HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-14-TREE-min
Town of Lexington
Lexington Tree Committee Minutes
A meeting of the Lexington Tree Committee was held at 7:30 am on May 14, 2015 in room 125 of the
DPW building, 201 Bedford St, Lexington, MA 02420.
Members present: Nancy Sofen, John Frey (Chair) Gerry Paul, Jim Wood and Anne Senning, Chris
Filadoro (Public Grounds Superindent, Tree Warden) Suzie Barry (Selectmen’s Liaison)
Members absent: Jewel Kuljian, Karen Longeteig
1. Jim Wood was appointed as scribe and the minutes of April 9 were approved as modified.
2. Chris Filadoro presented the Bylaw Tree removal and activity.
3. For Arbor Day, the tree was delivered and planted by Matt Foti, and paid for by either the tree
fund or the Lexington Garden Club. The tree was purchased from the Select Horticultural Inc. of
Lancaster, MA.
4. Tree Inventory-Anne has recommended funding for data base management of 15-20 hours per
week when the Tree inventory is integrated into the total operational system.
5. Trees for Spring 2015 planting arrived at the DPW on April 27, 2015 and are being planted.
Nancy Sofen will look into working with Jewel on the Setback tree aspect.
6. Protected Tree Definition-Albert Montgomery was not present.
7. Tree Management Manual-No further progress to report.
8. Gerry Paul’s redefined draft of a Policy statement “Position of the Tree Committee on removal of
Town Tree’s” was discussed and approved and is incorporated by reference.
9. There was no further update on the status of Concord Ave. trees.
10. Brainstorming topics for the July 1, Selectmen’s goal setting meeting.
Topics defined: Underground wiring, properly fund & finish
Replanting when Town Trees are removed(Process and funding)
Finish/Maintain/Fund Tree Inventory
Strengthen the Tree ByLaw
Sidewalk replacement policy (achieve tree friendly position)
Minimize salt use to improve tree longevity
Add outreach/education to Town website
Pursue those that cut down town trees illegally with lawsuit to recover true damages
Collaborate/communication with other committees
Sidewalk meandering policy with new sidewalk construction
Sustainability of tree canopy
11. Discussed Ginna Johnson’s suggestion to appoint Tree Committee Liasons to the Conservation
Commission and Planning Board to advocate for preserving Tree Canopy. No decison
12. John informed the Tree Committee that a $200 Unrestricted Grant dated April 20, 2015 was
made to the tree fund from the Faye H. Lieb Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of Combined Jewish
Philanthropies of Greater Boston, Inc.
13. John noted that we had rescheduled the joint meeting with the Center Committee to June 11,
2015.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30am
Next regular meeting: June 11, 2015, 7:30am at the Selectmen’s meeting room.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Wood