2002-01-10-TREE-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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TreeMINUTES1-10-02 MINUTES Lexington Tree Committee, Thursday January 10, 2002, 7:30AM, Room G-15 Present: Frey, Griscom, Longeteig, Mazerall, Solomon, Walker , Tree Warden David Pinsonneault and Selectman liaison Cathy Abbot. Absent: Wood. 1. Minutes will be emailed as text, not attachments 2. Minutes were amended and approved 3. Warrant articles: a. Committee unanimously voted to present 2002 warrant article for $20,000 for tree inventory study. This is a capital item and was not included in article #4, DPW operating budget. . Nell Walker and John Frey will write a draft article. 1) last inventory was done in the 60’s. (N.W. has copy) 2) will include trees planted in right-of-way 3) will become management tool and data base for easy update a) ID condition of trees, health, location, etc. b) show diversity of tree species c) point out critical needs d) ID potential open space for future plantings 4) ad hoc tree committee formation included charge to prepare inventory 5) explore funding possibilities (D.P.) a) U of Mass – probably need matching funds b) GIS System (rejected) needs to be in place by town c) Use of LHS students (rejected) d) Private professional companies (preferred route) 6) do not expect support form Board of Selectmen or financial committees 7) should write “Guest Commentary” in Minuteman and start PR campaign to educate citizens on needs and advantages 8) existing trust funds are for plantings only b . Bylaw of tree removal officially effective (Oct. 1, 2001) and DP has visited 16 sites (see handout). Most trees removed were 8”-9” dbh. (DP time roughly 4 hours per week) Replacement requests are ongoing. The Valleyfield property removals were prior to this date. Two houses to be constructed – it is a wet area. c. Ignoreclerical errors in Bylaw – they do no harm and not worth reopening thearticle. d. $ 15,000 is in DPW budget for tree planting – will it stand? 4. Applications (see 3 b) 5. Update on Article 14 of 2001 warrant a. Half of $50,000 has been spent. There 40 trees in ground with one-year warrantee. Half are out to bid for spring planting scattered throughout town. b. The Town will remove the diseased oak at Tower Park and will plant in anticipation – hearing held. 1. Tree City certificate was awarded to Lexington (DP) 2. Tree Manual: There are two audiences – homeowners and builders. Construction Guidelines are needed. Should there be two manuals? Should one be sold to the general public? 8. Fund raising: Memorial Trees. Karen Longeteig has prepared a draft booklet, but time was not available to discuss it.