|
|
|
|
TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
|
FEBRUARY 27, 2007
ATTENDANCE: Don Nelson, Chairman; Rich Whitehead, Maribeth Becker, Peter Viteretto.
ABSENT: Laurel Lindstrom.
STAFF: Hal Alvord, Tree Warden; Paul Sotnik, Deputy Tree Warden.
NORWALK TREE ALLIANCE: David Tracy.
NEIGHBORHOOD TREE LIAISIONS: Dianne Witkowsky, S.H.H.A.; Tia
Sidey,
Farm Creek Association.
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
APPROVEL OF THE MINUTES OF TREE ADVISORY MEETING OF JANUARY 23, 2007
Please note the following changes.
Page 1, under ATTENDANCE: Please change from “Rich Whitehead” to “Rich Whitehead,”.
Page 1, under NORWALK TREE ALLIANCE: Please change from “Dan Landau, Alan Kingsbury, Dick Aimee, David Tracy” to “David Tracy”.
Page 8, paragraph 3, line 1, please change to: Mr. Alvord distributed copies of a letter dated January 5, 2007 from Mr.
Page 9, paragraph 1: Please change from “Mr. Alvord reported to the Tree Advisory Committee that Chris Torre, who works for the Department of Public Works, has been given lead responsibility regarding tree issues in Norwalk. Mr. Torre has inspected the trees on Beech Road and reported that there are several that are leaning and others that are dying. These trees will eventually have to be replaced. ”
to “Mr. Alvord reported to the Tree Advisory Committee that Chris Torre, who works for the Department of Public Works, has taken the initiative regarding tree issues in Norwalk. Mr. Torre has inspected the trees on Beech Road and reported that there are several that are leaning and others that are dying. These trees will eventually have to be replaced. Mr. Torre has suggested that Beech should remain a tree-lined street and seeks the committee’s input on what species should be replanted.”
Page 9, paragraph 4. Line 2 and 3: “overall scheme. A discussion on this topic followed. Mr. Alvord suggested that a Master Plan for Conservation be considered. Mr. Nelson mentioned that a” to “overall scheme. A discussion on this topic followed. Mr. Nelson mentioned that a”
Page 9, paragraph 4, Line 7: “and maples in their front yards, but leave the Norway maples along the property line.” to “and maples in their front yards, but leave the Norway maples along the rear property line.”
Page 10, paragraph 1 lines 3 to 6: “had made earlier that unless someone was monitoring construction situations, the heavy machinery compacts the soil around the roots of the tree. Mr. Sotnik suggested that Zoning require a silt fence around the base of the”
to “had made earlier that unless someone was monitoring construction activities, the heavy machinery compacts the soil around the roots of the tree. Mr. Sotnik suggested that Zoning require a snow fence around the base of the”
Page 10, paragraph 3, lines 2 to 5: “Day. Mr. Nelson said that Bob Bochek wished to be on the Arbor Day planning committee. Mr. Alvord suggested that the principle be reminded that this event was scheduled for her school. Mr. Nelson said that Atty. Spahr sent out some emails regarding securing the property line where”
to “Day. Mr. Nelson said that Bob Bochek wished to be on the Arbor Day planning committee. Mr. Alvord suggested that the Principal be reminded that this event was scheduled for her school. Mr. Nelson said that Atty. Spahr sent out some emails regarding screening the property line where”
Page 10, paragraph 4, lines 5 and 6: “Saturday after Arbor Day, depending on whether the Lockwood Mathews Mansion would be available. Mr. Viteretto said that they were”
to “Saturday after Arbor Day, depending on whether the Mathews Park would be available. Mr. Whitehead said that they were”
Page 11 paragraph 1, line three: “month, the presentation was by one of the City lawyer and covered the” to “month, the presentation was by one of the City attorneys and covered the”
Page 11 paragraph 5: “Mr. V displayed drawings for tree planting pits under sidewalks and discussed some of the new tech for tree planting pits within sidewalk areas.”
to “Mr. Viteretto displayed drawings for tree planting pits within and under sidewalks and discussed some of the current technology for tree planting pits within sidewalk areas.”
** MR.VITERETTO MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS AMENDED.
** MS. BECKER SECONDED THE MOTION.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
REPORT-INCIDENTS OF ILLEGAL CUTTING
There were no incidents of illegal cutting to report.
TREE-PLANTING PROGRAM
A. Look ahead to spring plantings
Mr. Alvord said that there was $29,800.49 left in the Tree planting account, which should be enough for any remaining spring tree planting. Mr. Alvord voiced his hopes that the money would be replenished on July 1. Mr. Alvord then listed the spring plantings that were still on the list.
B. Guidebook for Volunteers
There was a lengthy discussion about selecting the trees for the guidebook and how the guidebook would be utilized.
INFORMATION COPIES
a. Tree City USA Bulletin No. 11.
b. SUFC materials.
c. Farm Creek letter.
Copies of these documents were handed out to all present. There was a brief discussion on the contents contained within the documents.
UPDATE-TREE REPLACEMENTS ON CALF PASTURE BEACH ROAD
Mr. Whitehead gave an update on the progress of the tree replacements along Calf Pasture Beach Road. Mr. Alvord pointed out the need for the tree replacement because Calf Pasture Beach Road has historically been a tree-lined street. There were concerns raised about the condition of the lower end of the road, which has started to collapse due to flooding. Mr. Alvord explained that DPW has been aware of the situation and Is developing a solution and project to address It. Mr. Alvord said the process of replacing all the trees alongside the road would likely use up the remainder of the funds in the tree planting account. Mr. Alvord also pointed out that the aerial photographs of Norwalk need to be updated.
Ms. Sidey suggested maybe erecting a small sign next to trees planted by the T.A.C. to show people the amount of work that the T.A.C. is doing.
UPDATE-CL&P TREE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 2006-2007
Mr. Alvord outlined several issues and progress that had been made concerning permits for trimming city trees. Mr. Alvord stated that CL&P would have a booth at the Spring Tree Festival to help teach people about how CL&P works with trees. Ms. Sidey asked for the reasoning behind a recent mass cutting of trees by CL&P. Mr. Alvord said that CL&P was trying to keep the trees as far from the power lines to reduce the amount of work that would have to be done to keep the trees from interfering with the power lines. A lengthy discussion followed about some recent tree cutting on property owned by the Land Trust.
DISCUSSION-PLANNING FOR ARBOR DAY
There was a lengthy discussion about what kind of tree and where the tree would be planted in the arboretum. It was decided that a list of the preferred trees for planting would be made and given to the tree planting contractor. This will also entail updating the signage. Mr. Alvord stated that most of the details will be settled at the April meeting and that the principal’s interest will play a major role in the event.
DISCUSSION – SPRING TREE FESTIVAL
Mr. Nelson stated that the planning for this event was moving forward and that it was possible that the Tree Advisory Committee may want to consider making this an annual event. Mr. Nelson felt this will be a very exciting event. Mr. Whitehead then gave an update on the details for the Festival. There have been good responses from all the tree companies contacted. Door prizes have been tentatively scheduled to be awarded at 12, 1, 2 & 3 p.m.
Mr. Nelson distributed copies of a flyer for the event.
Mr. Whitehead gave a quick update on some of the response from
the community, including a recent call from a man whose company produces deer
control devices. Mr. Whitehead said that he was limiting the calls to those
nurseries that have yard facilities rather than all the landscapers. Mr. Alvord
then gave a brief history of how the Spring Festival came to be. Mr. Tracy
reported that Home Depot and Doubletree would definitely be in attendance.
He then listed a number of other organizations like the U.S. Forest Service
that will be present also.
Mr. Alvord said that the Mayor has been asked to issue a proclamation for
the Spring Tree Festival.
DISCUSSION – NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITIES
Ms. Becker gave an overview of the February 12th CNNA meeting. Highlights of the meeting included a presentation by Poco Partners on the future plans for the Wall Street area. Poco Partners Is interested in developing affordable housing. They also have plans for a robotic parking facility, which is better for the environment.
The Connecticut Friends School also attended the CNNA meeting and gave an overview of their plans for the White Barn property.
DISCUSSION - NTA ACTIVITIES
Mr. Nelson then asked Mr. Tracy if he would like to update the Tree Advisory Committee about the activities of the Tree Alliance. Mr. Tracy said that most of the Tree Alliance’s focus has been on the upcoming Spring Tree Festival. However there was one problem that surfaced at the property that the Tree Alliance occupies at 215 East Avenue. Apparently the Third Taxing District received a report that the furnace at the residence was unsafe. This is currently being investigated.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Sidey informed the Committee that FarmCreek.org has received a grant from Patagonia for planting new trees on the Land Trust property along Rowayton Avenue. She also stated that Patagonia may be interested in actively participating in various upcoming events, such as the Trash Bashing scheduled for April 28th. Ms. Sidey asked Mr. Alvord if this would be allowable. Mr. Alvord agreed. There was a brief discussion regarding the dates for the South of the Highway and North of the Highway event.
Ms. Sidey also asked for permission to clear away some built up sediment by a drainage pipe that leads to Farm Creek. This area is slated for planting in the future. Mr. Alvord said that this would be fine, but suggested that Ms. Sidey check with the Conservation Commission prior to beginning any work.
ADJOURNMENT
** MR. VITERETTO MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MS. BECKER SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ian Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Service
 |
 |