Somerset County, New Jersey
Somerset
County, New Jersey
SHADE TREE
COMMISSION MINUTES The meeting was called to order at 7:40 pm. Present: Orsini, Galdi, Baumley, Geirlich, Hamilton, Evans. Absent: Jacquett, Geoghegan, Marshall. M. Orsini thanked everyone for making Earth Day a success. We gave away almost 150 tree seedlings. Some remain and the Norway spruce were given to Kristin Soloca from the Cub Scouts for their planting today. The remaining white pines and pin oaks can be potted up at Al's farm on Saturday. We sold 2 Liberty Elms, some people interested in getting them in the future. Arbor Day event is pretty well set. Suggest that trees be potted first, then go to Delar Park, replenish water at Baumley's on way to Flemer preserve, then finish at East Millstone. Mark Evans noted some minor changes in what trees to be planted at East Millstone and Delar. Mark will come with lift-gate truck, tools, etc. Might need to stop at my house first to help pick up donated sweetgum-too large for my car. Sweetgum donated from Central Jersey nurseries will be planted in Delar. Weather looks to be good, likely will finish before rain comes. Home news or Courier news will have photographer come to tree farm. They share news and photos, so they might be in both papers. Press release went out, it appears in Franklin First news. To make things simpler, future Arbor Days might be concentrated on one park, and potting up trees. M. Orsini mentioned that nearly half of CSIP grant is left over, since bid by Central Jersey nurseries to plant 28 trees on JFK came to a little over 4620 dollars. Contract calls for planting, staking, mulching and fertilizer with 1-year guarantee. Mostly maples-red or October glory, some pin oak, one other variety. M. Evans said other bids were close to using the entire 9000-dollar grant. B. Hamilton asked who would care for trees. The commission and public works will. As for water, pretty much up to nature. J. Baumley and B. Hamilton suggested "gator bags" that can fit around trees and be filled with water that is delivered at about 1 gallon/minute. J. Baumley will look into cost, about 13.00/bag. We will consider this. Suggestion that remainder of funds be used to plant in Dunham Lebed according to our plan. M. Evans will ask Bill or Andy what they prefer to spend the money on. Bruce needs to get in touch with Bonnie to coordinate tree inventory part of grant. He has not done so yet but will. J. Baumley noted that he has finished shade tree list and M. Orsini will put on web site. Looks good. M. Orsini mentioned to people that CORE training is in Cape May city from Oct. 18-20th. No need to stay over attend just one day. M. Evans is trained but we need at least one more. M. Orsini will go, but we need more people to go if possible. M. Orsini has call in to find out cost, times, accommodations if any, etc. In past township has covered cost of training. M. Orsini mentioned that Councilman Grippo has suggested a memorial tree be planted on 9/11/2002 to commemorate terrorist attack. What trees are appropriate? J. Baumley suggested Dawn redwood. Extremely fast growth, huge tree, striking bark and leaves. Would convey a good theme related to strength, endurance, etc. of America. He has several at his nursery we can see and addresses where larger trees can be observed. M. Orsini said he might take a few photos to show Bill to see what he thinks. J. Baumley mentioned that he could help with getting trees. M. Orsini noted our involvement with Hamilton Street Business District-streetscape improvement. They would like list of desirable street trees, where to get pruning advice for larger trees that are blocking streetlights, etc. M. Orsini suggested referring them to one of state's certified tree experts. B. Hamilton will generate list of good street trees, both large and small, since in some areas, overhead wires conflict. Suggested that he and M. Orsini tour the street to look at issues. The meeting was
open for public discussion, since no public was present, meeting was
closed. Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm. |