HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-12-TREE-min Lexington Tree Committee
Minutes
9.12.24
1. Meeting was called to order at 7:35 AM by Mark Connor, co-chair. Present
were Mark Connor, Pat Moyer, co-chairs, Nancy Sofen, Gerry Paul, Alicia
Morris, Barbara Tarrh, Gavin Grant, Rachel Noack Summers, and Joe Pato
ex-officio from the Select Board.
2. The minutes of 8.8.24 were approved unanimously.
3. Fall tree planting. Barbara and Gavin worked with Matt Foti to select
species: 70% large shade trees, and at least 70% native. After this selection
Dave P. indicated that he had committed to replacing the two downed trees
in front of Cary Hall, and also to planting several trees on the Battle Green
(a process that happens with the Select Board and others). How this will fit
into tree selection for the fall not yet worked out. Barbara and Gavin were
encouraged to codify (and add to Best Practices) how tree selection for fall
and spring planting will be managed this time around and going forward.
4. Pat presented her draft of the committee's annual report. The group
modified the document. Pat will submit today.
5. The 250th. Rachel, Barbara, and Gavin have been working on this. After a
search, they propose we use a nursery entitled "American Native Plants" as
a source for a 250-tree giveaway next spring. Their trees are more mature
than those Lexington gets from Mass Tree Warden's Assn, well cared-for
and shipped, and much cheaper than other sources. We unanimously
approved this choice. Many challenges remain in implementation, including
getting DPW to approve funding (?from the Tree Fund), and approving
housing and caring for the arrivals pending distribution. Pat has asked Dave
about this, no answer yet. Pat and Barbara will continue to work on this.
We need to order soon for best choices. Meanwhile, we considered allying
with the 250th Committee, headed by Suzie Barry of the SB, whose idea this
was.
6. Archival document storage was discussed. Suggestions included a
temporary shared Google folder for documents that are not editable. No
conclusion reached. However, Nancy will work with Pat re: creating an
agenda packet.
7. We reminded Rachel of steps she needs to take to ask to be appointed a full
member (see August minutes).
8. Tabling. We will be a presence at Sustainability Day 9.17.24 at the Farmer's
Market 2-6:30 pm. Nancy is spearheading. Pat has table etc and she can
volunteer for the initial portion as well. Pat received an invitation to table at
the E. Village Fair on 10.5.24 10-3pm. We agreed to attend. Nancy, Pat,
Rachel, and Gerry will staff. Topics to push: 250th trees (if approved); town
tree planting program, community input into urban forest master plan.
9. Urban Forest Master Plan. Pat, Charlie Wyman, and Rachel are our liaisons
with Dave P. Intention to apply due 10/1. Application due 11/1. Rachel
and Nancy attended one meeting of Bedford's Master Plan steering group.
Davey Tree was there and they felt they were doing a good job. Pat will
obtain a meeting with Dave P. and our proposed representatives.
10.Bylaw regulations. Still in draft status, though complete as far as we are
concerned. They are out for comment, have been reviewed by Town Counsel.
We unanimously approved Nancy's making minor changes as needed after
review by DPW, Select Board, etc. Nancy noted we still need a "Recommended
Small Tree" list.
11. 4 Percy Rd is under subdivision, with a very large healthy beech needing
protection. Several committee members are aware and providing input.
12. Nancy reported that Planning Board has been busy, and there are several
plans for developments under the MBTA Communities Act being considered.
13. The two hazardous trees removed in front of Cary Hall need replacement
(see item 3.). After discussion, we suggested a New Harmony elm (to tie in with
the Depot Sq. elms), and one smaller tree—Ostrya, redbud, cornus florida. Pat
will pass along to Dave.
14. Gavin presented his hopes to expand the tree giveaway to graduating fifth
graders to two elementary schools. He's been in discussion with Ms. Daley,
principal at Harrington, who reported the giveaway there was enthusiastically
received. We encouraged Gavin and Ms. Daley to continue to work together
on this, without going into details yet.
15. Gavin reported a personal connection with Amanda Gavazzi, property
manager of several sites on Hartwell Ave, who may be able to facilitate badly
needed tree planting in the setback areas of those properties. We discussed
difficulties the Town has had with negotiating tree planting there, and heartily
encouraged Gavin to pursue discussions with Amanda, hoping for a domino
effect of sorts.
16. There has been a tree hearing in an area behind the Music Emporium
(Mass Ave). Not all of us get tree hearing notifications. Gerry will let us all
know how to do this.
17. We adjourned at 10:27 AM, purposing to meet again on Thursday, October
10, 2024, 7:30 AM. We may need a called meeting sooner about the fall tree
planting.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Moyer, co-chair
Lexington Tree Committee