MINUTES

OF THE

CRANBURY TOWNSHIP

SHADE TREE COMMISSION

CRANBURY, NEW JERSEY

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

 

 

TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING

The regularly scheduled meeting of October 11, 2005 of the Cranbury Township Shade Tree Commission was held was held in Town Hall, at 7:00 p.m.

 

CALL TO ORDER

With a quorum present, Judy Dossin, Chair of the Cranbury Township Shade Tree Commission, called the meeting to order, and Linda M. Scott, acted as Secretary of the meeting.

 

STATEMENT OF ADEQUATE NOTICE

Pursuant to the Sunshine Law adequate notice in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6)was provided on January 4, 2005 of this meetings date, time, place and agenda was mailed to those requesting personal notice, and filed with the Municipal Clerk.

 

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

Emily Goodfellow, Norma Swale (7:40pm), Dave Zebuhr, and Judy Dossin, Chair.

 

MINUTES

The minutes of the November 9, 2004 meeting were reviewed and amended.  Motion to approve made by Dave Zebuhr, seconded by Emily Goodfellow, with all in favor.  

 

OLD BUSINESS

            Emily and Judy were present for the June 2005 meeting; however, there were not enough members present to make a quorum.

            Judy presented a letter from a citizen addressed to the Shade Tree and Parks Board regarding a sycamore tree in front of the Cranbury Inn urging the Township Committee to contact the County for guidance to try to save this tree.  Tom Ingegneri was kept abreast of the situation.  After the tree was removed, the stump was ground down a few weeks later.   Cranbury Inn owner explained to Judy the amount of rot that was present in the tree.

Dave reported that two young ginkgo trees were destroyed in the planning and pouring of the Cranbury Inn sidewalks and curbing. 

Another letter was presented from the same citizen regarding the Wright South property and the trees removed there.  Committeewoman Pari Stave explained to the citizen why the removal was performed.  Dave was agitated the trees near the end of Park Place West were removed.  He stated that once one passed by the trees there was a terrific vista and the trees enhanced a place for spectators, whether for viewing the vista or any ball games.  It was stated that a roadway is planned for the future, along with the underground phone, electric and cable lines.  The plan also includes the planting of hundreds of trees.

 

NEW BUSINESS

            The sidewalk replacement program has begun.  It is reported that the contractors are not arborists and it shows when they clip the trees.  They are also careless with their litter or debris.  Water has been collecting in a trench on Cranbury Neck Road.  Maplewood residents had their sidewalks replaced with brick and the look is wonderful.

The responsibility of trees planted by the township was explained.  Homeowners (without sidewalks) are responsible for proper maintenance to keep trees healthy.   The homeowners on Cubberly Court, for instance, with no sidewalks are responsible for proper tree maintenance.   

 

 

(New Business continued on page 2)                                                                                     

NEW BUSINESS (cont.)

Judy stated that the sidewalk improvements add much safety while walking about the town.  There is now a cut thru path to the park on the CHA property.  The champion pawpaw tree is a beautiful site to see while walking this path.  The Eagle Scouts have installed a split rail fence to guide pedestrians thru to the park.  The fencing also prevents the public from accessing the private property that flanks the path.

Judy informed all present that she will be stepping down as Shade Tree Chairperson.  She is consumed with Park board business and other matters.  Dave Zebuhr also informed all that his term is up at the end of 2005 and he is not interested in returning. 

Norma Swale asked if it was possible to hire a tree service to help homeowners to curb the costs of tree maintenance.  Dave said that there is not much feasibility for services to be competitive, being that there not much competition.

Norma stated that the Public Library would like to have a tree planted for the 100th birthday.  She spoke with Tom Witt regarding this issue, who stated that the town could supply the tree.  A planting spot will need to be selected.

Secretary will inquire with Tom regarding any Paul Cowie tree inventory updates.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

There being no further business, on motion duly made, seconded, and carried, the meeting was thereupon adjourned.

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY

 

I, Linda M. Scott, the Undersigned do hereby, certify;

 

That I am duly elected and acting secretary of the Cranbury Township Shade Tree Commission and,

That the foregoing minutes of the Shade Tree Commission, held on October 11, 2005 consisting of 2 pages, constitute a true and correct copy of the minutes of the said meeting.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribe, my name of said Shade Tree Commission this April 11, 2006.

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

Linda M. Scott, Secretary