Commission seeks contractor communications after planted trees failed on Nature Trail; retainage already released

The Conservation Commission heard Tuesday that several trees planted along the Nature Trail failed to survive the summer and asked staff to obtain the contractor communications and a replacement plan.

Commissioners said four to six oak plantings appeared dead or stressed; Justin (staff member) said the director had emailed the contractor noting the trees' poor condition and that staff had asked for copies of that correspondence but had not yet received them. "The director did reach out, with, you know, high importance telling the contractor that the trees were in very abysmal shape and that they were probably going to need to replace them," Justin said.

Commissioners pressed for clarity on maintenance responsibilities, watering schedules and whether the species planted were appropriate for the site. One commissioner noted retainage had already been released at the final pay request because the grant funding that financed the project required full expenditure before expiration, and commissioners asked staff to confirm whether any contractual remedies remained available.

The commission asked Justin to resend the request for copied correspondence and to follow up with the director and contractor; Justin said he would do so the next day. Commissioners also asked staff to request the contractor’s maintenance plan and a schedule for replacement plantings if required.

No new funding was authorized at the meeting. Commissioners agreed to track the issue and requested that staff provide the correspondence and a status update at the next meeting.