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The New Castle City’s Tree Commission Meeting took place on September 10, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall.
Members Present: Chip Patterson, Chairman
Susan Keyser, Co-Chairman
Lillian Shue
Fran Peden
Members Absent: Erv Thatcher
Mark Miller
Matt White
Chandler Gebhart
The meeting was called to order at 5:50 p.m. by the Chair.
REPORT OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Susan Keyser – She is actively soliciting trees for the fall tree planting. She was with Kirsten Almquist recently near the memorial (Third and Chestnut Streets) where the elm that was broken was removed. Ms. Almquist suggested the Commission plant three small-size trees opposite the other three trees at this location. Ms. Keyser feels it is a good idea. Everyone was in agreement. She was considering replacing the tree in Bull Hill Park that has been damaged even though it is sprouting again. Ms. Dorsey Fisk informed Ms. Keyser about a tree near the Wilmington Trust teller machine that had been struck by lightning and in need of attention. Ms. Keyser thinks the damage might be the result of wind damage. (Discussion followed about trees located on Trustees’ properties and the Tree Commission’s interaction with the Trustees.)
Concern was expressed about the lack of knowledge surrounding this commission’s responsibilities concerning Trustees’ trees. Mr. Patterson said this commission does not touch Trustees’ trees without permission and authorization from the Trustees. The offer to help the Trustees is open and they are aware of this offer. He cited a complaint that was lodged about the pine trees along the tennis courts (Trustees property) that suffered storm damage. Repairs to those trees was not performed by the Commission. We did not take the lead because we were not asked to help. Chandler Gebhart is the Commission’s liaison with the Trustees but has not been to any of our meetings for some time. Mr. Patterson will inform Mr. Gebhart of this issue. He added that Erv Thatcher takes care of certain trees and bills the Trustees and other times the Trustees approach the Commission. There is not one single procedure that is followed.
Lillian Shue – There are three (3) trees on Third Street that need to be limbed up. Ms. Keyser said that John Wick asked for permission to trim the trees. They need more work and the Tree Commission would be willing to get them trimmed. Ms. Shue also reported the cherry trees that were planted on the Gillespie property on Fourth Street. They were bundled tightly when delivered. They do not have nice limbs, the color is bad and they are sparse. Ms. Keyser said some nurseries are pruning in a way they claim makes them stronger; they prune the leader. We decided not to use Moon Nursery because of this practice. She has noticed another tree with the same pruning practice. (Additional discussion followed about pruning practices going forward.) Ms. Shue will watch the tree and see what it does next spring. Nancy Ferguson called Ms. Shue and asked if we would stake her tree
New Castle City Tree Commission Meeting
September 10, 2007
Page 2
because it is learning towards her house. It was felt that staking was not the answer; rather it should be moved. Ms. Keyser did ask someone to take care of this and will follow up. Ms. Shue reported the ash tree that was sick that we put in across from her is looking very good. Mr. Patterson said it was affected by a mist that comes in from the marsh, but the ash bore is moving across the country and should be monitored. (Discussion about other ash trees took place.) Ms. Shue will check her tree for bore holes.
Fran Peden – Mr. Peden asked for an update on Paul Freebery. Mr. Patterson reported he spoke with Mr. Freebery and he understands the Tree Commission will not plant shrubs, subsequently Mr. Freebery sent a letter to the city stating the Tree Commission had ignored his request to have a tree across from his property removed; The picture that he submitted showed the tree in full foliage. It is a healthy tree and Ms. Keyser and I placed this tree on the list we gave to Bob Rizzardi to remove the dead wood. Mr. Rizzardi looked at the tree and reported it is a healthy tree. We are not having the tree taken down. It is a silver maple. Mr. Patterson will ask Mr. Rizzardi for a status on removal of the dead wood.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Mr. Patterson reported that he and Ms. Keyser took an inventory of trees that need work and have given the list to Bob Rizzardi. He also announced receipt of a letter from David Jones, 123 Stuyvesant Avenue, requesting removal of two Bradford pear trees in front of his home because of sewer and sidewalk problems. (A copy of the letter was distributed to those present.) Many limbs are low and get hit by large vehicles using the street. (Discussion followed.) It was felt that if he has tree roots in his sewer line it is a result of a bad sewer line.
16 Juniper Street – Property owner is requesting repair to sidewalk because of tree roots. Mr. Peden feels that cutting part of the root to drop the sidewalk down there would be enough roots remaining to save the tree. Mr. Patterson suggested meeting with her contractor to discuss finding a solution for the sidewalk problem.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Turner
Stenographer
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