HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-12-TREE-min RECEIVED
2023 10 Fet.), 9:4'7' aim
Lexington Tree Committee Meeting via Zoom TC'LERK
Minutes of January 12, 2023 LEXING,r,ON MA
Attending: Gerry Paul (Chair), Gloria Bloom, Mark Connor (Co-chair), Pat Moyer, Nancy Sofen,
Barbara Tarrh, Jim Wood, members. Joe Pato, Select Board liaison. Dave Pinsonneault, DPW
staff. Other attendees: Pamela Lyons, Rick Riebstein, Charles Hornig, Charlie Wyman, Todd
Rhodes
Meeting called to order at 7:30 am
1) Barbara Tarrh appointed scribe. Minutes of December 8 meeting delayed and will be
approved next month.
2) Forestry Division Updates— Dave Pinsonneault delayed until 8:15.
3) Request to move Center Streetscape tree for bus stop visibility.
Pamela Lyons reviewed the history of relocating an MBTA bus stop from 1666 Mass Ave
(currently Clay Oven restaurant) to 1684 Mass Ave (currently Conte's Bike Shop) as follows:
*The new location includes shelter from the elements in a wide doorway.
*The recently implemented streetscape plan included a tree well, tree planting and bench at
the new location, which town engineering said was not possible to change so far into the
process.
•Streetscape tree/bench are positioned approx. midway on the sidewalk landing area at the
new stop. MBTA guidelines for relocated bus stops include a 4-foot sidewalk width with a clear
and unobstructed landing pad.
*The Commission on Disability unanimously supports moving the tree and bench for bus
visibility and handicapped accessible dismount from buses.
Committee members observed that there are 5 other bus stops in Lexington Center, 10-17
riders per stop, several hundred pedestrians using the sidewalk daily, and appreciation for
shade provided by the tree. Relocation vs removal was discussed. Two Tree Committee
members expressed strong opposition to removing the tree. Pam will continue to pursue the
moving of the tree and will keep the Tree Committee informed.
4) (See articles for Bylaw Amendments for spring 2023Town Meeting in Agenda Packet.)
The committee expressed appreciation for Town Counsel's advice and was pleased to know
that town trees should be treated as public shade trees, as per MA law Chapter 87. It was
observed that, had this applicability been known, tree removals for the new Westview
Cemetery building, removals at the front of the police station project would have been required
to have public hearings. In the future, it will apply to all public construction proposals, like the
upcoming new high school. Town tree removal does not require mitigation.
Nancy Sofen has met with Sustainability/Resiliency Officer Maggie Peard to understand how
the Tree Bylaw applies to town projects. She stated the Integrated Design Policy updated by
Sustainable Lexington is how the town manages its projects.
5) 29 Barberry Rd
Having been made aware by a neighbor of tree removals, Gerry Paul presented photos and
video of large number of trees removed from 29 Barberry Rd, including approximately 10 6-8"
hemlocks taken from the Right of Way. No hearing had been held, the trees had not been
declared hazards, and there is no record of the Tree Warden visiting the site. The tree removal
company has knowledge of the Bylaw and Chapter 87. Gerry indicated that he sent information
about the site to the DPW for their action. To avoid situations like this, it was suggested that
the new bylaw include permitting for tree companies. Information on this site was shared in
anticipation of public questions being directed to the Tree Committee.
2) Dave Pinsonneault joined at 8:15
Draft of canopy assessment from University of Vermont has been received and UVM is "back on
track." Final report is 2 weeks out. DPW will do a presentation to the Select Board. Dave stated
that the data used is from 2021 with possibly as long as a 10-year history. Charlie Wyman
suggested a public meeting at the library with Q&A; Dave P said he would consider a proposal
to do that.
Jim Wood initiated a discussion about the need irrigation for the plantings that will replace the
removal of mature white pines at the tennis courts. Because tennis courts will be replaced,
with associated reconstruction of the footpath, Dave P indicates the best option for watering
new plantings will be to extend a line from public bathroom area and do a series of quick-
coupling sprinklers opposite the path. He confirmed new trees are warrantied for 1 year. Gerry
suggested using gator bags as a test case. Dave did not agree and will present research on
these at next meeting. He also confirmed fencing will be erected to protect new plantings.
Other discussions:
•Dave will send list of replacement plant species for white pines site
•Chris Filadoro is working on when tree inventory can be released to the public
•Pruning of town trees is being added to the work plan this season per Dave
•Nancy Sofen has communicated with Jessica from IT to implement improvements to current
paper permitting and fee systems. In person meeting may be needed.
•After review of tree removal request by Pam Lyons at 1684 Mass Ave, Dave indicated the
DPW is not in favor of tree removal because of underground well structure. He also stated it is
not feasible to transplant the tree within the new streetscape. Dave indicated that any request
to move the tree would require the Chapter 87 process including a public hearing.
5) (cont.)
It was pointed out that the developer did not follow the Bylaw because removals were done
before a Tree Removal Permit was issued. We all agreed that the Bylaw should be enforced.
6) Tree Statement of Concern
The Committee thanked Charlie Wyman for accomplishments to date regarding Lexington Tree
Statement of Concern. To date there are 10 organizations and 436 individuals who have signed
the statement. It was suggested that the Statement group present to the Planning Board jointly
with the Tree Committee, noting the to-be-scheduled workshop and final Select Board
presentation. The Climate Action Plan, which is in progress, should add momentum.
Meeting adjourned 9:05
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