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Select Board reviews tree‑mitigation plan, town‑hall repairs and sign improvements
Summary
The board discussed a properties committee plan to remove hazard trees (proposed 3:1 replacement ratio), quotes for town‑hall storm windows ($10,000 materials) and gutters ($3,300), and ideas to upgrade the town welcome sign and add a fire‑danger indicator; committee to coordinate contractors and arborist documentation.
Members of the properties committee presented several facility and landscape items the Select Board discussed on May 19, including a tree‑mitigation proposal, town‑hall exterior work, and improvements to the welcome sign area.
On the tree plan, the committee proposed contracting with Jimmy Wilds to cut hazard trees, grind stumps and assess salvageable lumber; the committee recommended replanting at a 3:1 replacement ratio and monitoring plantings for two to three years.
"For every tree we take out, we're going to plant three and then monitor them for a two‑year period or three year period," the properties committee speaker said. The committee said it will coordinate timing with an arborist and with Jim (crew) to schedule removals and stump grinding.
For the town hall, committee members reported a $3,300 quote for gutters and a separate estimate of about $10,000 for storm windows (materials only) to protect older windows; members noted the building has about 15 differently sized openings and discussed preserving historic fabric while improving energy performance. A historic‑preservation consultant is scheduled to advise on the building's condition and appropriate repairs.
The board also discussed landscaping and safety around the town welcome sign: using gravel and rocks to deter vehicle access, adding planters that won’t trap moisture against the sign, and replacing or recreating the Jeremy Squam sign if needed. The group discussed removing an unused plastic "burn permit" sign and possibly adding a classic fire‑danger indicator sign near the electrical box; the fire department's participation was undecided.
No formal procurement motions were recorded in the meeting minutes; the committee outlined next steps (contract coordination, arborist plan development, and obtaining final bids) and will return with recommendations and cost details for contract authorization.
Next steps: committee to prepare contractor quotes and arborist documentation and report back to the board for formal authorization.
