The central point of the meeting was the discussion on tree planting initiatives, specifically focusing on the urgency to finalize tree orders by the September 13 deadline. The commission proposed planting trees at the Community Center and Marter Park, emphasizing the need for council approval. There was a sense of urgency to get this approval, as the submission needed to be finalized promptly. The commission aimed to plant two trees at the Community Center along the fence line, which had been devoid of trees following their removal due to safety concerns, and two at Marter Park.

In addition to new plantings, the commission reviewed the status of the resident tree buying program. Despite a slow start with only three orders placed, there was optimism that participation would increase after Labor Day, with the program set to close on September 13. Members were encouraged to share information about the program widely. Furthermore, the tree inventory project, conducted by Arbor Pro, was nearing completion, with the data collection phase finalized and the quality control phase underway. The commission anticipated training for the use of cloud-based software to manage this data.

Another topic was the discussion surrounding the tree removal permits and the updated tree removal protection ordinance. There was an emphasis on “canopy maximization,” with the revised ordinance aiming to protect existing trees while allowing for removal under specific guidelines. A key point of debate was the requirement to notify neighbors prior to the removal of large trees, raising questions about the enforceability of this provision. Concerns were also raised about the clarity and consistency of the ordinance’s language, particularly the terms “resident” and “person,” to prevent any potential loopholes.

The commission also discussed the enforcement of protective measures for trees during construction. There was a shared concern about the inadequacy of current measures, such as construction snow fencing, to protect trees effectively. Members highlighted the long-term impact of inadequate protections, with trees potentially declining years after construction ends. The role of code enforcement officers and the police in monitoring these violations was underscored, with suggestions to increase vigilance and issue warnings and fines for non-compliance.

On the topic of community outreach, the commission reported having 198 social media followers and aimed to reach 200. There was a proposal to leverage Fair Haven Living, a local publication, to increase visibility and engagement. Members discussed submitting content before the September 6 deadline, with ideas including a reminder of the commission’s activities and the importance of their work. There was concern about ensuring the publication’s non-partisan stance before proceeding, but overall, there was agreement that contributing content would enhance the commission’s profile.

The commission also explored potential planting locations and strategies. McCarter Park was a particular focus, with a recent meeting with school officials revealing resistance to proposed tree placements due to concerns about interfering with play areas. Alternative locations in the park were considered, with an emphasis on ensuring trees would thrive given the environmental conditions. The idea of planting trees near the baseball diamond and between the basketball court and playground was discussed, although space constraints posed challenges.

In terms of budgetary considerations, the commission discussed the use of approximately $5,000 in the trust fund and a planting budget of about $3,000, which needed to be utilized by the end of the year. The timeline for planting trees with Fernbrook was set for late September or early October, and there was a proposal to advertise tree ordering in the Fair Haven Living magazine for the spring planting season.

Lastly, the meeting touched on the topic of invasive species and potential grant opportunities. A member volunteered to investigate grants specifically for invasive species management in New Jersey, although it was acknowledged that securing funds might be challenging due to the earmarking of many grants for urban areas in greater need.

The commission recognized the importance of these elements in successfully implementing their initiatives and enhancing the town’s green spaces. The meeting concluded with a consensus to include these topics in future agendas and an invitation for members to attend upcoming council meetings to advocate for these environmental protections.