Minutes-Franklin Township Shade Tree Commission-July 24th 2003

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm, and the Sunshine notice was read.

Present: M. Orsini, A. Galdi, J. Gierlich, J. Baumley, B. Jaquett, B. Marshall, and M. Evans.
Absent: S. Geoghegan, R. Fleischman

M. Orsini presented a report of park tour, attended by himself, M. Evans, S. Geoghegan, J. Gierlich and R. Fleischman. We focused on parks that we had not visited or improved before and omitted Flemer preserve, DeLar, and East Millstone.

In general, the parks fell into three categories with respect to trees and priority: those that need "functional" trees (trees that shade play equipment, ballfields, tennis courts, etc.); those that could use ornamental trees (trees that line perimeters of multipurpose fields, accent areas, etc.) and those parks that need nothing additional at the moment.

For functional trees: Inman park near play equipment; Castleton near play equipment and basketball courts; Consovoy park near play equipment and softball fields; Naaman Williams park near play equipment, tennis and basketball courts and picnic area.

For ornamental trees: Inman near fenceline to replace trees killed in brush fire that occurred several years ago-mostly pines-that we could get from Al Galdi; Bascom and Nassau around perimeter of multipurpose field near street; Naaman Williams to line walking path.

Parks that need nothing at the moment: Rutgers Heights, Dunham Lebed (which was the subject of our Arbor Day planting), East Millstone and Flemer preserve. Although Flemer could use some (ornamental) trees, it was decided that since the soil is poor and all of our previous plantings died, we would leave it alone for now.

It was decided that Inman should be the next to get our attention since it needs trees to shade play equipment as well as ornamental trees.

Naaman Williams, though recently undergoing millions of dollars in improvements is deficient in trees. Of those planted by the contractor, some are dead or dying. M. Evans was asked to bring this to Andy Twiford's attention to see if the bond for the work done can be used to replace some of these trees.

The tree farm is doing well, and we will schedule another maintenance day for late Fall (November?) to wrap up for the winter. We will need to begin moving the more mature trees out by next year, especially ash and tulip poplar, maybe sweetgum.

Op-Cop, October 18th was discussed. It was ultimately decided that to give trees away (which will be unwrapped, we will wrap the tree roots in a Ziploc bag, and put in some mulch and enough water to keep mulch moist. We will be ordering 500 trees. Leftovers could be trenched in at the farm and survivors could be potted in early spring of 2004.

The content of our handout was also discussed. M. Orsini suggested a folded sheet, since people have a tendency to crumple up a single 8X11 piece of paper. Also want to avoid stapling. Some content suggested is: sponsors (e.g. Pulte, Shade Tree and Environmental Commissions), meeting dates/times and websites, a tree planting detail, conservation easement description, good and bad mulch pictures. M. Orsini will provide some content to B. Jaquett and work with their graphics person to design.

M. Orsini discussed two areas, the Walgreen's on Rte. 27 and Sunflower estates off van Cleef Rd. with a lot of newly planted dead trees. Joe Russo, the township engineer, is addressing both, and both have bonds in escrow to replace these trees. M. Orsini emphasized that the only way the Township can enforce this is if they are aware. He encouraged everyone to drive around town a little more, especially past areas of new construction and note and report any problems with trees, either newly planted or newly removed. It is part of our mission as a Commission and the only way to protect our Township. Since he is on the planning board and J. Gierlich on the Environmental Commission, we can inform everyone of new developments or construction to check on. It is equally important to recognize and commend outstanding plantings by developers and contractors.

J. Baumley will order approximately 30-35 trees for the DeMott Lane planting strip between N. Brunswick and Dellwood. This will average to one tree/100 feet. Extras can be used to replace trees removed at post office, which were diseased. Since there are overhead wires present, these shorter flowering trees are ideal for this site.

The public discussion was opened, and there being no one present who wished to speak was closed.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael J. Orsini, Chair

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