The New Castle City’s Tree Commission Meeting took place on April 3, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall.
Members Present: Chip Patterson, Chairman
Erv Thatcher
Susan Keyser
Mark Miller
Fran Peden
Chandler Gebhart
Member Absent: Matt White
Lillian Shue
The meeting was called to order at 5:50 p.m. by Chairman Patterson. The Chair introduced Cathie Thomas, New Castle City Administrator. Ms. Thomas briefly addressed the group. She met with the Chair about the street tree ordinance and about getting together with Mr. (Gerry) Kavanaugh to put the three proposals that currently exist together into one consolidated ordinance. She has spoken with
Mr. Kavanaugh who has advised he does have some materials from previous counsel. Mr. Kavanaugh will contact Mr. Patterson tomorrow to discuss a path forward.
REPORT OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Erv Thatcher – Lazzardi’s has done some trimming of branches in town recently.
Susan Keyser – She made contact with Russ Carlson concerning the ash trees and his recommendation on how we move forward and also Sally Monigle’s tree. He informed he would send me some information which has not been received to date. He recommended that all the soil be dug out at Sally’s house and replaced. He feels a maple tree would be a good choice, but wants to speak with her first. She contacted the architect of the Family Foundations who asked that the Tree Commission mark up the drawing and mail it to him. He will do whatever we want. She met with John Wick today who wants two trees added to our tree list. He does not have a species selected yet. We are asking for a 4X4 planting hole which he says he cannot accommodate. He would be willing to put in a 3X3 and they will be smaller trees. (Brief discussion took place about the type of tree, the site and who will do the work.) The Chair advised that Miss Utility needs to be contacted. There are a few more people he has not spoken with. Ms. Keyser did a survey of trees behind the parking area. There is a tree that has been freshly mulched. She said there were two large trees removed last year, but does not know who removed them. It is Trustees land (on the river side behind the Hemphill house). There are 15-16 trees that have been pruned. They were lion-tipped and it is a bad pruning practice.
The Chair referenced a letter submitted by Mr. Hemphill about box elder problems that everyone received. He and Mr. Thatcher looked at them and there was one tree we agreed was in poor condition and should be removed. The rest of the trees we felt were fine. Mr. Thatcher will try using a soap treatment to try and rid the trees of the bugs. Concern was expressed that certain trees may have been removed on Trustees land without the knowledge of the Trustees. Mr. Gebhart recommended
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April 3, 2006
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that the Tree Commission send a letter to the Trustees advising that tree(s) have been removed from their property without their approval and asking them how this should be handled. (Lengthy discussion took place about brush and tree removal on Trustees property and box elder bugs.)
Fran Peden – Paul ________ would like to put some trees down the side of his house. He wants to know if he can put in three (3) trees. (Brief discussion about right-of-way took place.) The Chair said the care, custody and control of the tree is our charge. Mr. Peden will contact Mr. _____ and follow-up with Ms. Keyser if she needs to add this item to the Spring planting list.
Chandler Gebhart – Asked what is the status of the trees on Ms. Octavio’s property? The Chair said we planted one and returned to plant another tree. Ms. Keyser has not heard from Ms. Octavio recently.
Mark Miller – Nothing to report.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Arbor Day Symposium – The Chair sent out to Tree Commission members via email a summary of this symposium. It answered many questions the public has been asking about a number of issues. He now needs to discuss with Gerry Kavanaugh and determine what is Delaware law and how it applies. We can then provide answers to residents who have challenged the Tree Commission’s rights and authority to deal with the trees. The Chair provided copies of the Delaware Recreational Use Statute which limits the liability of organizations like the Trustees because they allow the public to access their property for recreational purposes at no charge. If you charge people to come onto your land you don’t have shelter.
Mr. Miller suggested the statute be placed at the park in public view. He provided a copy to Cathie Thomas also. He also spoke about signage that limits liability that the City could explore. He feels we should sit down with City Council and discuss the Tree Commission’s authority (care, control and custody of trees) and the public right-of-way.
Tree Inventory Software, Orthographically Corrected Map – The Chair contacted the City of Newark about their program. They informed they had the program, but were not keeping up the database because of lack of manpower. They suggested contacting the City of Wilmington and the Delaware Horticultural Society. Staff at Municipal Services alerted the Chair of a demonstration of the program next month and that they would like to look into replacing an existing system. Municipal Services could possibly make some donation towards purchase of the software. The program is May 3rd at 1 p.m. in Milford and all are welcome.
NEW BUSINESS
Nothing reported.
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April 3, 2006
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ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Miller made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Turner
Stenographer
