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TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
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AUGUST 23, 2005
ATTENDANCE: Don Nelson, Chairman, Laurel Lindstrom, Rich Whitehead,
Peter Viteretto
ABSENT: Dan Brookshire
STAFF: Hal Alvord, Tree Warden; Paul Sotnik, Deputy Tree Warden
NORWALK TREE ALLIANCE LIAISON: Dan Landau, Alan Kingsbury
NEIGHBORHOOD TREE LIAISONS: Dianne Witkowsky, Spring Hill/Hospital
Area Association; Nick Overall, East
Norwalk Neighborhood Association Tree
Liaison (6:40pm).
Chairman Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
OF JULY 26, 2005
The following correction was made to the minutes:
ABSENT:
Remove David Tracy, Norwalk Tree Alliance Liaison from list of attendees.
** MR. WHITEHEAD MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES FROM THE
TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF JULY 26, 2005 AS
AMENDED.
** MS. LINDSTROM SECONDED.
** THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
REPORT - INNER CITY GRANT
Mr. Viteretto presented site plans for the Columbus Magnet School with the proposed location of the various trees on it. He reviewed the reasons for the location of each different type of tree. One of his suggestions was the possible inclusion of a walkway or possible track around the perimeter of the school yard to facilitate the use of the arboretum. Mr. Viteretto stated that because this was a grant project, the trees that are planted need to be prime Class A quality.
There was also some discussion about the replacement of the current softball diamond with a practice soccer field, which is being supervised by Parks and Rec.
Mr. Alvord stated that it would be prudent to review the terms of the grant which is on file in Pam Stark’s office to find out exactly what is required by the grant. It would also clarify what kind of signage is needed for the arboretum. He suggested a sealed stanchion unit with a Plexiglas top, which would be both weather resistant and vandal proof. Ms. Lindstrom suggested one large map of the arboretum, which could be done first and later raise the fund for individual tree identification signs. Mr. Alvord thought that would be a good idea but repeated that it would be necessary to check the grant to see what is required. Mr. Nelson commented that the grant requires the City to have a Tree Committee.
REPORT - TREE REMOVAL CONTRACT
It was noted by Mr. Nelson that Agenda #5 and #8 were identical.
Mr. Alvord reported to the Committee that as of July 1st, the contract with the Almstead tree removal contract had been rejuvenated with $150,000 and there is a list of 200+ work orders that have been prioritized. The two dead trees at the East Norwalk Train Station have been removed. At the present time, the stumps need to be ground out and the chips cleaned up.
He also stated that at the end of the month, he will be looking at how much of the contract money he has left to gauge how to budget it to last the entire year. Mr. Alvord stated that there were some tree issues that can be handled in house, but anything in a power zone with electric or other lines, that will go to Almstead. After a job is finish, Mr. Alvord explained that the City hauls away the wood and the wood chips so that the Almstead dollars go to tree trimming and removal.
REPORT - INCIDENT OF ILLEGAL CUTTING
Mr. Sotnik reported that he had received a report about 37 Winding Lane, where what appeared to be a 15” oak or possibly chestnut that was taken down. Mr. Sotnik met with the home owner and started the process with them.
The Orchard Hill Road now has a approved plan and has also paid their fine of $1,980.
DISCUSSION - UTILITY TRIMMING ISSUES
Mr. Alvord mentioned that they have done a couple updates on the at the Tree Management Site on the Web site, based on input from CL& P. He stated that CL& P have been very good about keeping the City informed about “capital work” and inquired as to whether they needed another permit. As long as they keep the City informed, they don’t need a new permit. Both the power company and the tree trimming company call the City to update the City on trimming. At the Mayor’s request, the company was going to evaluate a tree on Ivy Place. CL& P suggested that it be removed, but after a site visit, it was decided to trim the tree rather than remove it.
Third Taxing District has decided not to do anything in the East Norwalk Cemetery until a legal opinion from Corporation Counsel is available on jurisdiction with a citation to an ordinance or a statute. Mr. Brown believes that there are other things that can be done to protect the wall structure. Before they do anything in the Cemetery, they will put information out to the neighborhood in advance, so the residents will have the opportunity to provide some input before a removal or significant trimming.
Mr. Alvord stated that he will be meeting with the head of the Second Taxing District in the near future on four or five different issues.
DISCUSSION - INSTALLATION OF TREE CITY USA SIGNS
Mr. Alvord informed the Committee that Frank Morrow , the Traffic Analysts, has taken the signs which go on the State Routes coming into the City. The Arbor Day Foundation has a space at the top and bottom for the year when the City first earns the award. At the bottom of the sign, it will read “Norwalk, Connecticut”. Later, it can be adjusted. Because it is on State roads there is a permit requirement. Currently, our application is in. However, in most of these areas there is a pre-existing sign and this will be added to those signs. The one exception is on Route 53 going to Wilton. The other signs will be posted as soon as possible. In response to concerns about renewing the application, Mr. Alvord said that it will be less work now that the Committee knows what is required.
DISCUSSION - NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITIES
Mr. Nelson explained that it has been fairly quiet and that everyone has been on vacation. The most activity has been with the East Norwalk Neighborhood Association and the area by the new train station.
Mr. Alvord informed the Committee that the Third Taxing District has expressed interest in adopting that area. They have been an Adopt-A-Spot sponsor on the lower portion of the area for some time. There was some discussion about how this should be implemented. Mr. Alvord suggested that the Third Taxing District as a sponsor for both the lower and the upper areas and having them coordinating all the various groups that want to participate would be the most efficient way to handle it.
Mr. Alvord reported that the sign that says East Norwalk Train Station is not clearly visible from East Avenue heading south. He will see that the trees are trimmed appropriately.
There were also concerns expressed about the billboards at the East Avenue underpass. Metro North is planning to replace that entire underpass in the future. At this point, the billboard issue is on hold.
Mr. Overall arrived at 6:40 pm.
DISCUSSION - NTA ACTIVITIES
Mr. Nelson stated that Mr. Tracy was not able to attend the meeting but Mr. Landau, the Norwalk Tree Alliance Vice President and Treasurer was present to report on the Norwalk Tree Alliance activities.
Mr. Landau explained that the NTA was continuing with the inventory mapping. A new system of inventorying has been implanted, Mr. Nelson explained, that will reduce the amount of data that is coming up on Phase One. The project is being done as a drive through and less information is being gathered that way. Mr. Alvord pointed out that it gives the ability to map the location of the trees more quickly than previously.
DISCUSSION - DPW OPEN HOUSE
Mr. Alvord reminded everyone that the Department of Public Works Open House is October 1st. He quickly reviewed some of the various activities that were available last year for the Committee. He would like the Tree Alliance to participate again this year.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Alvord suggested that the three new deputy Tree Wardens be invited to the September meeting to introduce them to the Committee. Mr. Nelson suggested that the Tree Liaisons also be invited to the meeting. Mr. Alvord said that an invitation could be attached to the agendas, which go to the Tree Liaisons as well as the Committee members.
Mr. Alvord also reported that he had a number of new Adopt-A-Spots. He also informed the Committee that they had not had the opportunity to work on the Adopt-A-Spot at the intersection of Stevens and Stewart. The old curbing needs to be removed and there is also old paving base, which will have to be broken out. There is a spot at Murray and Newtown, where the shrubs have been removed. The curbing was repaired, but did not hold, so the curbing has been removed and will be replaced soon.
Phil’s Main Roofing has one spot already and has asked for a second one. However, no landscaping has been done at the first site. Mr. Alvord believes that Phil is waiting for the signs to be put in before doing the landscaping.
Two additional locations are available, Newtown Avenue at Allen Road, and the other at the intersection of Partrick Road and Wolfpit. The mature tree in the center of the second location can remain there. A small plot is available at North Taylor and Benedict, if someone is interested. Mr. Nelson asked if it was possible for the City to advertise these opportunities, perhaps on the Website or the newspapers. Mr. Alvord said he would look into it.
Mr. Viteretto stated that he doesn’t notice the well kept Adopt-A-Spots,
he notices the unkempt ones. He asked if it was possible to recycle some of
the ones that have been abandoned or ignored. Mr. Nelson is in the process
of contacting the original Adopt-A-Spot sponsors with new authorization documents
and confirming they want to maintain it. If they are not interested in maintaining
it, there are others who would like to adopt it.
Letters have gone out to the various groups.
Mr. Alvord stated that Dave Shockley has been developing an authorization for an Adopt-A-Street Program, similar to the Adopt-A-Spot. There are two early candidates, LaJoie’s may be interested in adopting Meadow Street and some residents on Riverview Road who may be interested in adopting Riverview Road.
DISCUSSION - STATUS OF TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
a. Initial locations - need for verifications before planting.
The Committee discussed the first ten sites that were on the list and verified the status of each. Several of the updated ownership agreements were turned into Mr. Sotnik
b. Requested locations - map and photo presentation
Thirty more locations have been selected and need to have a site visit and evaluation. Mr. Alvord said that he hopes to bring 40 more requests each month to the Committee. Signed Ownership Agreements should be turned into Mr. Sotnik at TAC meetings. During the discussion of the various plots, Mr. Viteretto announced that he had to leave and need to speak about the Guidebook.
c. Guidebook for volunteers.
Mr. Viteretto spoke briefly about the need for a volunteer guide book that would show brief descriptions of the various types of trees, perhaps a scanned image of the different types of trees and the various specs for the trees. This would help the home owners visualize what the trees will look like and how tall it will be. Mr. Overall volunteered to help Mr. Viteretto with this project.
Mr. Viteretto left at 7:25pm.
The discussion about the 30 requested locations continued with reference to map locations and various areas.
Ms. Lindstrom and Ms.Witkowsky left at 7:30 pm
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Nelson adjourned the meeting at 7:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted
Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Services.
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