Somerset County, New Jersey
Somerset
County, New Jersey
SHADE
TREE COMMISSION MINUTES The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm. Present: M.Orsini,
J. Baumley, B. Marshall, S. Geoghegan, B. Jaquett, M. Evans, R. Fleischman,
J. Gierlich A motion was made and seconded to approve the dates and time for the 2003 meeting calendar. All members approved the motion. It was announced that S. Geoghegan was reappointed to a full 5-year term. R. Fleischman was reappointed to a full 2-year term as alternate. J. Gierlich was appointed to the Environmental Commission. M. Orsini stated that he would continue to serve as chair, should a motion for it be made. A motion was made and seconded. The motion was approved by acclimation. M.Orsini suggested that A. Galdi continue as vice-chair. A motion was made and seconded. The motion was approved by acclimation. Caitlin Regan and Erin from Interact, a community service club for high school students sponsored by the Rotary Club, made a brief presentation on their idea for a Township memorial tree forest. In cooperation with the Open space Advisory Committee (OSAC), they have chosen the Toto farm as the location for its accessibility, visibility etc. Trees would be sold to the public and any profit shared by Interact and local charities. They are soliciting local nurseries that may be willing to supply trees at reduced cost or donate. Help in planting and care will come from Township as well as Sampson G. smith and Connerly Road students. Deer fencing or tree wrap will also be need to be procured. Initial focus or section may be devoted to 9/11 victims, but ultimately anyone who wants to have someone remembered by a planting will be able to do so. Various Shade Tree members made comments: All were in favor of the idea and willing to help make it a reality. The issue of water-Brian Regan chair of OSAC, said water line is nearby and hydrant and a tap on the hydrant could be installed similar to the landscaping at DeMott/Easton. Water won't be a problem. J. Gierlich mentioned existence of access dirt road. M. Evans said currently field is mowed 2X/yr., has not been tilled or otherwise cultivated in at least 2 years. Brian Regan mentioned idea is to start at back of lot near existing forest and work forward. M. Orsini suggested limiting selection of trees to 2 or 3 common types, and anyone who wanted something more exotic could procure it and pay only for the plaque. Suggested looking at Freehold Arboretum for suggestions on how to structure an order form and cost, could post a web page on Board of Ed's web page, perhaps. Will forward link to Freehold to Caitlin. Some discussion of landscape architect-may not be needed if simple grid layout which is easiest to identify and visit trees, but suggested Bruce Hamilton. J. Baumley suggested that plantings perhaps be done twice a year-bareroot in spring and perhaps larger trees in fall as they go dormant-can plant up until ground freezes. J. Baumley willing to help order trees from his supplier-6-8 foot, some branching, bareroot; for best selection orders need to be in by June for delivery following March. Large trees with fine roots unlikely to survive if planted in spring without constant care and watering, and don't want memorial trees to die. Who will care for trees over summer vacations, etc., weed and mulch and water. They will need to plan for this. People will need to understand what can be planted and when. It was decided that Caitlin and Erin are welcome to attend any future meetings they wish to in order to update us. S. Geoghegan and/or M. Orsini will try to represent Shade Tree at any future meetings of Interact. Grants: 2K/1K match Green Communities Challenge grant won. CSIP and Tree City USA pending. Have an application to Garden Club of Somerset Hills-up to 1K with no match. Application due in March. Due to small size of grant and emphasis on planting, can we suggest ideas? One is ornamental flowering trees along DeMott from Dellwood to New Brunswick-maybe 200 yards. It was decided to think about this and brainstorm at February meeting. Discussion with Sheila Geoghegan on private fund raising efforts. Little is out there, given the economy and lack of specific projects. She suggested we stick with Franklin-based companies. B. Jaquett and Sheila will obtain list from Frank Hasner and we'll generate letters. Sheila suggested having a ready list of projects from which a donor could choose. M. Orsini agreed and will begin to generate such a list. Familiarity with Franklin that local companies have would help because they can identify with such projects. On a similar
note, M. Orsini wants to find donor for tree seedlings to be handed
out at Op-Cop. B. Jaquett will look into having Pulte do this-about
$1 per tree could be personalized with tag. M. Orsini distributed the Core/CEU training list. It was suggested everyone find a class they'd like to attend. We will figure out cost/budget based on that. Some are free and some have cost (e.g. $175-225 for Cook/Rutgers courses). Core is $60. Everyone should look it over, choose something and we'll coordinate further at meeting of 2/27. Choose based on interest not on cost for now. The tree inventory funded by the 2000 CSIP grant is being conducted by Scott Latham of Rutgers and Bunker Hill Environmental Center has been completed. He is expanding to Gold Star tract behind. Will continue to work until money is exhausted. Focus on procured open space and preserved tracts rather than street trees right now. It was asked if Scott could give presentation to Committee. M. Orsini replied that he was invited tonight, but at the last minute. He will give a report at a future meeting and data he generates can be uploaded into Township's GIS system for ready access. The inventory is estimated to be completed by June. The volunteers for Treekeepers have filled out the form the Township requires for liability and training of them could coincide with one of our planting days at Al's farm or with Arbor Day. They will provide 10hrs community service and be valuable in helping us with labor. The meeting was adjourned at 9 pm. Respectfully submitted, Michael J. Orsini,
Chair |