HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-08-TREE-min The Lexington Tree Committee Meeting„ February 8. 2018,beginning at 7:30a.m.
at the Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, Room 125.
Members Present: John Frey(Chair), Gerry Paul, Jewel Kuljian, Pat Moyer,Nancy Sofen, James Wood.
Absent: Anne Senning, Chris Filadoro.
• Jewel Kuljian acting as scribe. Minutes of January 18, 2018 reviewed and approved.
2. Welcome newly approved Tree Committee member Pat Moyer, as appointed by Selectmen.
3. Tree Inventory. Bartlett quote. No information
4. Bylaw Tree removal applications and activity. No information
5. Tree species recommendations for all of 2018 for both Spring and Fall planting. Magnolia
virginiana/Sweetbay Magnolia should be entered in the Manual.
6. Tree Management Manual update. Delayed.
7. Review Chris's list of locations/species of trees planted in Fall 2017 . Not available. All the Tree Committee
members resident requested trees were planted but very late in the season. A list of more requests from residents
is available.. It is suggested that a note be sent to Chris requesting the list of all trees planted in fall of 2017 with
cc to Dave Pinsonneault and Mark Valenti as it is important to keep an official list of trees planted.
8. East Mass Ave. sidewalk reconstruction Bow St. to Fottler Ave. No further action. Ten trees were planted at
this location.
9. Follow-up on items from our December 15 meeting which reviewed 2017 Spring and Fall Planting with
Chris. The committee would like to have an update from Chris on two agenda items concerning commitments
for future planting. John will send an email to request to Chris for an update.
Jim reported that the spring tree list from Schichtel Nursery is already available. He also suggested trees ordered
should be boxed(more expensive) and sent by mail rather than by truck. Jim presented some information and a
discussion ensued with the outcome indicating that the Tree Committee should plan for the use of the Lexington
Tree Fund (mitigation funds).
10. Dense housing development and its effect on surrounding tree loss (e.g. Grove Street). Report of Feb 2
meeting with Aaron HenYy. John, Gerry, and Nancy met with Aaron Henry(Director of Planning). There are
two types of development: By-right and Special Permit. By-Right must meet all state/local zoning laws. The
Planning Department enforces the Tree Bylaw (mitigation required for trees removed in the setbacks of
individual lots) in these cases. Special Permits must be approved by the Planning Board which can waive certain
zoning laws in exchange for a design which provides public benefit. For Special Permits, the practice of the
Planning Department is to consider the development as a whole and not enforce the Tree Bylaw for individual
lots but rather sets certain requirements for where trees can be removed and where they must be preserved. This
usually results in fewer trees removed. Sub-divisions have to plant trees every 27'-35' in a new development
that is adjacent to the road.
11. Discuss potential projects using the Mitigation Fund
First Step: Agree on philosophy/guidelines. Subcommittee: Gerry. All
Discussion ensued to brainstorm how to use/cost out a project by the Tree Committee - spending the funds in
the mitigation budget, i.e. "beautification of the town". The revolving/mitigation funds can be used augmenting
the usual street tree planting in a designed manner, including features in a design, possibly in a design by John
Frey, Landscape Architect. Consider adding this to the TREE BYLAW when the time is done(prior to the next
Town Meeting). See C(2) of Lexington Tree Manual(Mitigation Funds go into the Tree Fund). Also see page 41
regarding the regulations. The current limit is 45K.
A project would include planting, watering, pruning, and pavement cutting where necessary.
We understand that the state does not allow planting along state owned roads. Jim will inquire about
exemption from this rule.
We noted that further discussion will be required relative to how contractors are managed.
We brainstormed some initial ideas which included:
Planting along main streets
Entrances to schools/playgrounds
Planting on highly visible sites on public areas
An alley along the length of Waltham Street
Hartwell Avenue (possibly setback trees/corporations}
Mass Avenue(beginning to end)
We agreed to each bring ideas about specific streets/locations to our next meeting.
Meeting adjourned.
Next regular meeting: March 8, 2018, 7:30 AM at DPW, 201 Bedford Street, Room 125