2023-02-09-TREE-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Tree Committee (TC) meeting February 9, 2023 The meeting was called to order at 7:31 am. Present were: Gerry Paul, Nancy Sofen, Pat Moyer, Mark Connell, Joe Pato, and Gloria Bloom (scribe). Visitors: Bill Singer, Marcia Gens, and Charley Wyman Minutes of 12/8 were approved. Minutes of 1/12 were approved with the addition of the statement that “Jim and Mark were strongly opposed to the removal of the tree at the MBTA bus stop on Mass. Ave”. TC voted to support Article 25 put forth by the Historical Commission to increase the demolition delay on homes in the Historical Commission inventory from the current one year delay to a delay up to 21 months. Gerry reported that on the previous Monday, he presented TC articles 28 and 29 to the SB, which wanted more info. Gerry will work on improving the Article 28 presentation for TM. Regarding Article 28, increasing the Tree Bylaw look-back period from 1 to 3 years, the question arose whether there would be a need for a permit for tree removal of any tree greater than 6” dbh in the setback in order validate the look-back provision. Nancy suggested that permits may be necessary to ensure adequate enforcement but that it is too close to TM to add a change of that magnitude to the motion . A look-back period of 3 years will reduce the likelihood that owners will cut down trees prior to sale to aid the sale. Dave Pinsonneault could not attend the meeting, but said the canopy study will be put in Drop Box for TC review. The SB review of the study is currently scheduled for March. We discussed exemptions to MGL 87 and the Lexington Tree Bylaw. There should be a public process unless an exemption (disease, hazard, etc .) applies, and thus be mitigation based on the value of the tree for removed Town Trees. With a public process there is input from neighbors and others that may consider esthetic as well as environmental benefits. The town needs to define “hazard” and we need an agreement on declaring exemptions. All TC members present agreed to sign a letter to Dave stating the above requests (see attached). Liaison report from Nancy on the PBCs “integrated design and construction policy”: Construction on any lot greater than ½ acre need to be certifiable at the gold level of SITES. They are discussing the need for native plants and heat island reduction. All public trees, not just the street trees already covered under Chapter 87 state law would require a hearing. According to Charlie, this would apply to the high school. There will be a hearing before the PB on the Tracer Lane project on March 15.