Chris McManemin Resigns From Shade Tree Commission

Longtime Bernards Township Shade Tree Commission member Chris McManemin has resigned for personal reasons. His resignation leaves a gap in both the tree ordinance sub-committee and the commission itself.

"We will miss his participation in meetings and activities, and his willingness to always jump in and get the job done," chairman Randy Santoro said at the commission's meeting Wednesday night.

A motion to formally thank McManemin was unanimously approved by the commission. With his departure, the commission is looking to fill the vacancy. Members urge anyone interested to download the Tap the Talent form on the township website, fill it out, and submit it.

The commission also discussed the finalization of a  that has come to its conclusion. The commission now has to document how the money was spent and submit the information to the state, which responsible for doling out the federal funds.

Safety pruning is also an ongoing project for the commission.  The ultimate goal is to clean-up growths that could be hazardous to residents. The commission discussed ways to inform the public about the purpose of the pruning they see outside of their homes or around town.  Creating a description for their website might be the best means of informing township residents, commission members decided.

All of the trees discussed at the Shade Tree meeting on June 16 have been planted, and now the commission is shifting its focus to autumn.

"We're working to get a fall planting list before September," said Santoro.  The objective is to start fall planting in October.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m.