HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-10-TREE-min Lexington Tree Committee Minutes of January 10, 2019
Beginning at 7:30 AM
DPW Building, 201 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA, Room 125
Attending:Tree Committee Members-Gerry Paul (Chair), Pat Moyer, Nancy Sofen,Jim Wood, Gloria
Bloom.
Absent-Jewel Kuljian,Anne Senning
Tree Warden-Chris Filadoro
Selectmen Liaison-Jill Hai
Planning Board Liaison-Bob Creech
1. Jim Wood was appointed scribe and the Tree Committee Minutes of Dec 13, 2019 were
approved as amended.
2. Best Practices (Using the Tree Committee Approved Nov. 8, 2018 version) discussion reflecting
the comments of Chris (DPW) and of Tree Committee (TC ). Nancy Sofen will update the Best
Practices based on these comments:
2.1 DPW disagreed with no restriction on planting well size-Wanted a minimum of 4x4 feet
2.2 DPW-Tree grates could be treated as part a capital project as distinct from tree planting.
Alternatively,Tree Fund could be used.
2.3 DPW wanted appropriate size and species for under wire planting defined.—DPW wanted to
plant a percentage each year(of the total planted) of trees under wires. Added that some
situations might dictate a large planting number. TC questioned why number of trees
planted under wires should be limited to some percentage of total trees planted.
TC-Modify the "intent": "In any situation possible,there is a preference for planting large
shade trees".
2.4 TC- Planting may be done when it is not optimal.To achieve planting nearby to desired site
2.5 DPW questioned soil removal to which TC added, "as necessary".
2.6 TC-Sand based structural soil should be considered when sidewalks are being replaced
2.7 DPW wanted watering for minimum of only 2 years for new plantings
2.8 DPW will attempt to minimize salt laden sand and snow from being piled near trees.
2.9 DPW said that when the tree inventory is completed we will have a work order system to
assist in our archival records development.
2.10 TC- remove 90-95%survival rates from Survival Rates and Reporting section in view of
possible experimentation with planting techniques.
2.11 Pay Moyer suggested we consider revisiting planting locations on Mass Ave.
3. TC reviewed Chris Filadoro's list of locations/species of trees planted in Spring & Fall 2017 and
2018 to date planting.TC had the following observations:
3.1 Only 41 trees planted in 2018 Spring planting
3.2 Why are Community Center Arbor Day trees included as they are usually donated?
3.3 Where are the 4" trees said to compensate for only having 41 trees planted?
3.4 What was the siting/tree selection process used?
3.5 In a number of locations, ornamentals were planted where large shade trees could have
been planted.
3.6 What was the number of small and large trees planted?
4. Status of setback planting program-NOT ADDRESSED
5. 2019 Spring Planting-NOT ADDRESSED
6. Use/Accessibility of Tree Related Information ( Inventory, etc ) Gloria Bloom will meet with the
recently hired Town Public Information Officer and Meghana Shah in DPW Engineering.
7. Comprehensive Plan-Tree Committee submission: Gerry Paul submitted a draft"Lexington Tree
Committee Input to the Lexington Comprehensive Plan" and presented this to the TC for
discussion. He will update with TC comments.
7.1 Question came on what was the percentage of tree canopy in Lexington.Jim Wood said we
needed the force of a bylaw to achieve/maintain the canopy percentage once it is
established. Nancy Sofen presented that Cambridge, MA data shows they are losing 31 acres
of tree canopy per year. In addition, she noted that Seattle,WA was striving for 30%tree
canopy coverage utilizing both private and public properties.
7.2 It was suggested that Tree Removal Companies/Individuals be licensed and required to
make a record of trees removed.
7.3 Chris Filadoro suggested a potential solution could utilize plot plans
7.4 We (TC ) noted that the Sustainability Committee must be involved in this process and it is
work in progress.
8. Invasive removal on threatened Town trees. Gerry Paul reported on his discussion with Jordan
McCarron who indicated that the Conservation Stewards probably did not have the bandwidth
to assist with removal of invasives on Town trees.
9. Tree Committee recommendations for Chapter 87 compensation to town-discussion postponed.
10. Tree Committee priorities for 2019- Postponed
11. Tree Management Manual Update-Anne Senning was not able to attend and this item was
therefore postponed.
12. Bylaw Tree removal applications and activity. Chris-Not provided
13. EAB update-committed scorecard was not provided.
14. Notification to TC of Tree Hearings-Chris Filadoro committed to check and see if he is allowed to
notify the Chairman of the TC of tree hearings.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jim Wood