Parks and trees update: Arbor Day recap, tree removals defended by arborist; cemetery GIS work and a fishing derby this weekend

Melissa (staff) gave the committee the monthly parks and tree update, reporting that staff removed one spurred tree near the rear of the old church parking lot and that a certified arborist has consulted and performed treatments on trees in the square.

The Arbor Day event drew about 20 people; staff included event photos in the meeting packet and noted that the mayor read an Arbor Day proclamation, a requirement for the community's Tree City USA designation. Staff also thanked partners at Delaware Soil and Water for providing a rain-barrel demonstration and seedlings and promoted an education program that can yield a $50 rebate for participants who complete the training.

During public comment, Holly Smith, a new Sunbury resident, asked why trees appeared to have been cleared and whether staff could have planned the park around the trees. A presenter and staff responded that removals were made based on arborist recommendations and tree health assessments and were not taken lightly. "He identified some trees that we might wanna remove just because of their health and condition," the presenter said.

Staff also reported that cemetery data are being input into a GIS database to create an accessible tool for the cemetery clerk and service team, with plans to make it public-facing in the future. The parks team noted three burials in the month. For reservoirs, staff reported an aggressive goose nest at one reservoir and warned derby organizers; trout are scheduled to be stocked on Friday and the Jackson Preston Memorial Fishing Derby is set for Saturday.

The committee set its next regular meeting for June 3 at 5:30 p.m. (location to be determined) and then adjourned.