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Committee discusses town tree replacements and proposes lift purchase instead of new truck for DPW
Summary
Members reviewed several dead or problematic town trees (dead ash, stumps on Federal Street, sycamores) and discussed replacement plans; they also debated prioritizing a tracked lift (to be trailer-transported) in the DPW budget instead of a new bucket truck to improve planting and maintenance capacity.
Committee members reviewed multiple town trees identified for removal or replacement and discussed equipment options for the Department of Public Works that they said would improve planting and maintenance capacity.
Members identified a dead ash tree, two stumps on Federal Street (including the site at 6 Federal), and several older sycamore maples that may need attention. They discussed replacing specific trees — including on Main Street and at the library parking lot — and agreed to mark and prioritize sites for replacement plantings this season. One member said he has seedlings from Arbor Day growing at home and suggested using high-branch cultivars where available.
The group discussed DPW equipment needs at length. Several members said buying a tracked lift (a lift on tracks that can be trailered) would allow the crew to reach under and over power lines and to perform some pruning and planting tasks that are difficult with current tools. A committee member contrasted the lift cost with a new bucket truck and said the tracked lift would be substantially less expensive and more versatile for tree work. The same member asked that the lift be considered as an alternative budget priority instead of a new truck in the upcoming budget cycle.
Members also discussed funding and contractor availability. A committee member reported that “Sam spent his money in the contract,” meaning the contractor’s allocated funds are exhausted and the committee needs to plan alternatives for upcoming work. They agreed to bring equipment and planting plans to the next conversations with DPW and budget staff.
The committee concluded by asking members to continue site visits, to prepare a replacement list, and to coordinate scheduling for plantings when machines and contractors are available.
