The New Castle City’s Tree Commission Meeting took place on May 7, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall.
Members Present: Susan Keyser, Co-Chairman
Erv Thatcher
Lillian Shue
Fran Peden
Mark Miller
Members Absent: Chip Patterson, Chairman
Matt White
The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by Co-Chairman Keyser. Roll call was taken.
Approval of Minutes – A motion was made to approve the minutes of the April meeting. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote.
Councilwoman Janet Churchill announced that she has been asked by city council to be their liaison to the Tree Commission.
REPORT OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Erv Thatcher – There are maple trees at 137 and 144 East Third Street that should be removed. He talked to Chip Patterson about the elm at Third and Chestnut that has lost several large branches and now appears to be splitting in the middle.
Ms. Keyser will contact Russ Carlson and have him look at all three trees. There is a cherry tree that needs to come out in the park and the city will remove it.
Chandler Gebhart – (Relinquished the floor to Paul Freebery of 213 Baldt Avenue.)
Mr. Freebery raised two items of concern. He presented pictures of a swamp maple tree that is currently on the right-of-way on Thirteenth Street between Baldt and Morse. The tree is dying. He has done a lot of trimming of this tree but a large limb is over the roadway and in power lines. Mr. Peden informed that Bob Rizzardi has recommended the tree be removed. Ms. Keyser will look at the tree and a decision will be made at our next meeting.
Mr. Freebery’s then requested that he be allowed to plant trees/shrubbery in the right-of-way to give him privacy. He will maintain the shrubbery. Ms. Keyser informed that we do not plant shrubs in the right-of-way and does not encourage citizens to buy and plant their own trees because it gives a perception they own the tree. She recommended planting shrubs behind the fence that already exists. The Tree Commission does not plant shrubs but would be willing to plant trees for him. This is not an option for Mr. Freebery; he believes shrubbery will provide more privacy. (Discussion followed.)
Mr. Gebhart reported that he was asked by the Presbyterian Church to talk about the sycamore tree on Second Street. The tree has a knot on its trunk that protrudes into street parking. The church is not requesting to have the tree removed. Councilman John Gaworski suggested attaching reflectors to the tree alerting drivers as they park. (Discussion followed.) The Mantz property at 20 The Strand has a tree that needs to be cut back from the building. It was determined this is a street tree and the Tree Commission will look at the tree and take any action that is necessary.
New Castle City Tree Commission Meeting
May 7, 2007
Page 2
There is a tree down Chestnut Street near the parking lot at Bull Hill that may be dead. It is along the river and is a Palonia tree. It was determined that the Trustees own this area. If it doesn’t come out by mid-June it should come down.
Fran Peden – There are 4-5 trees along Fourth Street that are being butchered by an unknown party. Chip Patterson is aware and will be putting out a notice to area residents informing that if they want trees trimmed they should contact the Tree Commission.
Susan Keyser – Ms. Keyser informed that the tree planting will begin tomorrow (5/8/07) and continue through the week. Mr. Thatcher will mark the location where the Anita Banks Memorial Tree will be planted. It is a Valley Forge Elm and will need ample space to grow. There are also three trees being planted in the Bull Hill area and Ms. Keyser requested that Mr. Thatcher advise how much space is needed between trees to allow for mowing. Mr. Thatcher informed he needs at least 20 feet between trees.
Lillian Shue – Sally Monigle contacted her about planting a tree in front of the Ansel House on Delaware Avenue. She is requesting the tree be placed on the Fall planting schedule. There is a tree being removed from Ms. Monigle’s property and Ms. Keyser said we need to find a location to replant that tree. Mr. Thatcher will look at locations.
Mark Miller – One of the Japanese cherry trees has died that is near the three quarter mile marker. It was part of seven that were planted there. There may also be a dead apple tree at this location as well.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Ms. Keyser reported that Chip Patterson has spoken to Mr. Wiggins about the tree he wanted to have removed. He has agreed to leave the tree but he would like pruning done on it. Commission members looked at this tree after our last meeting. Bob Rizzardi will be contacted to take care of pruning. Tree Commission members are happy with this arrangement.
The next meeting of the Tree Commission will take place on 6/4/07 at 5:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Gebhart made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded and approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Turner
Stenographer
