30:35At the forefront of the meeting was the proposal to amend the shade tree ordinance, a topic that captured much of the council’s attention. The proposed changes include the establishment of a consent agenda to expedite the processing of straightforward tree removal applications. This would enable council members to approve a batch of applications collectively, while still allowing any application to be discussed individually if necessary. The solicitor suggested that a ward commissioner could authorize immediate removal in emergency situations, which would then be documented with a confirmation email. Emphasizing the need for clarity and efficiency, the solicitor also proposed a 45-day timeline for decision-making on applications, a change from the current five-business-day requirement post-meeting.

Further recommendations included requiring applicants to submit photographs with their applications, enabling board members to review cases more effectively. Additionally, the proposal suggested that for every tree removed, three should be planted instead of the current two, especially in areas like East Cape May where space is limited. The idea of a “tree bank” was also discussed, where homeowners unable to plant the required number of trees could contribute financially instead. The current fee of $200 per tree sparked debate over whether it adequately reflects the costs associated with purchasing and planting new trees.

01:10:45Another aspect of the meeting involved individual tree removal requests. At 359 Congress, a motion was approved for the removal of two trees, contingent upon planting two large specimen trees as replacements. The council stressed the importance of adhering to an approved list of replacement trees, rejecting smaller species replacements such as crepe myrtles.

01:21:11In contrast, on Lafayette Street, the council voted against the removal of locust trees stressed by drought, wary of the property owner’s pattern of repeated requests. The council also denied the removal of a black pine on Perry Street, noting its potential for recovery with proper treatment, despite its current brown appearance.

Another notable discussion involved a raccoon-inhabited maple tree on Columbia Avenue. The council dismissed the application for removal on the grounds that the tree was healthy, citing that wildlife presence is not a valid reason for tree removal under the current ordinance.

01:54:50The council also focused on addressing problematic tree conditions, such as the invasive ivy threatening trees on Maryland Avenue and the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer on local ash trees. In response to these challenges, members emphasized the importance of homeowner responsibility in maintaining tree health to prevent issues from escalating.

They discussed initiatives such as the landmark tree program, aimed at identifying and protecting significant trees, and the memorial tree program, intended to engage the community in conservation efforts.