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Minutes-Lexington Tree Committee Meeting of January 11, 2007
1. Markus Pinney was appointed scribe. The Minutes of December 14, 2006 with a
few clarifications and additions were approved.
2. In Attendance at the Tree Committee Meeting: David Pinsonneault, Tree Warden;
John Frey, Chairman; Members: Anne Senning; Nell Walker; Jim Wood, and
Markus Pinney. Jeanne Krieger, Selectmen. Sue Solomon, former-committee
member.
3. Tree Warden Report: David Pinsonneault
3.1 477 total sites, 328 closed, Total applications for tree removal 566, with 270
removed, Total trees to plant 1346, with 614 planted
3.2 Nell raised question about Adams Street. Dave to keep track and add to
replacement list when necessary.
3.3 Copies of Dave’s proposed changes to the Bylaw were circulated and
discussed at length. There was particular focus on the proposed change to
Section 120-3, Definitions, under the term “Setback Area.”
It was moved by Markus Pinney, and seconded by Jim Wood, that an
additional sentence under Dave’s proposed changes for Section 120-3,
Definitions would be added at the end of the proposed text change to read as
follows: “Final judgments regarding required tree protections during
construction shall be made by the Tree Warden where deviations from the
drip line setback standard are required.”
3.4 Dave reported on his recent budget discussions with the Town Manager, Carl
Valente. With respect to the proposed tree inventory grant, Dave
recommended Anne and Jim make a call to Carl conveying the Tree
Committee’s support of maintaining a useable tree inventory.
3.5 The prior item (3.4) led to discussion about the functional utility and future
needs of the Town with respect to its existing GIS program.
3.6 Dave reported on his calls regarding a few other Town’s efforts to address the
Winter Moth problem.
3.7 Dave reported that the 500 Commemorative Tree Program brochures have
been reprinted and are available at his office at 201 Bedford Street.
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3.8 Dave reported that he will attend the upcoming hearing on February 13
regarding the pending approval by Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) for planting to be conducted in the Tree Farm.
3.9 .Dave raised the issue of adding Tulip Tree to the species suggested for initial
planting in the Tree Farm. Jim Wood then circulated a list he had prepared.
Discussion followed.
It was decided that the following trees would be included as potential
selections, based on availability and pricing: Tulip Tree, Red Maple, Scarlet
Oak, Thornless Honey Locust, Sweet Crabapple, Princeton Elm, Cleveland
Select Pear, Okame Cherry, Star Magnolia.
Jim agreed to look into species agreed on and investigate pricing and
availability.
3.10 Dave provided update on the status of the DPW facility.
3.11 In response to Dave’s Wellesley’s report on winter moth, Nell Walker
volunteered to find out what, if anything, the Arnold Arboretum and Meriam
Hill group are planning to do.
3.12 Dave said that the Commemorative Tree donor chose a Tulip Tree for
Lincoln Park.
4. The status of support letters for the Tree Inventory Grant was reviewed.
5. It was decided the Tree Inventory Grant request would be $44.5K.
6. Markus provided Committee members with copies of the Planning Board’s
recommendations to the Board of Selectmen regarding proposed changes to the
Zoning Bylaw. The proposed changes seek to improve protection of trees in
concert with the proposed changes to the Bylaw proposed by the Tree Warden,
referenced above.
7. It was agreed a near-term effort should be made by the Bylaw Sub-Committee to
focus on a few changes to the Tree Manual that would integrate with proposed
changes by the Planning Board and Tree Warden.
8. Due to time constraints, it was agreed that Items 5b-Stationary Logo, 7-Lecture
Series DVD, 8-Friends of Trees report, & 9-Tree Talk Articles, as listed on the
January 11, 2007 agenda, would be postponed to the next meeting.
9. Nell recommended all Tree Committee members read, “The Dying of Trees,” by
Charles Little.
10. Jim Wood reported that the Revolving Tree Fund balance as of 1/11/07 was
$6559.09.
The Tree Committee Meeting was adjourned at 9:33 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Markus Pinney