HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-08-TREE-min
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.
8. Jim Wood report on the Chestnut project: 10 seeds will be planted in grow bags on
Conservation land not yet selected; half will be blight resistant.
Other: John reported that a large Sugar Maple (?) replaces the take down at Arlex. Two
Elms are planted at Robbins Cemetery and one Red Maple at the Sacred Heart Church
bus stop awaits an OK from Dig Safe.
John will be out of town at the date we usually meet, so the NEXT MEETING is
7:30 a.m. JUNE 5, 2008 in Room 111
NOTE DATE CHANGE