a resident. >> It's not a specific complaint that a resident had. It's been mentioned
multiple times in this commission before this issue. >> Absolutely. So if it's from obviously he's going to make a statement on it or looking to make a statement but some of it is brought to his attention from residents while they're not going to be named. Is this something that should
even be discussed? I'm not a lawyer but you're the chair and you're you're allowed to have people speak or stop them. You can stop me at any time. You can throw me out. You're this is your you're you're the chairman. He's being a vice chair. saying that he
has some he wants to read his own statement, not hearsay. >> So, >> absolutely. >> But if you want to have you guys talk about it and allow that, it's up to you guys. I don't I don't know if I see
any harm here or like he said, you can bring it up in a council, too, if you wanted to. >> I'd rather not. I'd rather people on the shri commission but if you don't allow me to read it here then I will read it at the council meeting. >> I don't have that jurisdiction. >> No, I'm saying I I will in public
comment because I think it's something that needs to be addressed. >> You guys were doing workshops I think the last time we spoke back in October. You and Michael has >> I never heard about this so I don't know. >> And that's that's
>> that's the stuff I told both you guys. not trying to get their stuff done before the meeting. >> I I felt like I couldn't um because of the nature of this, I felt like I couldn't bring >> I I personally um Mr. Chairperson, I
would prefer it to be brought up in council because if there is a problem where we could get into a situation here, John Haran is on is there and could make a determination. >> I'm a little confused, Barry, on why you think there's anything problematic we
talk about. Can I just finish and I'm happy to listen to you then listen? >> Yeah, go ahead. >> I mean Mike's decision is Mike's decision, but I haven't even started to read it yet. I don't understand what your objectives. >> You did start to read it and you said you you said that residents have come to you and >> but presidents come to us all the time
when we talk about that. Why is this any different? >> Because I am worried that you're putting the J tree commission in a predicament. >> By what evidence are you worried? Because you were talking about residents. >> We talk about residents all the time. >> But for tree work,
>> this is this is about this is about the tree work that we do and the process that we follow. >> It's been mentioned here before multiple times. It's been brought up at council meeting. I'm not saying anything that has not been stated before. >> I'm not sure. I haven't heard it, Mr. Chairperson. My recommendation would be
that it not be here. But, you know, that's that's up to all of us to determine. >> My opinion. I feel that you mentioned a couple times during the meeting that you have not seen it. You want to see it. Uh I think that's something your colleagues would like to see your statement before
you make it. Uh and maybe they can judge whether this is something that an attorney uh should look at before we make the statement. >> Okay. I will I'd be happy to read it at the council meeting if that's the case. If I'm not allowed here, but I'll defer to the chair. >> You can do it at a council meeting and
do it at you can do whatever you want. I I'm just saying none of us have seen this. You you want to make sure you keep always saying I didn't see it. I didn't see it. >> It's funny because the gist of the statement was that we should try to make sure we appear ethical. And I think suppressing discussion of an ethics
issue is the opposite of appearing ethical. >> Do you want me to make a copy and we'll take a little break and everybody read, you know, look at it? >> No, I don't think that's necessary. I feel like I'm in a hostile environment here because I haven't even been allowed to read the statement and I'm already being told I can't read it. So really
Mike's decision. >> I think >> why don't you discuss this with Mike before the meeting? We usually talk. >> I just got uh notice of this at 3:30 today. Robert, if it involves you making a statement at the council meeting, I can
only tell you if it involves a time employee, a time employee for my will not have to be raced and either comes to the meeting or has to know about it. >> If that's the I'm not I don't know what your statement >> I don't want you to come there and they're going to say stop. >> Okay.
>> Just you know what you have your statement there what it involves. So, I'll maybe share that with uh the chairman and uh and the town attorney and uh go from there. This way you don't waste your time. >> Sure. I appreciate the advice.
>> Okay. Based on that recommendation, we'll we'll hold it. >> Okay. I have another item for new business. >> Sure. >> So, uh I'm concerned about the way that we are um doing our
process for taking down our trees because I feel like um it puts me in an ethically compromised position when I uh can't really
make a qualified decision about um tree work. So [clears throat] what I'd like for this uh commission to consider is the process for which we're doing our by which we're doing our tree work. So it's been uh brought up a few times at
council meeting I saw at the budget that one of the things that um is problematic about this is that the there's no separation between a consulting arborist and the um the the work. So the arborist gets paid for the work that they're um
consulting. So I would like to um ask that we talk to uh the attorney um about whether or not we could request that we get guidance from the local finance board about that issue. The local finance board is the ethics
board that governs uh ethics complaints. And um I spoke with them and they told me that uh they cannot give us any sort of advice on a any current setup that we have, but that um going forward in the
future if there's future contracts or bids for contract that um they may be able to advise us on that. So, I would like to um make a motion that we talk to the attorney and um see if that's something that we can do to get advice
on the ethics of our current setup. See if there's a conflict of interest. >> I don't think you need a motion. You could talk to the council liazison and you guys can figure it out with the attorney. What I know is that Jupy Trees Dave's
company went out went out to bid the tree work and he was the cheapest and we gave him a contract that that helps in any way. >> Right. >> Not that we're we're just you guys are choosing him or town's choosing him. He
won that bid with the lowest. >> Right. So the the issue isn't with Greenwood Tree. The issue is with the process of the fact that we don't have separation between the recommendations if we have a recommendation and the person in the in the company, right? So, um if this were a one-off thing, this
wouldn't be such a conflict. So, for example, if you you know, if you call a roofer and you say, "Hey, do I need a new roof?" They're going to make the recommendation that you need a roof and then maybe they're also going to get the bid. But when it's a continuing relationship, it seems to me that there's more of an ethical issue. So, I'd like to say that the commission
should ask for guidance on this. >> Yeah, but Rob, we look at every single tree. It's not that Greenwood is going out on their own and just picking trees to do down. Every single member of this commission looks at every single tree
and which is why there's the worksheet and the list and we go through it and we say yes or no. So, how is that not a separation? I mean, we've talked >> Are you qualified to make those decisions? >> We've talked about this before. >> Have you ever disputed the decision that
Dave has made? >> You're talking over me. I know I am because I'm trying to point out to you that we go in circles about >> question before about new business coming onto the agenda. We discussed it I think if I'm not mistaken about getting it on the agenda before we
actually have the meeting and I'm pretty sure we we agreed that we were going to put the line items on the agenda. So this I think deserves you know >> so it's okay if it's a grant application. We don't have to tell me. We can put it on the agenda.
>> No, it has to go on the agenda. >> Listen. >> Is that what I'm hearing? >> I Every tree is not just reviewed by Dave. >> Everything is also reviewed by the head of our DPW who is certified to look at trees as
well. The decision does not strictly come from Dave. I've spent so much time this year looking at every single tree in this burrow with whether be with Dave or the continuous walkthroughs that I've done with our DPW department. There is
no issue here. >> If there's no issue, then why not just talk to the local finance board and confirm that and then we can put to rest any of the people who think there is. I'm not saying there is >> the local >> necessarily. I'm saying I'm uncomfortable. >> So what local finance board? accounts.
It's the state local finance board which governs ethics complaints. So, and anyone could make an anonymous complaint to them about our process at any time. People are feel like we brought this up a number of times. It's not getting dealt with. All I'm saying is I'm not saying that I think Dave's doing anything wrong. I don't even know that
our process is unethical. I'm just saying I think we should check because there's enough concern about this. Why wouldn't we check? It doesn't look good for us not to check. I I would think that the I hope the attorney or town attorney draws up the contract. I I
don't think he would draw up the contract that had issues of ethics. So I think really the person you should speak to the town attorney and and speak to him. He would make the if he draws a contract makes that
decision. uh goes out, you know, went out for bed now went out for bed and he draws those kids up. So, I think that's where it is. Uh and let's face it,
probably 75 to 80% of the things we do are because of calls for residents who have a dead tree in front of their house. There are no leaves on the tree. It's dead. uh you know so that's what we do most of the time. Maybe there's a
couple other things but they are rare. >> I don't understand the resistance to this issue because it seems like it's like >> no there's no resistance. Like I said attorney >> because because I'm tired of
there this being hovering over our heads. All right. And maybe you guys don't see it as an issue, but I do. And it's very awkward because I have no issue with Dave. I've told him that multiple times in person. But ethics matters about appearance. And if it looks like it's inappropriate, then that
matters. >> Okay. So, like I said, go ahead and have a conversation with our council liaison and you guys could sit down with the burough attorney and then figure this out. No one's stopping you from doing that. Feel free to go ahead and take care of that. I think the commission as a whole should do it personally, but no
one else has any interest in this besides me. >> No, because I understand how our process works and and the process works fine. >> Is John at DPW a certified arborist? >> Certified arborist. No, he's had arborist training in multiple
conferences and things like that. >> Could he go and make a recommendation at someone's house as an arborist? Listen, we're going to just start to argue from over nothing. I'm not arguing. I'm trying to point out to you that Dave is the only one who is qualified to make
those decisions. That is what the issue is. So, the process is the problem. It's not that I don't understand the process. The process is the problem. >> Okay. Like I said, speak with the council leazison. You guys could speak
to the town attorney. That's it. I move a motion to adjurnn this meeting. >> Second. >> I don't know if we'll see anybody, but Merry Christmas.