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Minutes of the Lexington Tree Committee October 9, 2003 , 7;30 a.m. Town Office Building, Room G-15 Present: J. Frey, K. Longeteig, D. J. Mazerall, D. Pinsonneault (ex-officio), A. Senning, N. Walker 1. N. Walker, scribe for this meeting. 2. Minutes of Sept. 11 were accepted after revisions (in red) and addition to # 7: the Tree Grant still includes funds which are on the books for10 trees at Belfry Hill when conditions permit. 3. Current tree By-law data as of Oct. 7, 2003: Out of a total of 133 cases, there are 180 tree removals, 401 trees to be replanted and 60 cases resolved (no trees removed or replanted). David commented that there is a Selectmen’s Tree Gift Account. If there is a situation where a small lot has no room for the required replacement trees after building construction, the money required for these trees could be put in this account for eventual planting on public land. There are presently calls for 20 such installations. He suggested that the Tree Committee propose a wording change to the Tree By-law to allow for this. 4. The first edition of the Tree Manual is in production. Sir Speedy of Arlington will print 1,000 copies. This cost will be covered by the recent Award from the State to the Tree Committee. In addition any hours spent editing and producing the draft Manual from the date of the award is the matching segment required by the grant. . Some committee members will meet to review and edit the draft on Oct. 17. 5. Karen volunteered to attend the Selectmen’s breakfast Oct. 29. 6. David reported that the 11 Normandy Rd. fracas was resolved rather unsatisfactorily because the DPW was not able to react to a fait accomplis. The contractor removed a protected tree (a large Oak) without a final layout as expected by DPW. This was the first controversy in l33 cases; the other permitees have followed the intent of the By-law. It was suggested that a phone call or letter be sent to the neighbors who were upset by the actions of this builder. 7-8. Tree Steward training meeting, Oct. 3-4 at Harvard Forest Museum in Petersham: Anne reported that each town described their special problems. She gave a glowing summary of Tree Warden David Pinsonneault’s featured talk. His presentation about the formation of the Tree Committee, the adoption of the Tree By-law and how it functions elicited much interest. Anne also met Jane Calvin, a senior staffer of the State Urban Forestry Dept., at the meeting. Jane wanted to visit Rindge Park in E. Lexington, where there has been on-going planning for tree planting. Plans were made to have a joint meeting of neighbors, committee members and Calvin on site. 9. John reported on various new tree grant opportunities in the next year. Discussion: the Rindge Park-Arlington Reservoir area could be an inter- municipal planning project under these grants. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m. Next Meeting Nov. 13, 7:30 a.m. at Room 111 Nell Walker, Scribe