Hanover Township Shade Tree Commission Meeting

August 19, 2002

The monthly meeting of the Shade Tree 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, Jeff Waldron, David Zakeski, Linda Taylor, and Frank Colon.

  1. Upon the motion of Dan Roman, seconded by Jeff Waldron, the commission approved the minutes from the meeting of the Shade Tree Commission dated July 15, 2002.
  2. Review tree lists: A revised street tree list, which was compiled based on the Penn State University publication "Street Tree Fact Sheets" and the Penn State Extension Urban Forester’s list revised 3/02, was distributed by Joan Witiak. to the members of the committee for perusal. It was suggested that both the Construction Standards tree list and the Shade Tree Commission tree list be similar. A copy of the revised Shade Tree Commission tree list will be given to the township engineer for review.
  3. Discuss permits: The township solicitor has sent letters to residents who have not responded to permit notices.

  4. Discuss park trees: Pointe North Park: A good portion of the tree line at Harriet Lane was removed. Joan contacted the Recreation Advisory Board to inquire about this, since the Shade Tree Commission had not reviewed a plan and was under the impression that a small path through the tree line was going to be constructed. Discussion followed. Frank Colon will contact the township engineer about the issue since the Recreation Advisory Board also knew nothing about the scope of the tree removal.

Dan Roman discovered that a linden tree near the juncture of the east/west and north/south paths was missing. He found it thrown in the bushes. After consultation with Hanover Engineering, it was discovered that the contractor knocked it over and will replace it.

Troxell Park: An oak tree with large, dead branches may present a safety hazard to residents utilizing this park. After some discussion, Joan Witiak recommended notifying the township manager.

  1. Discuss drought, tree planting and purchase of water tank: The necessity of watering the newly planted park trees was discussed. Without water a good number will die. Since there is a large amount of money invested in these trees, there must be a method of watering during droughts or else we are throwing away time and money. The Volunteer Fire Company has helped water this summer and last summer, but since it is not their job or the STC’s job to physically water the trees, the purchase of a township water tank was discussed. Dan Roman described a water tank he had viewed, including weight, for safe transport by township trucks. Decision was made to send a letter to the township manager, requesting a water tank as soon as possible, since the situation this summer is a crisis.

    2. Dave Zakeski suggested a future article in the Hanoverview publication to educate residents on helping drought-stressed trees before winter.

  2. Discuss tree maintenance/pruning: Dan Roman spoke to Burns Tree Service for pruning specifications and will send out bids to five arborists for pruning young park trees, which is absolutely necessary tree maintenance. Discussion followed about budgetary restrictions and expense of pruning. There are at least 18 trees that need to be pruned now, but this could be cut to 10, with some put off until next year to remain within budget. Thanks to Dan Roman for his many volunteer hours spent researching this issue.

  3. Discuss Changes to SALDO and Other Ordinances: Discussion was held on suggesting changes in various township Ordinances to the Board of Supervisors.
  4. New Business: The Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Co. graciously agreed to water drought-stressed trees again tonight. We thank them for their help.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda K. Taylor