The Mayor shared an update on a waterway cleanup initiative, a collaborative effort involving Morris Plains and five neighboring towns. This project, scheduled for early April, aims to enhance water flow and mitigate flooding by targeting the stream flowing from Watnong Park Pond to Granis Avenue and Hanover Avenue. The cleanup is part of a broader initiative involving the offices of Emergency Management.

The council also focused on the expansion of the Arbor Day program, which aims to increase tree planting efforts. Historically limited to second graders, the program will now include third and fourth graders, with plans to distribute approximately 337 saplings at a cost of around $700. The initiative reflects a substantial increase from previous years and highlights an investment in engaging younger residents in ecological activities. The principal’s willingness to extend the program to additional grades was acknowledged, although it was noted that only saplings would be provided without additional programming for the older students.

The meeting transitioned to discussions about the Department of Public Works (DPW) and its role in managing smaller trees, particularly those under 24 inches in diameter. The DPW’s responsibilities at Community Park were highlighted, with recent efforts reducing the number of trees needing attention from eight to four. This was partly achieved through natural elements such as wind, which facilitated some tree removals.

Attention was also given to tree planting guidelines within the borough, especially concerning the spacing required for trees in residential areas. Specific measurements were cited. The council discussed the possibility of revisiting these guidelines to balance utility safety and environmental aesthetics, potentially addressing community concerns about tree loss.

In addressing tree management, the council emphasized a “no net tree loss” policy, proposing the planting of replacement trees where removals had occurred, particularly in spring. A list of potential tree types for planting was reviewed, with recommendations to plant 15 new trees at a cost of $395 each, using roughly half of the budget allocated for this purpose. The council debated the species of trees to plant, considering both maple and oak as viable options. There was a suggestion to finalize a list of tree types to ensure they were suitable for intended locations, considering both financial constraints and community needs.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing discussions about tree planting strategies, particularly in Community Park, where 12 trees had recently been removed. A participant noted the need for replanting in open spaces to restore buffers for nearby residents. The council discussed the importance of prioritizing planting locations, taking into account erosion issues and the need for shade in park areas. A recommendation was made to compile a list of potential planting sites for further evaluation.

The financial implications of these initiatives were considered, with a focus on maintaining the budget while ensuring effective tree planting efforts. The council acknowledged the need for careful planning and community engagement to enhance green spaces while adhering to safety and budgetary constraints. A commitment was reiterated to not remove a tree without replanting in its place.

The meeting concluded with a decision to allocate funds for tree orders, allowing time for further deliberation on specific planting sites. The urgency of the planting timeline was noted, with a six to eight-week turnaround time for tree orders. The potential for delays due to weather conditions was acknowledged, with a possibility that planting might need to be postponed until fall if the timeline was not adhered to.