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TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
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October 25, 2005
ATTENDANCE: Don Nelson, Chairman, Rich Whitehead, Laurel Lindstrom,
Peter
Viteretto, Maribeth Becker
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Hal Alvord, Tree Warden; Paul Sotnik, Deputy Tree Warden
NORWALK TREE ALLIANCE LIAISON: None
NEIGHBORHOOD TREE LIAISONS: Dianne Witkowsky, Spring Hill/Hospital
Area Association; Michael Mushak, Golden
Hill Association.
OTHER: Glen Dube, Oak Hills Golf Course Superintendent; Joe Tamburri, Chairman, Oak Hills Park Authority, Larry Andronaw, Oak Hills Park Authority
Chairman Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. He announced that David Tracy would not be attending the meeting.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2005
The following corrections were noted:
ATTENDANCE: Please move Doug Risuk’s name to the OTHER heading.
Please move Paul Sotnik’s name to the STAFF heading.
Please remove Chris Torre’s name.
Please remove John Krysiuk’s name.
Please move Hal Alvord’s name to the STAFF heading.
Please insert the following heading and text after the ATTENDANCE heading:
ABSENT: Laurel Lindstrom, Peter Viteretto
OTHER: Please move “Chris Torre, DPW” to the STAFF heading.
Please move “John Krysiak, DPW” to the STAFF heading.
Please change “Dionne” to “Dianne”
Page 2, paragraph 2, first sentence: please change the sentence
from: “...the administrator,
Dilene Byrd,” to “...the administrative person at the Public Works Center,
Dilene
Byrd...”
Page 3, paragraph 2, second sentence: please change the name of “Alex Curtis”
to “Alex
Tergis”
Page 3, paragraph 3, third sentence: please change “Bozeik’s” to “Bociek’s”
Page 3, paragraph 3, fourth sentence: please change “curbs” to “locations”.
Page 3, paragraph 4 line 4, please change “Close” to “Storage”.
Page 3, paragraph 5, first sentence: please change “Bozeik” to “Bociek”
** MR. NELSON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** MR. ALVORD SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW BUSINESS
Because of time constraints on the Oak Hills representatives, Mr. Nelson requested moving their item forward on the agenda. This was agreeable to all.
Mr. Glen Dube introduced himself to the members of the Committee as the Superintendent of the Oak Hills Golf Course and explained that because of some past confusion about where Oak Hills was in relationship to the City, he was present to update the Committee about tree-related work that is planned for Oak Hills.
Mr. Dube reported that in relation to the 16th green, there has been a problem with too much shade. Consequently, five trees need to be removed from the area. The same is true with the 7th green. With all the rain this year, the grass is not drying out. He estimated that four or five trees would need to be removed. On the 9th green, there is some cutting that needs to be done (5 trees). This year, the golf course will be doing more pruning because of falling limbs. He assured the Committee that the overall scope of the work is smaller than it was last year. Mr. Dube explained that the club needs to maintain a balance between having the grass on the greens in good condition and having the trees properly cared for on the course. Mr. Whitehead commended Mr. Dube on his judgment in regards to the overall course and observed that Mr. Dube has several thousand trees to maintain but only several thousand dollars in which to do it. Mr. Whitehead has visited the course several times and consulted with Mr. Dube about the various trees. When asked when the work would commence, Mr. Dube said that it would be sometime after January 1, 2006, when the ground is hard enough to allow the machinery onto the area. Ms. Lindstrom wanted to know if an inventory of the trees on the property has been done. Mr. Dube said that there are “featured trees” in particular areas of the course that have been inventoried, but that the trees off the greens have not been inventoried. He added that when someone wishes to donate a bench or some other type of memorial, the club is currently suggesting a tree which will be planted in an open space. However, he did state that he is being selective about the tree placement to avoid future problems. There was some question about how the golf course design is being handled. The club is currently looking for a consultant to work on a master plan. When Mr. Dube commented that there was some confusion over where a property line was located, Mr. Alvord suggested that he email Mr. Sotnik with the particulars. Mr. Nelson suggested that a memo of the work that is being planned be written up and sent to the West Norwalk Neighborhood Association and perhaps invite the Association members to attend some of the monthly meetings. Mr. Alvord said that the meetings are posted on the City’s website. He also suggested that perhaps contacting Alan Murnick at the West Norwalk Association would be wise.
Mr. Tamburri, the Chairman of Oak Hills, spoke briefly and assured everyone that the club wishes to work with the Tree Advisory Committee. He affirmed that the club needs to provide a master plan for the City and that they are working on this.
Mr. Whitehead commented that he has spent a great deal of time with Glen looking at the trees on the course and that they have worked hard to create proper spacings for the clusters of trees.
3. INNER CITY GRANT (PETER)
Mr. Viteretto reported that he has not received a call about the trees for
the arboretum yet. Mr. Alvord remarked that the Purchase Order must be written
up by Ms. Stark. When asked how the trees were selected to be on the list,
Mr. Viteretto replied that the list was part of the grant for an arboretum.
There was some concern about the inclusion of a Norway Maple, which is an
invasive species and also that some of the trees were very common in Norwalk.
Mr. Viteretto pointed out that it is an elementary school and by identifying
common trees, the students might then be able to recognize their local trees.
Mr. Mushak stated that there is one of the Norway Maples called a Crimson
King which has dark red leaves. Ms. Lindstrom pointed out that the problem
with an invasive species is that it spreads rapidly.
Mr. Viteretto stated that he was somewhat confused on what the chain of command was with the project. He pointed out that the beech tree cannot be planted unless the backstop and the stairs are removed from the area. Mr. Alvord stated that Mark Gorian, the Facilities Manager for the Board of Education, is coordinating requests from the schools with DPW. Mr. Alvord explained that the grounds are under the Parks and Rec. Department because the janitors are only allowed to go 25 feet from the building. The next step appears to be contacting Mr. Gorian and coordinating with him. In the Almstead contract, it states that they are responsible for soil preparation and guarantee the life of the tree for a year. Plantings have been done up until mid December.
Mr. Alvord stated that there needed to be timely activity in getting the caliber of the trees selected, the variety of the trees agreed upon and getting the list to Ms. Stark for a purchase order, so that Mr. Bociek can order the trees.
The backstop and steps need to be removed and the clean up needs to be done before the trees can be planted. Mr. Alvord said he hopes the Board of Ed will coordinate with Parks and Rec. to accomplish this.
4. REPORT - INCIDENTS OF ILLEGAL CUTTING
There were no new reports of illegal cuttings.
5. DISCUSSION - STATUS OF TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
a. Initial locations - First tree planted 10/7 (Hal)
The first tree was planted on November 7th at 16 Myrtle Street. A press conference was called by the Mayor, but no press was there. Some digital photographs were taken and sent to the Hour. Robert Koch is working on an article and wants to speak with the property owner.
b. Uncoordinated location changes (Hal)
Mr. Alvord reported that the owners at 5 & 7 Michael Street have changed their minds and only want one tree. One of the property owners called Mr. Sotnik and informed him that they only wanted one tree and that they had removed the stakes from their property. A follow up email was received that stated the property owner and their neighbor had reconsidered, only wanted one tree and both owners had relocated the stakes. This will necessitate sending volunteers back to the site, re-staking the location, and contacting “Call Before You Dig” again. Volunteers need to inform the property owners why it is important not to move the stakes once they are placed. If the property owner changes their mind, they need to call the Tree Advisory Committee and let them handle the situation. Therefore, the original set of 13 trees is now reduced to 11 trees.
Mr. Sotnik reported that he had checked on the planting for Iris Court and that it had in fact been planted.
c. Next 30 locations - status (Paul)
Nick Overall followed up on his group of three of the potential tree plantings. Mr. Bociek offered to contact some of the next group of property owners who had applied for trees. He has already check on 11 of the property owners regarding this. There was some concern about a possible conflict of interest. Mr. Alvord feels that it is not a good idea for the vendor to make the followup contact so that no one can claim they were pressured by the contractor to have the trees. By having the volunteers do the followup contact, it puts a layer of protection between Mr. Bociek and the property owner. Mr. Alvord has no problem with Mr. Bociek checking the property after the staking but prior to planting, but feels it would not be wise for him to do the followup contact.
Mr. Mushak asked if the staking kit was available for him. Mr. Sotnik said there was one up in his office. Mr. Mushak said that he had noticed that there was a 6’-8’ snow shelf on Golden Hill. As he was staking the snow shelf, he noticed that one particular property owner would remove the tree stake almost immediately. He was curious to know who he would contact in the event of a property owner refusing a tree. Mr. Alvord said he should contact Gwen George. Mr. Alvord also confirmed that a tree can be planted on an 8’ wide snow shelf. Mr. Mushak explained that there were a number of very mature trees on Golden Hill and that the Association wants to get the next generation of trees going before the previous generation begins to come down. Following some discussion on the type of tree that would be best for the site, Mr. Mushak stated that the Association would be happy to wait until spring before planting. There was also some discussion about the type of tree that would be most appropriate for the site. It was generally agreed that lindens might be the best because when the older trees go, the lindens can canopy over the street nicely.
Ms. Becker expressed concern about the East Norwalk portion of the city and said that she would like to see the aerial maps. Mr. Sotnik agreed to bring the maps to the next meeting.
d. Guidebook for volunteer (Peter)
Mr. Alvord stated that Mr. Overall had recommended Dirr’s book and DPW is ordering a copy. After some discussion, it was decided that using a color copier or scanning the various pages as necessary might be the best way to facilitate the project.
6. TREE-RELATED CHALLENGES - OCTOBER 15-17
Mr. Alvord stated that during the week end of October 18th, a total of 22 trees came down during the high winds. Five of these trees were on private properties but blocked important streets for emergency vehicles. DPW had all of its people out, but they still had to call Almstead for assistance.
7. TREE CITY USA RENEWAL
Mr. Alvord stated that there was a two year backlog on tree removal for the current list. There is a possibility of a $200,000 grant for removing the trees as a preventative measures for mitigating storm damage by taking down at risk trees. These are considered a public safety hazard. Mr. Alvord met yesterday with Ms. Stark and the City’s Emergency Response Coordinator about this. This is a State Grant application, which Norwalk would participate in as a sub-grantee. The State grant applications goes to the Federal government. The various aspect of the grant are individual, so some items may be funded, as they see fit. Then the State will disburse the funds to the various cities or projects. At the present time all of the DPW’s focus is on tree removal. Trimming is not on the agenda for the City.
Mr. Alvord reported that Kathryn Hebert, the Administrative Services Manager, has begun pulling out the numbers for the application. The basic numbers will not change, but the Columbus Arboretum was not included in the original application The Free Tree program will remain on the application. On the 27th, Mr. Chris Donnelly will be hosting a program upstate where Norwalk will be recognized as a Relief Community, which will be included in the application. Mr. Whitehead suggested including the DPW open house, which included an exhibit on the tree program.
8. INFORMATION COPIES
a. Tree City USA Bulletin
b. The Forest on Main Street
c. Cultivating Diversity
Mr. Alvord distributed copies of the recently arrived newsletters for the three organizations. There was some discussion about the Cultivating Diversity Conference which is scheduled for October 27th. This is the event where the City will receive the Relief Award.
9. DISCUSSION - NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITIES
Ms. Lindstrom informed the Committee that she was no longer on the Board of the Coalition of Norwalk Neighborhood Associations (CNNA). Ms. Becker is now on the Board and will be coordinating efforts between CNNA and the Committee.
Ms. Becker reported that there has been some discussion about Mathews Park and the old Police Station. The old site plans from the Mathews gardens are available at the Mansion. Mr. Alvord stated that while the Committee may be focused on restoring the property to its original condition, the Mayor had a different idea that involved renovating the building for an art center. A second idea among the Common Council was using the facility as a teen center. If the neighborhood associations want to be able to shape the directions of Mathews Park, there needs to be some public outcry in favor of knocking down the old police building. Mr. Nelson pointed out that there was an economic element to the situation, also. Demolishing the building would cost around 2 million, rehabilitating the building would cost about 8 million, creating a new building would cost more than 8 million. Mr. Alvord stated that technical information would not have an impact at this time because it is a political issue. Letters to the editors would also be appropriate. After some discussion, Ms. Becker was encouraged to consider contacting the various Neighborhood Associations and collecting signatures to let the Mayor know that they are not in favor of rehabilitating the old Police Station into an artist community. Mr. Viteretto said for the record, that it seemed the consensus of the Committee was for open park space. Mr. Whitehead suggested considering an arboretum on the site.
Regarding the situation on Stuart Avenue, Ms. Becker said that CNNA was trying to be more proactive because the members felt that all they were doing was complaining. Mr. Alvord pointed out that regarding the Stuart Avenue situation, that if the excavation and fill ordinances are not reviewed, things aren’t noticed until after the fact. Ms. Witkowsky mentioned that the Stuart Avenue situation was disturbing. The problem is the way the zoning regulations are written because they only require a 10’ x 20’ green space in the front. She pointed out that the owners are taking out many trees and replacing them with ornamental shrubs. There is nothing in the rear of the property or on the sides, just asphalt. Ms. Becker suggested looking at the Zoning to make the minimum lot size larger. When single-family homes are replaced with multi-family structures, then there needs to be protection as to what the streetscape will look like. That is required for commercial development on Route 1. Mr. Nelson said that perhaps that should go on the Master Plan. It was suggested that Mike Greene be invited to attend a meeting so that the Committee could express its concerns about Stuart Avenue.
Mr. Alvord suggested the focus be centered on what the requirements are for the kind of developments that are taking place on Stuart Avenue. He also affirmed that Ms. Witkowsky’s concerns should be brought to the Planning and Zoning Commission. He suggested finding out what the criteria is and then the process to modify it. The first gate needs to be at P&Z. Ms. Becker explained that a small group from CNNA had scheduled a meeting with Mr. Greene and that they had reviewed several strategies. Mr. Greene felt that a minimum lot size was the best method at this time. It was suggested that the Tree Advisory Committee could strongly recommend that P&Z adopt a policy that would incorporate streetscape planning in multi-family buildings. Mr. Alvord pointed out that the situation did not come to anyone’s notice until the owner began cutting down trees. At that point, the developer had already purchased five single family homes and it was too late.
Ms. Becker reported to the Committee that her daughter’s school, The Connecticut Friends School in Wilton, had adopted the small rotary that spelled out “NPD” in Mathews Park. There was a photograph in the Advocate on October 22, 2005.
10. DISCUSSION - NTA ACTIVITIES
Mr. Nelson reported that Mr. Tracy was not able to attend the meeting, so there was no report from the Norwalk Tree Alliance.
12. ADJOURNMENT
** MR. NELSON MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MS. LINDSTROM SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Services.
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