Notes from the Agricultural and Forestry Commission November 1 Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Matt Boudreau, Chair
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Shelby Marshall
• Via Zoom: Erik Rasmussen and Patrick White

Also present: Michael Canales, Town Administrator, Chuck Cardillo

1. Minutes of the last meeting accepted as written.
2. Tree City — should Stockbridge become a tree city?
   1. Bozzuto did not see a downside. Upsides include possibly more stature with funders, receipt of the "Urban Forester", Arbor Day newsletter, and seedlings.
   2. Rasmussen thought there were downsides: gathering statistics and holding public hearing if a tree is to be cut down.
   3. Since the representative from Tree City (Julie) could not attend, the vote was deferred.
3. Canales reported: It is in our bylaws that for the Tree Warden to cut down an otherwise healthy tree, a non-invasive tree, or tree not endangering property, he has to hold a public hearing. Canales pointed out right now there are trees slated to be cut down on Park Street, Rattlesnake Mountain Road, and at the Town Beach. The Tree Warden will hold a public hearing November 5 (see Notes from Public Hearing below)
4. The Chair wanted to collect relevant data into one easy-to-access reference.
5. Chair also wished to change the bylaw establishing a larger, five-member Commission.
   1. A five-member Commission would require the presence of three members (a quorum) present to conduct a meeting and pass measures.
   2. There would be more members available to conduct the Commission's business and "handle the workload"
   3. A motion was made and passed to request the Select Board to increase the number of members.
6. Bozzuto confirmed that the grant application for funds to inject Hemlocks in Ice Glen was being submitted on time by Canales.

Meeting adjourned

Ice Glen steps. Photo: Patrick White.