January 17, 2019

Ms. Malanga asked Mr. Szura to explain the purpose of trees in a parking lot; he said there are a number of reasons. Mr. Szura said that among the reasons are that they provide shade and produce oxygen. Ms. Malanga asked Mr. Szura to describe the heat island effect in the parking lot is; he said it refers to paved surfaces getting hotter and staying hotter in the summer months. Ms. Malanga asked Mr. Szura if the temperature in a parking lot is higher; he said yes. Ms. Malanga asked Mr. Szura if the trees in the parking lot are related to the aesthetics; he said yes. Ms. Malanga asked Mr. Szura how many years will it take for the new trees to provide shade; he said they provide shade right away. Ms. Malanga asked Mr. Szura if they provided a detailed list of the current species of trees, their size measurements and whether they are a major or minor tree; he said no. Ms. Malanga stated what certain elements in the Township’s tree ordinance are required to be submitted by the applicant. Chairman Neuer asked Mr. Szura if he submitted what Ms. Malanga just read from the Township’s tree ordinance that she asserts is required; he said no. Chairman Neuer instructed Mr. Regan to submit the elements in the Township’s tree ordinance that are required as part of an application of development. Mr. Regan stated that they will review the Township’s tree ordinance again. He said that they submitted a tree removal application for a permit and a landscape plan identifying all of the trees. Mr. Regan said that they will submit whatever is required to be submitted. Chairman Neuer advised Ms. Malanga that she will have the opportunity to continue with her questions at another meeting. John Linson, Township Forester, approached the podium and was sworn under oath. Mr. Linson stated that he prepared a report and visited the site. He said that originally the applicant did not give him a list of the trees on the site that they were proposing to remove. Mr. Linson said that he met with them on the site and defined what trees will be removed and those that will be transplanted on site. Mr. Linson said that he would like the Board to require a snow removal plan that requires the applicant to either cart the snow off site or put it near a catch basin so that the snow/salt does not damage the new trees.