The Long Branch City Council convened on July 10, 2024, with a focus on environmental sustainability through the introduction of a new ordinance aimed at tree preservation and management. The meeting commenced with a roll call, noting the absence of several council members, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of the council's mission statement, emphasizing community trust and respect.

A significant agenda item was the public hearing for Ordinance 0 16-24, which amends existing regulations regarding tree removal and replacement. This ordinance is a response to requirements set forth by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, aimed at mitigating soil erosion, reducing pollution runoff, and enhancing public health and safety.

During the public hearing, Nan Simon, a member of the Environmental Commission and Green Team, expressed strong support for the ordinance. She highlighted the importance of trees for stormwater management and noted a concerning 10% decline in Long Branch's tree canopy over the past 12 years. Simon emphasized the need for community engagement to foster a culture of tree preservation and replacement.

However, concerns were raised by residents regarding the financial implications of the ordinance. Vincent Laporte questioned the introduction of a $25 application fee for tree removal and a $100 fee per tree to be paid into a tree fund, which he argued adds to the financial burden on property owners already facing high taxes. The council clarified that the $100 fee is not for the removal itself but rather a contribution to a fund dedicated to tree replacement efforts.

The council is set to further discuss the ordinance and its associated resolutions, including the hiring of a certified tree expert, as they navigate the balance between environmental stewardship and community concerns. The police department will be tasked with enforcing the new regulations once enacted.