Above / While vacationing last week, a 175-year-old scarlet oak tree in Chatham, New Jersey, reminded us about the importance of public comments and informed constituents during City Council meetings. (PN Photo)
A week ago while on a road trip back East, we visited a farmer’s market in the parking lot of the Chatham Train Station, adjacent to a large school yard graced by a 175-year-old scarlet oak tree. The area surrounding the beautiful landmark tree had been cordoned off to prevent folks from walking underneath it.
As we engaged in conversation, we encountered a member of the Chatham Borough Shade Tree Commission. We were informed that the Mayor and Council were set to discuss the life of the aging tree with the intent to remove it in the interest of public safety. The discussion had been placed on the Borough Council agenda for Mon., Aug. 10.
We also learned that as in Naperville, the meeting would be broadcast live on cable TV. We watched.
At issue was that the Chatham Borough Shade Tree Commission, supported by professional opinions from two independent Certified Arborists, had determined that while the oak tree needed pruning and treatment for ants and fungus, it was otherwise healthy and possibly could live another 30 years.
The Mayor and Council did not agree with the Shade Tree Commission’s assessment and asked them to revisit their decision. When the Shade Tree Commission held its ground, local elected officials decided to include a motion to discuss abolishing the volunteer commission in order to override their unanimous decision.
Since 1909, the Chatham Borough Shade Tree Commission has had authority — the State of New Jersey’s Shade Tree Federation was not established until 1926 — to plant and maintain trees along parkways and municipal open spaces.
Chatham, New Jersey, has a population of 8,500. The August 10 meeting attracted many articulate voices, all of whom expressed thoughtful concerns in strong opposition to the Borough Council’s view regarding the future of the large oak and a resolution aimed to abolish the Shade Tree Commission.
As we watched, we also recalled reports in the local newspaper about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) that recently has been discovered infesting ash trees along the New Jersey border.  In our opinion, mindful of Naperville’s success with treating EAB, the abolition of the Chatham Borough Shade Tree Commission would have major consequences as their community embraces the necessary awareness campaign and treatments to save their ash.
Thanks to passionate public input, by the end of the meeting, the Chatham Borough Council conceded that they needed more information before making a decision.
Special Naperville City Council attracts few comments
By contrast, the Naperville City Council Special Meeting scheduled on Tues., Aug. 11, was held to discuss the City’s future and long-term financial strategy. City Council Chambers with seats for approximately 250 individuals was mostly occupied by City staff.
Above / Naperville Finance Director Rachel Mayer presented a financial plan with principles and staff recommendations to City Council members. (PN Photo)
Lower than usual attendance likely was the result of many residents’ being on vacation as the summer wraps up and families prepare for the new school year.
Out of town Tuesday ourselves and unable to attend the special meeting (our photographer attended), by the end of the day on Thursday we had watched the 3.5-hour meeting — some parts more than once — saved in the City’s archive at www.Naperville.il.us where folks can watch all council meetings and workshops on demand.
Long-term Financial Strategy
Three members of the community spoke during public comment to address the City’s financial proposals.
During the detailed discussion that followed (Click here to watch special meeting video), the City Council altered and approved three principles previously proposed.
- Principle No. 1:Â The City will pass a structurally balanced operating budget annually.
- Principle No. 2:Â The City commits to continuous improvement in the delivery of necessary and cost-effective services.
- Principle No. 3:Â The City will actively seek to increase its reserves to 25 percent and reduce its debt by 25 percent in the next eight years.
The first two principles were approved unanimously, while the third principle was not supported by Council members Kevin Coyne, Patty Gustin and Paul Hinterlong.
Above / Council members Paul Hinterlong and Patty Gustin queried the proposals. (PN Photo)
After the meeting that included a discussion of new revenue streams — including a Home Rule Sales Tax (City staff recommends 1 percent Home Rule Sales Tax.) and higher fee for garbage and recycling pick-up (from $2 to $12.35/monthly) — some residents have expressed surprise at the state of the city’s financial shape, shortage of reserves and its projecting a budget deficit of $5 million to $7 million for the coming fiscal year.
Note also that beginning Jan. 1, 2016, the City’s fiscal year will change to run with the calendar year.
We know it’s complicated.
From public comment to boards and commissions
Still, our observation also notes that in a city with roughly 145,000 residents not nearly the ratio of residents opined as they did in Chatham Borough where dozens of residents showed up to express their desire to save the historic Shade Tree Commission and its support of a 175-year-old scarlet oak.
Just as the discussion in New Jersey, however, the solution to the financial strategy that will serve the city best likely will happen with more citizen input and awareness during the current budget process.
This city’s roots run deep with resident involvement on boards and commissions as well as creative problem solving.
Here’s hoping folks who recently were appointed to the Financial Advisory Board as it expanded from five to seven members will bring some municipal bond experience into the discussion.
Pay attention!Â
Town Hall Meeting / 7PM Mon., Aug. 17, in Council Chambers.
City Council Meeting / 7PM Tues., Aug. 18, in Council Chambers.
Knowing the facts, sharing ideas, considering unintended consequences and thinking independently are invaluable when creating public policy. Participate this week. Ask questions. All fresh ideas are encouraged.
Good public policy needs adequate time and plenty of input for the best outcome.
—PN
