HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-10-TREE-min Lexington Tree Committee Minutes
10.10.24
1. The zoom meeting was called to order at 7:32 AM. Present were members Pat Moyer,
co-chair and minutes, Barbara Tarrh, Gavin Grant, Nancy Sofen, Gerry Paul, associate
members Alicia Morris and Rachel Noack Summers,Joe Pato (Select Board), David
Pinsonneault (DPW), and Charlie Wyman.
2. Items of mutual concern with Dave were discussed:
a. Discussion of our wish to use Tree Fund money to purchase 250 somewhat more
mature native trees from a vetted nursery, to be distributed in conjunction with the
2501" celebration, and to be stored and cared for by DPW. Dave gave approval. We
are grateful. Cost around $3100, and order needs to be this fall. Dave asked that
these be delivered after 4/21 due to Patriot's Day
b. Cary Hall replacement trees (for the two that had to be removed this spring due to
rot) will be a red maple ("October Glory"), and possibly an Ostrya virginiana. Good
choices.
c. Balance in Tree Fund currently$337, 575, and apparently the Town can spend up to
$120,000 of that this year. (?)
d. Watering bags purchased for the spring setback planting are working but many not
picked up. Not clear what will happen with those still at DPW
e. We mentioned the hope to expand the elementary school 51h grade graduation tree
giveaway.
f. The further dive into the canopy assessment (we had sent additional questions) is
currently at a standstill after the unexpected death of a major member of the
program. Mark Valente is looking into this
g. New Assistant Superintendent is Joel Custance. We are now down 2 forestry staff.
Difficulties in hiring (lower salary compared to private sector, lack of appreciation for
the range of benefits the Town offers) discussed.
h. Dave is working with Matt Foti regarding the matter of the mistakenly planted Tilia
(instead of Nyssa sylvatica) at Follen and elsewhere. Not clear homeowners know.
Follen wants what they asked for.
i. Dying elm on Battle Green is on the list to be removed.
j. We have been accepted by the state to apply for an Urban Forest Master Plan.
k. Trees at 8 Thoreau building site were appropriately replanted. At 21 Crescent,
development on going, but if replanting (vs. payment) chosen, it would need 41
trees (?!)
3. Barbara and Gavin brought us up to speed on the fall planting. Progress is slow, arduous.
4. Gavin brought forward the 51h grade graduation initiative. Harrington and Bowman wish
to participate, and might need over 150 trees. We discussed and decided against using
the trees discussed in 2a) above, without a formal vote We will need to find a source for
somewhat less mature(and less expensive) trees.
5. We discussed the 2501h trees (see 2a) again). Ideally we would have more coordination
with the 2501h planning committee. Pat will contact Suzie Barry (SB member), whose
idea this originally was.
6. Rachel has applied, and we support, her becoming a full member. The Select Board will
be deliberating shortly. If she is approved,we will then have an opening another
associate member.
7. Nancy continues to wait for feedback from members of DPW on the regulations written
to flesh out the newly revised Bylaw. She also needs feedback from the Bylaw
Enforcement
Working Group, which Pat will attempt to garner.
8. News from the Planning Board. Many developers are interested in sites opened up by
right by the MBTA Communities Act. One plan for a site on Militia Drive is 400 inches
short of mitigating trees cut down.
9. Nancy and Barbara attended one of the public education/feedback sessions held as part
of the Bedford Urban Forest Master Plan process. Davey Tree is their consultant. Their
public meetings have evolved as an interative process in creating the plan. A
comprehensive survey of residents, workers, and those driving through has been
completed. Nancy and Barbara felt good work was being done by all.
10. Barbara brought up planning for a sidewalk on one side of North Street. The plan calls
for loss of 100 trees. Ross Morrow of Engineering is involved. We should be involved.
No firm plan was made however.
11. We adjourned at 9:15 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Moyer, co-chair.