THE VILLAGE OF HAWTHORN WOODS

ENVIROMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING

January 15, 2004

7:30 P.M.

 

 

The meeting was called to order by Trustee Riess at 7:35 p.m.

 

Present:            Ms. Felice

                        Mr. Heraty

                        Mr. Pearlman

                        Mr. Dixon

 

Absent: Mr. Bickley

                        Ms. Schweitzer

 

Also Present:    Trustee Riess, Liaison

 

I.          APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

 

A motion was made by Mr. Dixon, seconded by Mr. Pearlman to approve the September, October and November minutes.  On a voice vote the motion carried unanimously.

 

II.                OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE

 

None this month

 

Mr. Bickley arrived at 7:40 p.m.

 

III.             TREE ORDINANCE

 

Trustee Riess stated he received an e-mail from a trustee asking what the differences were between the old tree ordinance and the proposed new ordinance.  As a result, Trustee Riess asked Mr. Pearlman to prepare a spreadsheet highlighting the differences.  Mr. Dixon noted that the Village staff has a difficult time interpreting the current tree ordinance.

 

Mr. Dixon stated he’s been in touch with Rich Berglund from the Care of Trees.  Mr. Berglund informed Mr. Dixon that the State of Michigan is having a problem with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), which attacks Ash trees.  Currently, the State of Illinois does not have any reports of EAB, however, Mr. Dixon would like to position the Village now to address this problem if it occurs.  Mr. Dixon provided the Committee with some written documentation.  Mr. Dixon commented that the lumber would have to be disposed of properly to eliminate the risk of EAB.  Mr. Dixon provided the following documentation from the Care of Trees:

 

            “The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), an exotic, lethal pest to ash (Fraxinus sp.)  was probably introduced into Michigan from Asia in wood packing material at least five years ago.  The insect kills ash by feeding beneath the bark in cambial tissues, the tree’s water and nutrient conducting vessels.  Significance of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB):  The EAB is so destructive to Ash trees that trees may die within 2-3 years of becoming infested.  At this time, all species and varieties of Ash seem to be susceptible but differences in rates of decline may become known.  Trees often advance in decline, beyond salvage, in just a few months after initial infestations by the insect.  If not contained, the potential epidemic resulting from EAB could rival Dutch elm disease, as the insect may advance across North America.  States which become infested could lose billions in forest products, and quarantines imposed by state and federal agencies may have dire consequences for plant and wood products industries.  Cities and Townships have invested heavily in Ash over the past several decades because of the tree’s unique tolerance to less than ideal planting sites; costs to now remove these trees is staggering.  Individual homeowners will pay thousands each year to try to maintain their ashes or to have trees removed.  It is unknown what the environmental impact will be but anytime a dominant species is lost, we should be very concerned about the stability of our ecosystem.” 

 

Trustee Riess left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

 

The Environmental Committee is proposing the following language for a new ordinance:  “The village shall utilize a certified arborist to semi-annually inspect trees throughout the Village with the purpose of identifying diseased trees.  A tree is “diseased” if it poses an immediate threat of spreading disease resulting in the demise of other trees.  The Village shall have the right to order the removal of diseased trees within a specified period of time and proper disposal of said trees as prescribed by a certified arborist at the owner’s expense.   Failure of the owner to act will result in the removal by the Village and cost will be billed to the owner.  Lien will be attached for non-payment”. 

 

Ms. Felice asked about the Village inspecting trees semi-annually.  Mr. Dixon stated the cost of such semi-annual inspection would be $1,500 to $2,000 to hire a certified arborist.

 

            On a motion by Mr. Dixon and a second by Mr. Pearlman, the Environmental Committee recommends to the Village Board the above mentioned language for ordinance.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

            Mr. Dixon stated that he would not like for this information to be attached to the tree ordinance, because it may not be passed in time for it to be useful by the first of May.  If this is to be affective, it must be in place by May 1st. 

 

IV.       NEW BUSINESS

 

            None this month.

 

On a motion by Mr. Dixon and a second by Mr. Heraty, the Environmental Committee adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

_____________________________                          _____________________________

John Bickley, Chairperson                                            Donna Lobaito, Recording

                                                                                    Secretary