Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves tree-preservation release, reviews snow and ash-removal operations and seeks guidance on state storm-water rule
Summary
The commission signed off on a Tree Preservation Release, recapped snow and ash-removal work and discussed whether a state Storm Water Management Plan could require private-property tree regulation; borough attorney Geoffrey Mueller said zoning likely handles the issue and he will consult the governing body.
At its Feb. 11 meeting the Paramus Shade Tree & Parks Commission voted to release a Tree Preservation Release recommended by Superintendent Steven Campbell and discussed several operational updates and legal questions.
Campbell told the commission the Tree Preservation Release presented "no issues," and a motion to release the item was made by B. Goggin, seconded by F. Ehlers and approved unanimously. Campbell also reported that recent heavy snow had slowed removal work but that snow operations are now complete; the borough clears snow at borough buildings, fire houses, ambulance companies, easements and overpasses and held coordination meetings before the storms. He said winter removals are resuming and the department will continue with a program of ash removals.
In council and chair remarks, commissioners said several motor-vehicle accidents have damaged borough trees and that claims have been submitted for replacement or repair. The spring planting bid is expected to be advertised around March 14.
Under old business, Commissioner F. Rizzo revisited prior discussion of a state-mandated Storm Water Management Plan and asked whether it could require regulation of tree removal on private property. Commissioners noted the borough does not have access to private property and that the borough would need to pass an ordinance to regulate private-property removals. Geoffrey Mueller, introduced by Chair W.R. Comery as the commission's new borough attorney, said the question "seems like something zoning would handle generally speaking" and that he would inquire with the governing body and report back.
Procedural motions were routine: authorization to pay bills was moved by F. Ehlers, seconded by A. Hios and recorded as passed unanimously. The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn by B. Goggin, seconded by F. Rizzo.
The commission also noted it will host the state's 50th Arbor Day celebration; no further action on the storm-water/tree-regulation question was taken at this meeting.
