Minutes
Tree Committee · from the Town's website · 2 pages · 285 KB
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Tree Committee Minutes June 27 Time & Location: 6 pm Harvey Room Town hall and Zoom. Committee members present, Joanne Hillman, Chris Aiello, Tim Duplin, Tom Derderian. Tree Warden Paul O’Donnell present on Zoom C ommittee members selected Chris Aiello to chair the meeting and Tom Derderian to take meeting notes. Chairman Aiello announced that the meeting limited to one hour would cover two topics 1. Removal of an oak tree at 190 Somerset Ave. 2. Remov al of a tree at 51 Loring Rd. The chair recognized Rob DeMarco who spoke in favor of removal of the tree at 190 Somerset. He spoke of the good character of the resident family who wanted the tree removed. He said people in town should not attack the ch aracter or motives of the petitioners for tree removal but only address the actual situation. DeMarco linked the public concern to keep the tree to the loss of trees in the center of town. He said that the town would not reimburse the family for losses sho uld their property be damaged by the tree falling. He said the tree had damaged a retaining wall. F ormer T ree W arden Jack Dowd spoke saying that the tree in question is healthy and the town should not cut down healthy trees. He said that since letters had been written for and against removal of the tree any action had to be approved by the town council. One of the petitioners , Lucy Diluiso expressed concern that branches from the tree could fall onto her yard and could pose a danger to her children. Joan ne Hillman commented that she believed the report she read did not support the removal of the tree, but recommended pruning. Mike Dilu i sio presented a slide show via zoom outlining his reasons for wanting the tree removed. He cited three Arbor companies who agreed with him. (this presentation is recorded on Zoom) Former town clerk, Carla Vitale, spoke via zoom about American Disability Act compliance and that a query to town counsel had not been answered. Lindsey Hmura who lives next door said the tree should come down and no parking spaces removed and that a stoller could not pass. Miriam - Regan Fiore said that the town needed its own arborist and an ADA expert was needed. A caller tried to discuss the town’s ethical standards but Chairman Aiello ruled that to the extent it was commentary on the petitioner and not the merits of the case the comments would not be allowed. Diana Viens questioned the earlier statement that a bump out around the tree to allow passage of a wheel chair would cost $200,000. 51 Loring : Tom Fortier argued that he wanted the tree removed to allow a n easier and safer passage into his driveway. Motion made by Joanne Hillman to Recommend to Town Council that both trees not be removed as they are healthy trees. Tom Derderian seconded the motion. Joanne Hillman and Tom Derderian Voted in in favor of the motion. No votes were cast against the motion. The Motio n passed. Atlantis Marina: A group from the Atlantis Condo complex came to protest the $13,200 assessment for the value of two medium size thornless Honey Locust trees by a contractor they had hired to work on their building. They explained that the ine xperienced employee of the contractor meant no malice but that the amount they are expected to pay is excessive. Motion made by Tom Derderian and Seconded by Joanne Hillman that t he tree committee recommend to the Town Council, Tree Warden, and Town Man ager that the Town collect the full $13,200 as it was deemed by professionals to be the assessed values of the trees. Tim Duplin, Joanne Hillman, Tom Derderian, and Christopher Aiello voted in favor of the motion. It passed unanimously. At 7 pm Chairman Aiello recessed the meeting.