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

Browse Search

Charlie Wyman reported that thus far the statement supporting trees has been signed by 16 organizations and over 700 individuals. There will be a workshop on March 2 at the community center to show how the town can respond to support its canopy. Gerry introduced Bill Singer who is interested in joining the TC. Gerry noted that Article 29 to add 2 associate members to the Committee, if passed by TM, would take effect in July after the Attorney General review. Update on bylaw sites. Gerry shared an update provided by Dave for bylaw sites at which there were enforcement concerns (see attached). We discussed a site that had been clear cut and for which the town is owed a significant mitigation payment. The process was not followed and no tree removal permit was issued. Concern was expressed about builders clear cutting, not getting permits, falsely claiming that trees have not been cut down, and not paying fees/mitigation. There was a brief discussion of issues with the use of Viewpoint Cloud. Mitigation payments are not recorded by Viewpoint Cloud. Nancy reported that there has been no tree removal permit application filed for 69 Pleasant Street, despite the Planning Board condition that the Tree Bylaw applies to the site. Sheila Page of the Planning Board confirmed that a permit was required and planned a site visit last week. Mark and Nancy reported their discussion with Dave about the use of volunteers to help with planting and maintaining trees, inputting info to data bases, and using water bags on newly planted trees in a test area. Mark raised the issue of how to effect improvement in enforcement of the Tree Bylaw. It was agreed that Gerry would discuss this further with Mark and put this on a future agenda The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 Gloria Bloom