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Paramus commission discusses ash removals, stormwater compliance and equipment shortfalls ahead of Arbor Day
Summary
Commission staff reported crews are nearly finished winter removals and will move to ash removals (about 300 ash trees remain); members raised concerns about municipal compliance with a pending New Jersey stormwater management plan and aging equipment that limits operations. Paramus will host the state Arbor Day celebration as part of its 50th Tree City USA anniversary.
Commission members on Jan. 14 heard operational updates from staff and raised policy and resource concerns that could affect upcoming planting and removal work.
Superintendent-level staff told the board that crews are nearly finished scheduled winter removals and will next focus on ash removals; staff said there are "about 300 ash trees remaining in town, but not all need to be removed." The report also noted about 10 streets with sycamores still require dormant pruning this winter.
Steven Campbell said the New Jersey storm water management plan "has not been introduced or adopted yet" and expressed concern about compliance because the rule would be mandatory from the State of New Jersey. W.R. Comery and F. Rizzo told the commission they were unwilling to act until the mayor and council address the matter, saying it is the governing body's responsibility.
Commissioners and staff also discussed equipment and capital needs. A. Hios praised crew performance removing a tree on his street but said the age and condition of the equipment used to do the work was "embarrassing." J. Weber asked for the commission's capital request forms so long-lead procurement or replacement can be pursued.
W.R. Comery reported that Paramus will mark its 50th anniversary as a Tree City USA participant and has been asked by the state to host this year's Arbor Day; the state will provide free trees. Staff said they have identified three planting areas around Borough Hall and will involve volunteers and Paramus students in spring plantings and large-tree transplants.
No formal policy action on the stormwater matter or equipment purchases was taken at the meeting; commissioners indicated follow-up with the governing body and possible future capital requests.
