HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-12-TREE-min
Minutes of the Lexington Tree Committee Meeting of April 12, 2007
1. Nell Walker was appointed Scribe. The minutes of March 8, 2007, were approved with a few
corrections.
2. Present at the meeting: David Pinsonneault, Tree Warden; John Frey, Chairman,
Members: Karen Longeteig, Gerry Paul, Anne Senning, Nell Walker, Jim Wood; Jeanne Krieger,
Selectman liaison. Absent: Markus Pinney.
3. Tree Warden report: David Pinsonneault
a. 491 total sites since 10/1/01: 401 closed; 1,396 trees to plant/1,053 planted; total applications for
tree removal 582/removed 455
b. Articles 5 and 13 of the 2007 Warrant (amending the Zoning Bylaw and the Tree Bylaw ) were
approved by Town Meeting. The Lexington Tree Management Manual is now the standard for
public tree related activities, such as planting, etc. The Attorney General issues his approval
after August, so the current Bylaw with the 8” d. for a protected tree remains until then.
The Tree Warden suggested that an article be placed in the Minuteman so that contractors
will be aware of the changes to the permitting process.
c. Inventory: Anne reported that out of the 4 prospective summer interns interviewed, Max Horn
and David Hattis were selected. They will be paid $4100 each to do both field and GIS work ,
leaving $1500 for J. Walkey and $300 for equipment. TC members who took part in the
interviews are asked to post their time to the Tree Warden.
The Garden Club Board, in an effort to facilitate the search for more grants, was exceptionally
supportive. Unfortunately, Timberland rejected our request.
The next opportunity (Home Depot) is in the fall, with an August deadline.
Tree i.d. training is May 23, at the DPW Barn, 7 p.m.
d. Mass Ave. sidewalk planting from Waltham to Michelson’s: Dave reported no funding for
granite setts or grates. Mulch will be added after planting. The Warden accepted
recommendations for 4 trees - 2 Green Ash and 2 Silver Linden, after some discussion of
monoculture vs. diversity. These trees are OK for structural soil. The future planting at the
Battle Green Inn on the east side of Waltham will also use structural soil.
e. Tree Farm: Jim W. reported that 130 saplings (cost: $2300) will be planted April 28th with the
help of student and adult volunteers. Also there will be transplants and donations. This is a
Conservation Commission project carried out by the Tree Committee.
f. There will be a Winter Moth control spraying on some Meriam Hill properties again this year.
Nell reported on the 2006 program with information from four sources, the arborist and 3 home
owners. Two who opted out said they did not notice any damage - ditto the one who sprayed.
g. No name yet for the Memorial Tree donor at Lincoln Park.
h. Matt Foti will prune rather than remove the Black Walnut that shades the Noyes Herb Garden at
the Buckman Tavern, a compromise negotiated with the garden maintainers.
i. Arbor Day will be observed on April 27 at 11a.m. Cary Library. A River Birch will be planted
at Belfry Park. To avoid canker problems 100 feet should separate the new Birch from an
existing Birch.
4. Friends of Trees initiative: Gerry Paul reported that the kick off meeting at Cary Library brought in
about 30 attendees, less than he had hoped for, considering the extensive publicity. Discussion
covered the FoT mission and future, the Tree Farm, a presence at Discovery Day, acquisition of a
banner, neighborhood tree planting, and interaction with the 20-20 task force and the possibilities
arising from joining a group devoted to looking at core values.
5. Commemorative Tree Program - see 3.g. The Haus and Dolberg trees will have plaques very soon.
Ms . Haus has asked to be invited when we attach the metal sign.
Nell, John and Jim attached a sign on Memorial Tree #001 (Kathy Yates) recently. But there was no
write-up in the Memorial Book at the reference desk at Cary Library.
5a. Stationary logo: In process
6. Website for the Tree Committee. Karen reported that we need links to other sites like GWAC,
otherwise the High School students are looking for more content (Tree Talk articles, photos, etc.)
7. Belfry Hill/CPA grant: Anne suggested we get the historical record from the Historical Society and
that we develop a map showing topography, tree species, paths and steps and parcels (property lines)
D. Pinsonneault said to be eligible for CPA funds, we need a landscape plan that enhances the Belfry
structure and improves pedestrian access.
Other: The Tree Manual revision requires the original CD (Anne?) that was used to print the first
edition.
D. Pinsonneault said he would introduce himself to the next meeting of the FoT. Date?
NEXT MEETING MAY 10, 7:30 a.m. Room 111