Minutes of New Britain Borough Shade Tree Commission Meeting

July 17, 2017, 7:30 P.M.

1. Call to order and pledge of Allegiance

1. At 7:30 P.M. Jackie D’Agostino called the meeting to order and all recited the Pledge of Allegiance

2. Roll Call

1. Present were members Jackie D’Agostino, Fran Dougherty, Ben Rakus, and Marge Eberz, Lorraine Moxey was absent. Council Vice Chairman, Peter La Montagne was present.

3. Approval of Minutes

1. The minutes were read and corrected.

4. Old Business

1. Review of Zoning Ordinance Landscape requirements

1. The committee reviewed the ordinance and the plant list submitted by Ben and made some changes. Ben will submit an updated plant list. A motion was made to approve the list as drafted by Ben, it was seconded by Fran and approved by all.

2. Borough Newsletter

1. The deadline for the newsletter is August 15,2017
2. Peter La Montagne has written an article for our borough newsletter to introduce residents to the newly formed Shade Tree Commission.
3. MargeEberz has written and submitted an article on Fothergilla for the newsletter. Copies were shown to the committee.
4. Borough Website – what to include on our page

1. There was a discussion on which items we wish to have on the website. We agreed that there should be information about the right of way so people will be aware of what plants should not be planted in that area of their property. The design of the website will be completed at a later date.

5. New Business

1. Budget Update

1. The budget recommendation was submitted to council

2. Tree Tenders Course registration

1. Fran Dougherty, Ben Rakus and Jackie D’Agostino expressed interest in attending the Tree Tenders Course on Sept. 18,25, and Oct. 2. This information will be given to our Borough Manager, Sam Bryant.

3. Aqua American Tank Installation

1. The Aqua American Tank Company has contributed money for the purchase of trees and shrubs. Heritage River Birch, Cherry Laurel and viburnum were suggested for outside the fenced area. Ben Rakus and Fran Dougherty will work on a landscape plan for around the Aqua American Tank and submit it to the commission.

4. AOB

1. Peter La Montagne suggested for the “Where in the Borough is it?” quiz for newsletter- The Weeping Beech.

6. Adjournment

1. There being no further business Jackie made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Ben Rakus made the motion to adjourn the meeting, Fran Dougherty seconded it. All agreed, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 P.M.
2. Our Next meeting will be at 7:30 P.M. August 21, 2017