Minutes of the September 17, 2007 meeting of The West Pittston Shade Tree Commission

The regular monthly meeting of the West Pittston Shade Tree Commission was held on Monday, September 17, 2007, at 7:00p.m., in the meeting room of the West Pittston Borough Building. Commission members answering roll call: Pres. McHugh, Vice-President Berti, Treasurer Orth, Assistant Treasurer Barr and Secretary Mansi.

On motion of McHugh, seconded by Barr, minutes of the August 20, 2007 meeting were approved.

A. Treasurer Orth reported an account balance of $10,026.17.

B. Deposit was made as follows: $180.00 (resident ornament orders).

C. Received check in amount $100.00 for replacement from Atty Bufalino.

D. On motion of McHugh seconded by Barr accepted bonding cost of treasurer Orth for amount $250.00 (coverage amount: $10,000).

E. On motion of Mansi seconded by Barr accepted the treasurer’s report through 9/20/07.

III. Unfinished Business and New Business

A. 726 Montgomery (Agolino): By unanimous vote agreed to request amount of $175.00 ($100.00 for replacement and $75.00 for labor costs) from resident for unauthorized tree removal. Pres. McHugh to follow up with a letter to the homeowner requesting that reimbursement is received by our next regularly scheduled meeting otherwise lien litigation may follow.

B. Reminder to Contractors: By unanimous vote agreed it was necessary to remind contractors registered with the borough of West Pittston that they must confirm a permit had been received by the homeowner prior to commencement of work otherwise they may face potential fines. Pres. McHugh to follow up with a letter to the contractors.

C. Ornaments: On motion of McHugh seconded by Barr, authorized Sec. Mansi to make any necessary decisions concerning sale of the sesquicentennial ornament sale. Sec. Mansi to follow up with a profit report.

D. Young Decayed Inventory: An inventory of young decayed trees is in progress. A compiled list from commissioners should also include any trees that had been topped.

E. Applications: 301 Montgomery (Miller) by unanimous vote agreed to forward a letter to the homeowner requesting a replacement amount of $100.00 for unauthorized removal of one tree on said tree lawn. Since the homeowner does not want a replacement the funds will be utilized for planting within the borough. Sec. Mansi to follow up with a letter to be hand delivered by zoning Officer Henry O’Dell. 512 Luzerne (Occhiato) by unanimous vote accepted removal request. 508 Susquehanna (Markarian) to be tabled until the WPSTC verifies the tree in question. 201 York (Dotter) Assisstant Treasurer Barr to follow up with the homeowner to discuss pruning, possible removal and replacement by the WPSTC. By unanimous vote authorized Barr to make the final decision. 128 Linden (Green) by unanimous vote with treasurer Orth abstaining, agree to removal of the large maple and pruning of the October glory maple.

F. Unauthorized Removal: 905-907 Wyoming Avenue (homeowner to be verified) removed one mountain ash without authorization from the WPSTC. Sec. Mansi to follow up with a letter once homeowner has been verified with Secretary Ellen Riddle.

G. Damaged Tree: Tunkhannock Ave. (Dennis). A letter to the homeowner had been mailed by Atty. Bufalino requesting removal of hazardous tree on behalf of the WPSTC. By unanimous vote agreed to wait until the next regularly scheduled meeting to determine how to proceed if the homeowner does not remove tree as requested.

H. Fall Planting Program: On motion of McHugh seconded by Berti, agreed to charge homeowners $75.00 for trees planted during the fall beautification project. Homeowners who had placed a deposit of $100.00 would be reimbursed $25.00.

I. Trees in Memoriam: By unanimous vote agreed to forward a letter to the Wyoming Area School Board concerning the WPSTC offer to place trees in memoriam for Mr. Jake Sobeski and Ms. Sharon DeAngelo.

V. Adjournment

On motion of McHugh, seconded by Barr, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.