Hanover Township Shade Tree Advisory Commission Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Shade Tree Advisory Commission was held at 6:30 p.m. at the Hanover Township Municipal Building, 3630 Jacksonville Road, Bethlehem PA 18017.

In attendance were: Joan Witiak, Dan Roman, Dave Zakeski, and Linda Taylor.

1. Upon the motion of Linda Taylor, seconded by Dan Roman, the commission approved the minutes from the meeting of the Shade Tree Commission dated March 31, 2003.
2. Discuss permits: The Commission discussed permits which will expire this spring or summer. A reminder will be sent with a tear-off to return when the tree is planted. The Commission will also send letters to people whose trees have died or who have cut trees down to remind them of the necessity of obtaining a permit and replacing the tree.
3. Resignation: The Commission accepted Jeff Waldron’s resignation, noting his faithful service. A replacement for Jeff was discussed.
4. A. Discuss Hanover Ridge: The development of Hanover Ridge needs to have 147 trees replaced, and Joan was working with the engineer on a list of suitable replacements. However, the developer has stated that in lieu of actually replacing trees, a "mutually agreed upon" amount of money will be given to the township for the purchase of replacement trees. In order to insure that nursery grade, high quality trees will be used as replacements, the Commission strongly suggests that no less than $300 per tree will be needed. This price is based on the lowest bid of past purchases in years 2000, 2001, and 2002

B. Discuss LVCC II – Lot 1. The landscaping plan was acceptable.

C. Discuss Flavor-Rite: The plan is confusing with regard to replacement trees. This will be noted in the letter to the Supervisors.

5. New Business: Topping of trees was discussed, as this destructive method of pruning is being used by some residents. Dan Roman has received calls complaining about how ugly this pruning looks and asking the Commission to do something. The Commission agreed that a reminder about topping should go into the next Hanoverview with a photo submitted by Jeff. It was suggested that an educational letter be sent to homeowners who have topped trees in the right-of-way.