Merchantville Shade Tree Commission approves minutes, readies spring plantings as grant funds await state sign-off

The Merchantville Shade Tree Commission met at Merchantville Borough Hall on March 12, 2026, approved meeting minutes and discussed spring tree plantings, an updated priority removal list, pending grant funds and potential budget cuts that could limit removals.

Councilman Ray Woods said he attended the borough budget meeting and was told there would be across-the-board cuts; he advised the commission to expect a cut to its budget and said he will ask that the number of tree removals be capped so funding can be prioritized for new plantings. The commission discussed planting logistics: Commissioner Lynn Geddes said the new trees are expected the third week of March and described preparations including site selection, obtaining mulch, cutting wire fencing around recent plantings and preparing notices for residents who may receive curb-strip trees.

Commissioner John Feldan reported that final steps on the NJUCF Green Communities grant are complete and that grant award funds will be direct-deposited pending final approval from involved state agencies. The commission also noted Councilman Ray Woods submitted the NJUCF 2025 Annual Accomplishment Report on Feb. 16 and that the Tree City USA 2025 application, also submitted Feb. 16, was pending review.

On tree removals and maintenance, Commissioner Alice Diamond said she compiled the ArborPro inventory to identify Priority 1 and Priority 2 removals, updated the list for trees already removed, and prepared a smaller highest-priority list for DPW to address; she said she will continue validating and updating that list. Resident Ed Marx reported a potentially hazardous limb on a Community Center tree; Councilman Ray Woods said he would have the Department of Public Works inspect it. Resident Elizabeth Lynch reported a storm-damaged tree at 30 East Walnut Avenue that DPW had removed; Commissioner Diamond requested that, going forward, a commissioner be contacted to inspect reported damaged trees before DPW takes action.

Under New Business the commission recorded two motions to approve meeting minutes. First, Councilman Ray Woods moved and Commissioner Lynn Geddes seconded a motion to approve the minutes (transcript records Commissioner Alice Diamond in favor and Commissioner John Feldan abstaining); the minutes were approved. Second, Commissioner Alice Diamond moved and Councilman Ray Woods seconded a separate approval motion (the transcript repeats 'January minutes' for both motions); again Commissioner John Feldan abstained and the motion passed. (The transcript repeats the word "January" for both motions; the record indicates approvals with Feldan abstaining on each motion.)

Councilman Ray Woods asked commissioners to begin using a shared Google Drive for MSTC documents, to establish officer roles and duties (chair, vice chair, secretary, minutes, email) and to assemble a list of nurseries and contractors. He also asked commissioners to think about Arbor Day activities. Resident James Hickey requested information on tree ordinances; Woods said he would follow up with the requested information.

The commission recorded outreach from state entities: a "NJ Department of Environmental News" email offering social-media outreach resources and an inquiry from the NJ Forest Service about Merchantville's maple syrup project; Commissioner Lynn Geddes connected the Forest Service with the residents running that project.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.