One notable issue at the meeting was the appointment of a new chairperson. With several members absent, the commission faced a tie between candidates Bonnie Torcivia and Jill Sullivan. Both candidates received commendations: Jill for her leadership in projects like the tree inventory and Bonnie for her environmental dedication. Given the tie and the absence of key members, the commission decided to defer the vote to a future meeting. Mike D’Angelo was chosen to lead the meeting temporarily.

As the commission planned for the town’s 250th anniversary, they discussed several commemorative initiatives. One major proposal was to identify and mark trees that are 250 years old with ribbons or QR codes. These markers would provide historical information about the trees, engaging the community with educational content about the town’s history. Members discussed various methods for identifying suitable trees, including outreach to residents, and emphasized the need for timely preparations ahead of the July celebration.

In addition to recognizing historical trees, the commission considered a pledge campaign encouraging residents to plant trees in honor of the anniversary. This initiative, inspired by a neighboring town, would involve community members committing to tree planting, with previously planted trees potentially counting toward the goal. Concerns about municipal regulations on selling promotional items like t-shirts were raised, with alternatives such as print-on-demand services discussed to avoid financial complications.

The meeting also addressed plans for an educational program led by Bill Brash, aimed at teaching the community about tree care, native species, and proper maintenance. The commission explored the possibility of offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the Department of Public Works and residents, with an emphasis on scheduling the training in early March to coincide with optimal pruning times. The educational session could potentially be opened to neighboring towns, promoting broader engagement.

In the realm of project updates, the commission highlighted the 2026 tree planting plan, emphasizing the need to prioritize planting locations early in the year to effectively utilize the budget. Approximately $10,000 was available for both public and private projects, allowing for expanded options. The commission discussed the importance of replacing trees lost to past events, like Hurricane Sandy, and explored collaboration with the Department of Public Works to replace hazardous trees that had been removed.

There was also discussion about the public right-of-way, with a focus on ensuring new trees planted between sidewalks and streets would not face removal due to infrastructure projects. Members suggested compiling a list of potential planting sites and determining responsibilities for tree maintenance, highlighting liability concerns if trees were planted in the right-of-way without resident commitment.

The commission revisited the tree ordinance, particularly the classification of hazard trees. A member suggested shifting from the term “hazard tree” to “increased risk,” to provide clearer reasons for tree removal. The ordinance’s lack of a replacement requirement when trees are removed was noted as a potential issue, risking significant loss of tree canopy over time. The need for detailed documentation in permits for tree removals was underscored.