A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the problem of hazardous trees, highlighted by a recent incident on Parker Avenue. A large Black Oak tree unexpectedly failed, falling into the road and damaging a vehicle. The tree, estimated to weigh between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds, broke approximately 18 feet above the ground, despite no wind being present. The failure of the tree, which had a hole likely caused by previous branch removal, underscored the dangers posed by such trees. The situation necessitated the involvement of Public Works for clean-up, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent similar incidents.

The commission discussed the importance of prioritizing the removal of hazardous trees, with an emphasis on developing a systematic procedure for notifying homeowners about dangerous trees on their properties. It was noted that residents might not take action unless formally informed. One member referenced Interlaken’s ordinance, which mandates property owners to address hazardous trees. The member agreed to research the ordinance further to understand its implications.

Public education was identified as a crucial component of the commission’s strategy to address hazardous trees, especially with hurricane season approaching. Suggestions were made to use the commission’s website to share information and pictures of dangerous trees to raise public awareness. A communication strategy was proposed to encourage residents to report issues, supported by the creation of a list of licensed tree experts for residents to contact for assistance.

Financial sustainability of the tree maintenance program was another significant topic. The commission debated the current fee structure for tree removal permits, noting a disparity between the fees charged to businesses and residents. Businesses were paying $350 for tree removal permits, compared to the $750 charged to residents. The commission acknowledged that the original Tree Fund had considerably diminished due to expenditures on tree removals rather than new plantings.

The commission also addressed a stewardship grant awarded to the town, which came with strict requirements regarding volunteer hours and financial documentation. Meeting the state’s auditing criteria, which demanded thorough payroll records for all volunteer hours logged, was identified as a challenge that complicated the process of tracking contributions to the tree management efforts. The need for a comprehensive community forestry management plan was emphasized, with the next submission deadline approaching in 2025. The last approved plan was noted as outdated, and the commission expressed a desire to gather input on what should be included in the upcoming plan.

The discussion also touched on the management of funds associated with tree planting and maintenance. One member suggested that the Shade Tree Fund, currently used solely for planting trees, should also cover tree maintenance. The debate revealed a belief that a separate budget for maintenance under Public Works was necessary to alleviate the financial burden on the Shade Tree Fund. The commission discussed the overall number of trees needing maintenance versus those that could be planted, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive budget outlining the costs involved.

The importance of community engagement was also recognized. The commission proposed including representatives from designated community areas to ensure their voices were heard. The need for transparency and public awareness regarding the commission’s activities was acknowledged, with suggestions to utilize the township’s fall newsletter to inform residents about the Shade Tree Commission’s plans and initiatives. The potential for grants to support community efforts was discussed, specifically mentioning T-Mobile’s Hometown grants for towns with populations under 50,000.