2008-05-08-TREE-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes-Lexington Tree Committee Meeting of May 8, 2008 In attendance at the meeting: John Frey, Chair; Members: Anne Senning, Jewel Kuljian, Karen Longeteig, Jim Wood, Nell Walker, Gerry Paul. David Pinsonneault, Tree Warden. Absent: Jeanne Krieger, Selectman liaison. 1. Nell Walker appointed scribe. April 10 minutes of the Committee were approved. 2. Dave Pinsonneault agenda: 2a. Bylaw tree removal activity: 573 calls/444 closed; 694 trees to be removed/ 507 now removed; 1,667 trees to be planted/ 1,118 planted (2 so far planted offsite). One builder wants to place two (mitigation) trees opposite the Green. 2b. Tree inventory interns: Due to late response from DCR for grant re summer interns, we have lost 4 candidates. To secure interns, Dave P. will assemble some funds for two positions. We have one candidate on board. 2c. Tree Nursery: Tree stock has arrived. Smaller trees will be used to insure viability. Last year we had problems with the large root systems on the Oak stock. We should specify no grafted material in future orders. 2d. An article by Karen Longeteig will run in next issue of the Minuteman to alert the community and developers about some significant Bylaw changes. 2e. John Frey reported that all Commemorative Trees and newly planted trees on Mass. Ave. from Michelson’s to Waltham St. will be fertilized by Matt Foti. Commemorative Trees: The Selectmen will review this program, especially where trees are planned for the Green. A sample of the kind of plaque used so far was supplied to the Board. It is attached to the tree and, at 3x5”, is unobtrusive. Commemoratives #5 and #6 are in limbo until the Selectmen approve the locations on May 27. 2f. Jewel Kuljian reported on the Arbor Day - Garden Club ceremony April 25. A Magnolia and 2 Yellowwood were planted at Belfry Hill and Cary Library; 6 Sourwood were planted as an allee on Meriam St. flanking the municipal parking area. 3. Gerry Paul reported on the Spring Town Meeting action: for the first time as a standing committee we have $24,000 in the budget! A strong majority voted Yes. The phase 3 CBD sidewalks at Muzzey St. were not approved by Town Meeting. 4. John Frey drafted a thank you note for donors to the Lexington Tree Fund. Lynne Pease will send the letters on our official stationery. The donations for Commemorative Trees will have a different protocol. 5. The Tree Manual revisions are moving along. The committee voted to approve a revision and expansion of the Recommended Tree list. 6. Friends of Trees are setting a new date for Bittersweet eradication day. 7. Web site progress: The set up is finished and Karen reports we need a web master and a link on the Town web site. This could include a page for the Friends of Trees to post their activities.