Dan Niro

Key discussions included planning ahead for the 2026 budget, which is typically settled in April, noting the tree inventory as the primary anticipated expense, supplemented by remaining 2025 funds. Preparations for Arbor Day 2026 involved checking the availability of CPS for Friday, April 24th, and identifying a potential planting site in the Halstead Street playground, utilizing $1000 remaining from the Infrastructure Grant. Updates were provided on tree takedowns scheduled for the week of February 9th, including notification regarding the removal of a cherry tree on Main Street. Further administrative actions involved processing two membership applications and researching the Cranford Shade Tree Commission's website for implementing a future shade tree request form.

Key discussions centered on the rescheduling of the first meeting of the year due to poor weather, with only bills being paid. Updates were provided from the Environmental Commission liaison regarding attendance at a sustainability meeting and concerns over tree removal in the Moebus project. Business items included requesting a budget of over $25,000 for cherry tree pruning, completing the Tree City USA and AAR applications by February 15th, and planning a New Red Mill sustainability event for April 13th. Preparations for Arbor Day on April 26th include identifying a recipient for the tree dedication and sourcing saplings for third graders. Progress continues on the Memorial Tree Policy, including investigating donation financials and potentially using SQUARE for online payments, as well as cleaning up the list of previously dedicated trees for the town website. The Commission also plans to address a request to replace cherry tree(s) at 28 Main Street as a gesture of goodwill. The Town Tree Inventory is scheduled for completion in May using the i-Tree application, and the Five Year Forestry Plan is due by the end of 2024.

The meeting included administrative matters such as welcoming a new liaison from the Land Use Board and noting that the annual report for 2023 is in progress, with plans for a Green Fair in the fall. Key discussion points included the Council considering designating the western portion of the old Holiday Inn as a redevelopment zone, and the Environmental Commission expressing reservations about the purchase of the Wargo property due to potential contamination from its prior use as an auto repair shop. The Commission reviewed updates regarding Moebus hearings, the upcoming River Clean-up scheduled for April 20, and potential ANJEC grant applications for invasive species removal. Furthermore, the Commission discussed correspondence concerning Interstate 78 noise and run-off issues, and the filing of a grant application with Sustainable Jersey for a nocturnal pollinator garden. The commission also resolved to consider municipal actions to curtail plastic use.

Key discussions included the approval of the 2024 Shade Tree budget of approximately $25,600 and the introduction of a Tree Removal Ordinance detailing allowable tree takedowns with a permit. The Arbor Day celebration was deemed successful, honoring Ron Lomerson and marking a ribbon cutting for a tree grant installation. The commission reviewed the status of grant trees that failed to leaf out and discussed summer watering plans, potentially using the pumper truck. Future educational activities, such as a tree walk, were discussed for the summer, along with submitting articles to the town newsletter in the fall. Whitney offered to develop the 5-year Forestry plan due by the end of 2024. Applications for two Raritan Headwaters Tree Planting Grants are pending for Hunts Mill and Kings Crossing locations. A future meeting was scheduled to inspect trees for the take down list.

Key discussions included the status of the requested $25K+ budget, which is pending adoption in April. Correspondence involved a tree removal request for 19 Spruce Run, which was deferred to the Tree Removal List after JCP&L inspected it. The Environmental Commission liaison reported on manual removal of invasive water chestnuts and noted high river salt levels, confirming participation in the Green Fair on April 13th. Business items focused on planning for the "Red Goes Green" event on 4/13, where a Tree Walk, seed distribution, and rock painting were suggested. Plans for Arbor Day on 4/26 include posthumously honoring Ron Lomerson, and a vote was taken to purchase 100 White Pine saplings. The Commission is also developing Tree Ordinances through NJSTF sessions, focusing on the required Replacement Tree Ordinance for stormwater management.