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Finance Committee backs $220,000‑plus forestry package for tree inventory, plantings and crane removals
Summary
The Finance Committee recommended a warrant article to fund a multi-part forestry program: finish a GIS-linked tree inventory, outsource additional street tree plantings (about 100 trees), and contract crane-assisted removals (estimated 10–20 trees). Committee members discussed long-term recurring needs and potential operating-budget placement.
The Finance Committee on March 12 recommended approval of a warrant article to fund forestry management work including completion of a town-wide street-tree inventory, an expanded planting program and crane-assisted removals of hazardous large trees.
Staff described three components: (1) complete the tree inventory and integrate it into GIS so the town can better target removals and plantings; (2) outsource additional plantings to roughly double the town’s annual planting capacity (the presentation estimated approximately 100 planted trees under the plan); and (3) contract a crane crew for several days to remove large, hazardous trees (estimated 10–20 trees depending on size and location). The presenter noted the town’s in-house crew has three certified arborists but limited hourly capacity.
Keris (planning/DPW staff) outlined a proposed budget split: roughly $10,000 for survey/inventory work, about $110,000 to purchase and install new trees, and the balance for removals and crane work. Town staff said the setback planting program (resident-requested plantings where the resident maintains the tree after the first year) would remain available and that in-town nursery stock is used to reduce costs for some plantings. Committee members discussed the relationship between sidewalk work and tree plantings, maintenance responsibility after the first year, and the town’s current backlog of dead or diseased trees due to invasive pests.
The committee voted by roll call to recommend approval of the forestry article. Staff said they will issue procurement documents (IFB/RFP) for planting and for scheduled crane removals and will report progress to the Finance Committee.
