HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-10-TREE-min
Lexington Tree Committee Minutes
7.10.25
1. The meeting occurred on zoom, and was called to order at 7:32
AM. Those present included members Nancy Sofen, Pat Moyer,
co-chair and minutes, Barbara Tarrh, Rachel Summers, Gerry
Paul, associate members Ben Fein-Cole and Alicia Morris, and Joe
Pato ex o?icio from the Select Board. Absent were members
Gavin Grant and co-chair Mark Connor.
2. The minutes of June 12 were accepted after one correction,
unanimously
3. Nancy and Barbara met with Dave P. and Chris F. to discuss the
rollout of the new (2024) bylaw provisions. Chris’ request, N and B
have prepared a “Quick Start Guide” to the entire bylaw to be
distributed to developers, and the surveyors and arborists who
work on Lexington sites. It includes visuals of required fencing,
what documentation is required, and key points of the bylaw.
Currently the guide is in draft form, being reviewed by Dave and
Chris.
Meanwhile, we considered how the Tree Committee could monitor
building sites. Pat and Nancy will compile a list of sites. Each committee
member might have 4-6 sites to stop by occasionally. If the Tree
Protection Plan is not implemented, or implemented incorrectly, that
member would report to Nancy, who will communicate with Chris.
4. Rachel gave us an update on the approved site for a pocket forest
at the Lincoln Park Site. Mulching to happen September, and
planting October or November. Interested parties to help include
Pat, Barbara, Brian Kelly, Lisa Giersbach, Cindy Savage. Dave has
been attending meetings with Rachel.
5. The season for beginning the Urban Forest Master Plan Prep is
here. Pat is awaiting a signal from Dave. Our proposed members
of the steering committee include Pat, Rachel, and Charlie
Wyman.
6. Spring Planting. Barbara met with Joel C. Wagon Wheel is
contracted to do the planting for the next 3 years. The spring
planting is completed. Tree planted were 2.5-3 “caliper—larger
(and more expensive) than usual. The fall planting will use
proportionately smaller bare root trees. The trees planted are
looking great. Each of them has 2 watering bags. Wagon Wheel
will water Town trees. Private owners (setback trees) will water
their own. Joel believes instructions were given to homeowners.
Nancy said no instructions were received by Follen, and was
concerned that trees were planted without initial water. Barbara
will discuss with Joel.
7. Fall planting. As above. Gavin and Barbara continue to discuss
using Jotform.
8. Website revision. Nancy and Barbara have begun thinking about
this.
9. Planning Board. Nancy reported they are updating regulations.
Sta? of the PB receptive to stronger tree protection language. The
PB is adding new sustainability requirements to sites, and
suggesting soil restoration techniques to improve tree growth.
Their next meeting is Wednesday 7/16 at 6 pm.
10. Alicia was asked by a citizen for suggestions about what to do with
some large trees on their property, which “might” be protected,
but which they fear may fall and harm their home. Joe Pato
suggested this citizen start by calling the Town Manager’s o?ice for
directions about where to go.
11. We concluded at 8:56 AM.
THANKS TO FATHOM, HERE IS OUR TO-DO LIST
Nancy and Pat will compile list of active construction sites
Rachel will set up shared document for recording site observations
Barbra to f/u with Joel about issues with spring planting. (see item 6)
Pat asked the group to develop a list of desired UFMP outcomes
Pat will contact Mark re: his availability for the committee role
Nancy and Barbara to continue website revision work.