HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-09-TREE-minTree Committee Meeting Minutes. June 9,
2022
Attendees: Gerry Paul (Chair), Gloria Bloom, James Wood, Nancy Sofen, Marty Kvaal, Mark
Connor, Pat Moyer (delayed due to travel plan) Mark Sandeen (SB Liaison), Barbara Tarrh
(pending new committee member)
1. Mark Connor was appointed scribe. The Minutes of May 12, 2022 were unanimously
approved.
Forestry Department Updates: (Note; Dave Pinsonneault informed the Committee that
members of the DPW staff will no longer attend the meetings in person and will
communicate updates through email) Tree Committee discussed the change in
communication status and requested that Gerry along with Mark reach out to Dave for a
meeting to discuss improving the communication gap and relationship between the TC and
the DPW.
2. Spring Planting: (DP) 50 trees were planted. Tree Committee requested information
regarding locations and types of trees planted.
3. Tree Inventory Status: (DP) Staff has completed review and will communicate with IT to
make available.
4. Tree Canopy Assessment: (DP) UVM is still finalizing Report.
5. Removal of Public Shade tree at 149 Adams St. – no information
6. Tree Bylaw Enforcement: Nancy summarized the meeting that Gerry, Mark and Nancy
had with Jill Hai (SB Chair) and Mark Sandeen (SB). We presented the well-established
challenges we had with the DPW regarding both Bylaw enforcement and Article 33
implementation. After much discussion, it was the consensus of the group to describe and
document challenges and formally make recommendations for each issue as a Tree
Committee Report and present it to the Forestry Department for review and comment.
We would then present it to the Select Board for possible discussion at a Select Board
meeting. It was further recommended to keep it factual and positive with an eye to
resolving issues in a collaborative manner. A distinction was articulated between
representing the sole opinions and interests of the Tree Committee and that of all the
residents in the Town as evidenced by the overwhelming approval of Article 33 by Town
Meeting.
7. Article 33 Implementation: Same comments as Item 6.
8. Planting on the Green: Jim worked with Forestry to arrive with a beneficial selection of
native trees appropriate for the Battle Green including: Cladrastis Kentuchea,
Liquidambar Styraciflua, Quercus Palustris, Quercus Coccinea and Nyssa Sylvatica.
9. No discussion
10. 2021 Forestry Annual Report: (DP) verified 170 trees were planted. It was determined
that language associated with the Tree Nursery was outdated because the Nursery was no
longer operational.
11. Bylaw Changes for future Town Meeting: The (TC) established a subcommittee to
explore future changes to the Tree Bylaw. The Subcommittee consists of Nancy, Gerry,
Barbara, and Dan Miller.
12. Removal of 37 Pines at Center Field: waiting on DPW response regarding the Tom Brady
Tree Report. Tree Committee has no formal jurisdiction in this matter.
13. Lincoln Street Tree Hearing: Hearing is next Thursday. Outcome should follow Bylaw.
(TC) would like to know A. the meaning of the color coding, B. If there is a certified
Arborist. No current answers to date. Gerry made a general comment that there was a mix
of good and bad trees.
14. Earth Day/ Discovery Day Recap: Gerry manned the table on Earth Day. Event was
sparsely attended. Areas of public concern focused on the 37 Pine Trees and the poor
connection the public has with government regarding tree issues in town. Discovery Day
was unfortunately cancelled.
15. Worthen Road Parcel: No new news.
16. Tree Committee Annual Report: Nancy will make first pass.
17. Lawn signs and bumper stickers: Marty presented tree logo images. The Committee
unanimously selected image Logo+V1.2 png. and discussed tag line “Lexington Cares for
Trees” Additionally the Committee discussed the need to have a complete campaign
before distributing the Lawn Signs.
18. Planting Trees along Mass Ave: Pat and Nancy are working on a list and map.
19. No discussion
20. Liaison Reports: Nancy reported that Sustainable Lexington created guidelines for the
PBC and will adopt our recommendations.
21. LexFun: Gerry was contacted by a grass root group interested in planting tree Saplings in
public spaces in town. Asked Tree Committee for location recommendations.
22. New Member: The (TC) took a second vote to nominate Barbara Tarr as a new member
of the Committee and for a second time the vote was unanimous. Gerry will forward to
(SB).
23. SB Liaisons and Committee Chairs: Mark Sandeen informed us that the (SB) is exploring
changes to the relationship between Select Board Committee Liaisons and their assigned
Committees. The proposed changes will not require the Select Board members to attend
all Committee meeting due in part to the overwhelming number of committee
assignments each member has. The Select Board is also exploring limiting the number
years a committee member can serve as chair to 2 years. The Tree Committee voted to
convey to Mark Sandeen its concern regarding these changes in terms of lost continuity
in committee institutional memory and connection to decision makers in Town
government.
24. The Tree Committee unanimously voted to adjourn.