Tree Commission

Meetings

The Tree Commission meets approximately six times per year. Public hearings are conducted in the evenings. See the events calendar for more information on upcoming meetings.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • Catherine Dauler
  • William Elmendorf
  • Kirk Galley
  • Lynn Herman (CHAIR)
  • Elaine Schuckers (VICE-CHAIR)

The Tree Commission consists of five members, at least two of which are professionals in forestry, horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, landscape architecture or related fields. Members are appointed by Council to serve three-year terms.

Overview

The Tree Commission advises the Director of Public Works and the Arborist on the planting, maintenance and removal of trees. Members are also responsible for preparing and maintaining a Master Plan for street trees and may solicit and accept contributions.

Public Hearings

The Commission conducts public hearings when new trees are planted on, or removed from, public property. Members also hear appeals from property owners who feel they have been aggrieved by staff's decision to remove or treat trees on private property.

Additional Information

  1. Goals & Objectives

Goal Number 1

Provide diligent management and protection of all public trees in the Borough to promote the integrity, vitality, safety, and extent of our Urban Forest.

Objectives

  • Plant, remove, maintain, protect and replace public trees in all parts of the Borough, consistent with sound urban forestry principles and according to best arboricultural management practices.
  • Prune younger trees one or more times within the first five years to improve branch structure and growth habit.
  • Continue to oversee the tree resource in Borough parks to promote tree safety, health and diversity, and to contribute to the purposes of both the parks and the larger urban forest context.
  • Aggressively enforce violations of the Street Tree Ordinance and "Rules and Regulations for Arbor Work."

Goal Number 2

Engage in systematic, timely, and responsive planning of the Borough's urban forest in a way that embraces full community participation.

Objectives

  • Promote and engage public understanding, support, and ideas for the tree program.
  • Provide regular and interactive opportunities for citizen involvement with the Commission as we mutually consider trees along public roads and in our parks.
  • Regularly review the Recommended Tree List and add or delete trees, if necessary.
  1. Mission
  1. Publications