Any and all corrections to the following minutes will be made at the 04/20/00 Board of Selectmen's Meeting and are considered unapproved until then. Corrections will be noted in the minutes of that meeting.

PRESENT:
Selectmen: Jesse Anderson, Richard Dowley and Carter Van Iderstine.

Absent: Mike Rohan and Lynn Bedell

Also Present: William C. Guenther, Tree Warden, June Williams, Donald Williams, Patricia Williams, Earle Stebbins, Bea MacFarland and Doris Knechtel, Administrative Assistant.

1. CALL TO ORDER

        William Guenther, Tree Warden, called the Public Hearing to order at 7:03 p.m.

2. PUBLIC HEARING - LARGE WHITE PINES

        The hearing is being held according to 24 V.S.A. Chapter 67 S 2509 to determine whether or not the tree or trees shall be removed. A hearing is not required when a tree or trees is "infested with or infected by a recognized tree pest, or when it constitutes a hazard to public safety." "In all cases the decision of the tree warden shall be final except that when the tree warden is an interested party or when a party in interest so requests in writing, such final decision shall be made by the legislative body of the municipality."

       Although these two trees do not require a public hearing, W. Guenther felt that the public interest and attention to these trees would warrant a hearing. Wm. Guenther indicated that he has been in the area for 10 years serving as the County Forester. He has kept a record of the size and condition of these two large white pine trees over the years. In April of 1999 a report was issued by Barbara Burns, Forest Insect and Disease Specialist. In the evaluation report, the tree further from the intersection (Tree #2) received a risk rating of 12 on a High Risk scale of 6-12. The tree closer to the intersection (Tree #1) received a 6 on a Low Risk scale of 0-6. The evaluation risk is based on potential targets and defects that apply. Her recommendation is to remove Tree #2. If Tree #1 is to be retained, additional coring would be needed and insecticide treatment of the beetles would be essential, which may come to naught because of the severity of the beetle infestation. Tree 31 is in a period of decline. Tree #2 was hit by lightning about 120 feet up. The Tree Warden asked for comments from the public. P. Williams indicated that for many years she has seen many branches come down, taking the power and electrical lines down at the same time. E. Stebbins will not drive under the trees during times of heavy snow and/or winds. It is too dangerous. D. Williams stated that the trees have been up fifteen (15) year too long.

       Photos were supplied by C. Van Iderstine showing a recent storm where a branch came down taking the wires down going to Bea MacFarland's house. The photos will be put in the files. Wm. Guenther indicated that it is the nature of the species to have the branches break off in this manner.

       J. Anderson questioned what effect the taking down of Tree #2 would have on Tree #1. The two trees are no longer cabled together. On an economy of scales, why not remove both at the same time. The cost would be greater to remove them separately. The health of Tree #1 will not improve with time. A public hearing was held by the then Tree Warden, Carleton Chaffee, on July 21st, 1983. It was recommended at that time to remove both trees. A petition was received to save the trees and they were not removed. Wm. Guenther estimates the trees to be between 175 - 180 years old. Wm. Guenther asked if there was anyone present who felt that the trees should remain. No response was heard from those present. He then asked if those present felt that the trees should be removed. All were in favor of removal because of the public safety hazard. Wm. Guenther will write a report for the Board of Selectmen of his findings as a result of the hearing.

      The cost of removal was also discussed. J. Williams indicated that she was willing to pay for the tree removal in 1983 but can no longer afford the expense. The trees are within the town highway right of way on her property. Estimates were received last year from D & E Tree Company, Inc. For $2,800 and from Bartlett Tree Experts for $2,425, both include removal of limb from tree in front of B. MacFarland's house. A crane would be required. Both CVPS and Bell Atlantic have been contacted by Wm. Guenther. Bell Atlantic will not supply any funds for a removal project and CVPS will not remove the 2 white pines but will provide services necessary to make their lines safe. When the time comes, the Selectmen will send out specific bid specifications for the removal of the trees. Wm. Guenther indicated that he will be available at the time of the tree removal to capture any worth that may exist in the value of the trees.

3. ADJOURNMENT

The Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. by William Guenther, Tree Warden.

Doris A. Knechtel
Administrative Assistant
Newfane Board of Selectmen

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