HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-13-TREE-min Tree Committee Meeting - May 13, 2021
Attending: Gerry Paul (Chair), Mark Connor, Pat Moyer, Nancy Sofen, Gloria Bloom,Jim Wood,
Marty Kvaal. Marc Valenti (DPW), Mark Sandeen (SB), Charlie Wyman (Sustainable Lexington).
Absent: Chris Filadoro (Tree Warden)
Agenda Items:
1. Appointed Mark Connor scribe and unanimously approved the Meeting Minutes of
March 11, March 19 and April 8, 2021
2. John Livsey (Town Engineer) reviewed proposed tree removals for upcoming Culvert
Replacement Project at Waltham Street and Brookside Ave. Several trees including an
18" diameter tree in head wall will require removal in order to replace the failing
culvert. The Town proposes to plant new trees in the adjacent area to offset the loss of
the existing trees.
Tree Warden Updates:
3. Marc Valenti confirmed that 70 trees for Spring have arrived.
4. Confirmed a pre-meeting for the Tree Inventory Study with Arbor Pro will occur next
Monday.
5. Confirmed Kick off meeting with UVM for Tree Canopy Assessment
6. Indicated that the new Tree Bylaws requires Secretary of State approval before
Implementation. Gerry recommended the possibility of getting a head start on the
required programming for Viewpoint Cloud in order to be ready to go live when the
Bylaws are ultimately approved. Marc Valenti would consider this request.
7. The Tree Hearing for 120 East Street was discussed and a Special Tree Committee
Meeting was proposed to adopt a position.
Committee Topics:
8. Proposed Tree Committee leadership changes were discussed. Gerry proposed an
expansion of leadership roles within the Committee including the establishment of Co-
Chairs and recommended Mark Connor for the new Co-Chair role. The Committee
unanimously approved the recommendation and voted to forward to the SB for
consideration.
9. Mark Sandeen requested advice and policy recommendations regarding New 5G
regulations that the SB is developing for the town. Nancy created a list of 4 Major
Principles which the Committee debated and unanimously approved.
a. No tree in the ROW shall be removed.
b. Applicant to provide Pruning Plan that follows Town's pruning Guidelines
(to be defined), for approval by Tree Warden or designee.
c. No new pole installation within the tree's protected zone (to be defined).
d. If there are identified tree planting sites at time of application, no pole will
interfere (to be defined) with future planting.
10. Goals and Priorities. A general discussion occurred regarding the Committee's future
focus. The following ideas and directions were discussed.
a. Focus on planting as many trees in town as possible. Establish a grass roots
organization to promote, fund raise and most importantly plant trees in
Lexington. A citizen action process that would be in addition to and
complimentary of the Town's own planting efforts. Focus on small easy to
plant tree saplings. Engage the public including schools, clubs and civic
minded organizations. Mark Connor to lead.
b. Promote a public education campaign to stop clear cutting of lots. Jim Wood
to lead.
c. Simplify the Tree bylaw to make it less complicated and more effective.
Nancy Sofen to lead.
11. John Frye Memorial Planting update. Jim Wood reported to the Committee that the
Memorial was successfully completed. And with the great help of the DPW and a
grateful group of volunteers, 3 Trees were planted and a plaque is planned in Tower
Park near his home in John's honor. Three cheers to Jim for all his hard work and effort.
12. Move to adjourn unanimously approved. Next regular meeting is scheduled for June 10,
2021 at 7:30 am via Zoom.