A significant portion of the meeting revolved around the necessity of a structured budget to ensure effective tree management. Members highlighted the financial burden that tree removals impose on individual homeowners when trees located on public property fall under their responsibility. They discussed a hypothetical scenario where spreading the cost across the community could alleviate this burden. This proposal aimed to mitigate financial strain on homeowners while ensuring public safety.

Members expressed concerns over the current state of tree maintenance and the impact on sidewalk infrastructure. Trees planted in the past had not been adequately maintained, leading to complications as they matured. Specific instances were cited where trees lost their lower branches due to a lack of proper care, and the placement of sidewalks was criticized for not being conducive to healthy tree growth.

The commission addressed the ongoing Hazard Tree Program and the lack of progress in executing removals of identified hazardous trees. A dead oak near a school was highlighted as a priority for removal, with members expressing frustration over the slow pace of action. They questioned the process for identifying and addressing hazardous trees and sought clarification on the responsibilities of the public works department in handling such tasks. Discussions revealed that while the township had acquired a bucket truck for smaller tree removals, there was uncertainty about the training of personnel assigned to these tasks.

A persistent theme was the need for a robust process to inspect and evaluate trees within the community. The commission acknowledged the existence of certified trees requiring attention but noted the absence of an established procedure for inspections. Comparisons were made to other municipalities like Bradley Beach, which employs a certified tree expert to provide detailed reports on tree conditions.

The meeting also touched on the community forestry management plan, which is due for completion by 2025. The commission emphasized the importance of integrating budgetary considerations and actionable items into the plan to ensure preparedness and resource allocation for future projects. Members expressed hope for improved organization and a more comprehensive approach in the upcoming plan.

Updates were provided on the stewardship grant, indicating that the commission had secured adequate in-kind contributions, though delays were expected due to state auditors requiring specific payroll records. The commission aims to demonstrate compliance and secure funding to cover expenses incurred with the D Resource Group for the tree survey, with plans to apply for additional grants once remaining tasks are completed.

The implementation of the “Tree Keeper” database was discussed, which allows public access to tree survey information. This system is designed to promote greater engagement, providing detailed reports on tree conditions for users with higher access levels. However, there was uncertainty about whether individual trees had been physically tagged during the survey, despite GPS data being collected.

The commission also focused on community outreach initiatives, such as a rain garden workshop scheduled for September 18th at the Long Branch Senior Center.

Concerns were raised about the township’s capacity to address hazardous tree removal effectively. Limitations on available work hours for designated tree personnel and the need for additional staff or licensed tree experts were discussed. The commission recognized the importance of having a structured program for tree management, including clear procedures for inspecting and addressing hazardous trees.