TOWN OF BATH COUNCIL MEETING  Tuesday, February 7, 2023  1. CALL TO ORDER: @ 5:30pm by Mayor.  2. ROLL CALL: Scott Merki (X) Susan Webster (X) Chris Chapman (A) Rose Jackson (X) 3. REVIEW OF MINUTES: Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 17, 2023 were The Mayor requested that the agenda be amended to bring forward Parks & Rec. MOTION: To amend the agenda as requested- Webster/Jackson - Carried Two applications (attached) were received to fill the single vacancy available on the Parks & Rec Board. The applicants were present and each was given the opportunity to introduce MOTION: To appoint Matt Pennington to thel Board of Directors of Morgan County Parks MOTION: To resume the Council meeting agenda Skinner/ Forney = Carried 5. COMMUNICATION FROM MAYOR: Communication has been received concerning the Historic Landmarks Commission's commitment to historic preservation and protection. This was referred to the HLC.  Elizabeth Skinner (X) Greg Forney (X). Rick Weber (X) Quorum present.  approved by Common Consent.  themselves and take questions. & Rec - Webster/Jackson - Carried  4. PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: No one at this time.  Recorder Webster reported on news she has received from the WV: DOH concerning her Charleston visit and complaint on the condition ofthe State maintained portion of north Wilkes Street. This street has now been placed on the WV: DOH paving schedule for the 2023 work schedule and is an important aspect ofthe North End  Revitalization Project.  COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS  1. BATH DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (BDA): The next meeting is March 1 in the 2. PARKS & REC: The next meeting is January 18 in the Courthouse. 3. PLANNING COMMISSION (PC): The next meeting is March 2, 2023. The Comprehensive Plan Assessment sub-committee meets weekly. President Landon continues to attend community organizations' meetings to learn about their roles and 4. RAIL/TRAIL: The progress report has been submitted to the Town office (attached). The WV DOH Project Manager Kyle Oliver was unable to be in Bath on Wednesday, January 25 to inspect the R/T, Streetscape, Depot and Berkeley Springs State Park projects and meet with committee members due to inclement weather. He hopes to 5. STRBETSCAPE: Committee Co-Chair Pete Brown has submitted reports to the Town office (attached). The Committee has reçeived the Notice to Proceed packet. 6. TRAIN DEPOT: Chairman Webster reported that work progress continues on the interior rehab ofthe Depot. Interior painting and the ADA bathroom tile work has  County Commission Room.  functions.  reschedule.  1    begun.  7. LANDMARK COMMISSION (HLC): President John Mason reported that the HLC members are receiving training from SHPO. Recorder Webster added that she visited the SHPO office while in Charleston to relay progress and inquire about insurance issues. The next meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2023 at' Town Hall. 8. CLERKRECORDER REPORT: The Bath and Berkeley Springs Water Works audits were completed on February 6th. The Budget Preparation Meetings have been scheduled (attached). The Hotel/Motel Grant applications are available at' Town Hall and online. They must be submitted by February 28th. The approval request for MOTION: To approve the election calendar as presented- Webster/Skinner- Carried 9.1 FINANCE: Chairwoman Webster delivered the following bills for approval. (a) Town of Bath $26,613.41- Motion to approve: Forney/Weber- Carried (b) BSWW $10,639.31 - Motion to approve: Forney/Weber- Carried 10. TREE BOARD: Councilwoman Skinner reported that member Kate Lehman attended the Finance Committee meeting to explain the Demonstration City Grant (attached) for a tree survey which requires upfront payment ofi invoices that are reimbursed by the grant proceeds. Since the Board has limited funds, she requested that the Town pay the invoices which will total $11,388.00 with immediate reimbursement from the Board as soon as the grant pays the Tree Board. The Finance Committee decided through Common Consent to assist the Board with this by paying the invoices through the Town Reserve account to be reimbursed as presented. 13.CEMETERY: Chairman Skinner is drafting Hotel/Motel and other grant applications. 14. PUBLIC WORKS: Chairman Weber reported that he has received a complaint on the condition of street, sidewalk, and private property in the first block of Green and Fairfax Street (south side). Street issues have been addressed with the others being considered for possible referral. Several street signs and parking meters need repaired and/or  the election calendar (attached) was presented.  11. GRANT: No report at this time. 12. PUBLIC SAFETY: No report at this time.  installed. The F250 Labor Crew truck needs to be replaced.  15. ORDINANCE: No report at this time.  16. BERKELEY SPRINGS WATER WORKS: The Water Line Replacement Project is 75% complete with projected end ofwork in February. Customer complaints are being managed. The BSWWis actively seeking ClassIa and Class II Operators. 7MOTIONTOADOURNE Approved by Common Consent.  Attest: Mayor  Recorder  btten  Sueflubde  2    Town of Bath VOLUNTEER APPLICATION  Committee: Please check off the committee(s) you want to volunteer to serve on. An* indicates that Town of Bath Ordinances and/or West' Virginia State Code set qualificationsto serve on the committee (e.g., Must be a town resident). Check the Town of Bath'sWeb! Site  and/or Facebook Page to see the documents listed below.  Morgan County Parksa and Recreation  CemeteryManagement and Maintenance Incorporated  Historic Landmark Commission* See document, "Qualifications to Serve on the Bath HLC." Planning Commission* See document, "Qualifications to Serve on the Bath Planning Commission."  Date: 11721  Name: Mrchael Powe Address: 173 Ridqevie Dr  B5WV541  Telephone: (304)423-3650  Cell: Sane  Please explain why you want to serve ont the committee? Explain any background, education, or work or professional experience youl have that would contribute to your service on the committee. If possible, attachac copy ofy your resume. Email this form and your resume to the town clerk at: townofbathewwds.net. Or mail them to:1 Town Clerk, Town of Bath, 271 Wilkes Street: 25411. Ify you  have any questions, call town! hall at 304-258-1102. Thank you.    Town of Bath VOLUNTEER APPLICATION  Committee: Please check off the committee(s) you want to volunteer to serve on. An * indicates that Town of Bath Ordinances and/or West Virginia State Code set qualifications to serve on the committee (e.g., Must be a town resident). Check the Town of Bath's Web Site  and/or Facebook Page to see the documents listed below.  Bath Development Authority  Cemetery Management and Maintenance Incorporated  Historic Landmark Commission* See document, "Qualifications to! Serve on the Bath HLC." Planning Commission* See document, "Qualifications to Serve on the Bath Planning Commission."  Parksand Recreation Committee Date:. January17,2023 Name: Matt Pennington Address: 120 Concord Ave  Berkeley Springs, WV n/a  Telephone:  Cell: 304-707-1920  Please explain why you want to serve on the committee? Explain any background, education, or work or professional experience you have that would contribute to your service on the committee. If possible, attach a copy ofy your resume. Email this form and your resume to thet town clerk at: ownotpathewdsinet. Or mail them to: Town Clerk, Town of Bath, 271 Wilkes Street 25411. If you Ibelieve in the power of building relationships through play and shared experiences. lenjoy sports and recreation of all forms. have served on many local advisory boards and my work with the Eastern Panhandle Planning and Development Council (Region 9) has given me opportunities to guide mission driven committees throughout Morgan, Berkeley, and. Jefferson County for overa a decade. lam currently working as a consultant for Downstream Strategies and excited to volunteer my knowledge and skills to positively impact Bath, Morgan County, and the Berkeley Springs area.  have any questions, call town hall at 304-258-1102. Thank you.    Status of Streetscape and State Park Project for Town Council  Tuesday February 6, 20232 STREETSCAPE  Phase V: Design Contract:  Town received the WW-DOH Notice to Proceed (NTP) with the Phase VI Design in a January 24 2023 letter signed by Secretary Wriston. This marks the completion the TaskOrder #1 (Completion oft the Phase VI Design needed to solicit and award Construction Phase Contract) was issued by the Town to Thrasher on. January 26th. a Thrasher (Jeff Gola) was asked toi integrate this new workload into his work advise the resulting schedule for a Town visit to update the existing 30% plans to plan the current Town requirements, update of thr 30% design, establishing Preliminary Field Review with the Town and DOH, followed by a 90% design review and then the final Construction (PFR) There was an error in the attachment to the DOH NTP that would have limited the reimbursement to the Town to 80% of the budgeted $55,000 for this design. This incorrect since the Town has already sent its 20% cash match to DOH. The formal was DOH Funding Agreement authorized the reimbursement of 100% of that $55,000 was corrected in a subsequent correspondence from DOH. Last week, the Streetscape Committee prepared a set of charts that point out the changes to the sidewalks, curbs, drainage and lighting in Phase V. Large scale sets these charts were printed and visits with residents and merchants have begun. Sharron of has  FHWA and DOH reviews and authorizations.  oft  and  drawings and PS&E.  DOH  budget. This  two sets to be viewed by residents, etc.  Berkeley Springs State Park Grant & Project  Status:  The USACE permit for the work in Warm Springs Run in the Park has been Thrasher advised Last week that they would review the package to ensure all elements were completed such that DOH can proceed to the construction contract  approved. solicitation.  Iwill verify the status this week.  Pete Brown 571-213-3687  Currently in Springfield, MO (back in Town on Feb 20th.)    Town of Bath Election Dates  1. First day to receive application for absentee ballot from military and 2. First day to receive applications for absentee ballots from all voters 3. Candidate filing period 4. Deadline for write-in candidate to file Election officials and alternatives appointed 6. Deadline to withdraw  1. Jan. 1st (all election years) 2. 3/21/23 (srd Tues ofMarch) 3. April 1-12 (all election years) 4. 4/18/23 (rd Tues of April) 5. 4/18/23 (3rd Tues of April) 6. 4/28/23 (Last Fri of April) 7.5 5/02/23 (stTue ofl May) 8. 5/09/23 (2nd Tue ofMay) 9. 5/23/23 ( weeks prior to election) 10. 5/23/23 (3 weeks prior to election) 11. 5/23/23 (3 weeks prior to election) 12. 5/25/23 (within 30 days of election) 13.5 5/31/23 (last Wed ofMay) 14. 5/20/23 (last Sat ofl May) 15. 6/06/23 (istTue of] June thru election day) 16. 6/07/23 (istV Wed of] June) 17. 6/03/23 (jst Sat ofj June) 18. 6/12/23 (2nd Mon ofJune) 19. 6/13/23 (2nd Tue of] June) 20.6/19/23 (6 days after election day) 21. 6/21/23 (48 after results declared without a recount request)  overseas voters  7. Uniform drawing for ballot positions 8. Morgan Messenger produces ballots for Ballot Commissioner's inspection 9. Last day to register to vote 10. Deliver absentee ballots to Recorder 11. Mail absentee ballots 12. Mandatory training of election officials 13. Last day to receive absentee ballot application 14. First day ofe early voting 15. Emergency absentee voting period 16. Ballot published in the Morgan Messenger 17. End ofearly voting 19. Election Day end ofthe canvas 21. Certify results  18. Last day to receive absentee ballots 20. Canvas begins; results declared at the    March 21 - First day to receive applications for absentee :  March W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31  ballots from all voters.  S M T  April 1-12- Candidate filing period. April 18 -I Deadline for write-in candidates to file. April 18 -] Election officials and alternatives appointed.  April W T  S M T  F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 a 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30  April 28 - Deadline to withdraw.  May 2-U Uniform drawing for ballot positions May 9 - Morgan Messenger produces ballots for Ballot  May M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 25 26 27  S  Commissioner's: inspection. May 20 - First day of early voting. May 23 - Last day to register to vote. May 23 - Deliver absentee ballots to. Recorder. May 23 - Mail absentee ballots. May 25 -Mandatory training of election officials. May 31 - Last day to receive absentee ballot May 20 -] First day of early voting.  7 14 21 28 29  22 23 24  applications.  30  31    June 3 - End ofe early voting.  JUNE W T  June 6-13 -I Emergency absentee voting period. June 7 -] Ballot published in the Morgan Messenger. June 12 - Last day to receive absentee ballots.  S  M T  F 2 9 16 23 30  S 3 10 17 24  1 8 15 22 29  June 13-1 Election Day! the canvas. June 21 - Certify results.  4 11 18 25  5 12 19 26  6 13 14 20 27  June 19- Canvas begins; results declared at the end of  21 28    TOWN OF BATH  BUDGET PREPARATION SCHEDULE FOR FY 24  Hotel Motel Funds March 01, 2023 @ 3:30pm  Revenue & Public Works March 07, 2023 @  8:30am  Town & Misc. March 08, 2023 @ 8:30am Public Safety March 09, 2023 @ 4:45 pm Overview March 21, 2023 @ 4:00 pm    DEMONSTRATION CITY GRANT APPLICATION  GENERAL INFORMATION SECTION  Groupl Name: Town of Bath  Federal Employment Identification Number (FEIN): 55-6000861  Project Location: The Town of Bath, including the Old German Cemetery, the Old English Cemetery, and Greenway Cemetery, all of which are owned by the Town of Bath.  Address: 271 Wilkes Street City: Berkeley Springs  State: WV  Zip: 25411  Contact Information fori individual responsible for completion of project  Name: Kate Lehman  Phone Number: 304-279-0717 Email: pold'aiya9@gmal.com  Please check the following  Acknowledgment that the project will be completed and that paid invoices will be submitted no later than one year after the date that the agreement was Acknowledgment that no portion of the grant will be used for administrative costs, staff salaries of any type, equipment, and purchasing land or land Acknowledgment that you are a vendor of the state of WV or have applied to  signed  charges become a vendor  Submit Application to: Robert Hannah West Virginia Division of Forestry P.O. Box 40 Farmington, WV26571  obert.hamnnah@wv.sov  or    TECHNICAL PROPOSAL  A Technical Proposal shall be responsive to the following criteria. Also see Section VI of the Guide, Rating Criteria. The Technical Proposal is in essay form and should clearly describe the project and  contain the relevant items from thet following.  a.  Describe the location(s) where the project will take place.  The Tree Board proposes that Bartlett Tree Experts to do al boots-on-the-ground inventory of the street trees the Town of Bath, otherwise known as Berkeley Springs, in Morgan County, WV. The Town is part of the Warm Springs Run watershed, a direct drain to the Potomac River. The inventory will also include two historic cemeteries and one cemetery currently in use that are on town property.  candmy Rd  MRU  Befkeley Springs Faite  AA  Wew '7mi  CityLimits Town of Bath City Limits  FloodZones A AE  Berkeley Springs, 25411 Morgan County, WV  EPA,  USDA, 1P3, Washco Wosr Viginia GIS, Esl, HERE. Gammin, USGS.  EPAIPSEMEREIPS  b.  Describe the overall goal of the project. How willi this project protect and enhance the health oft the Potomac' Tributary' Watershed? What problems or issues will be addressed?  The goal of this project is to protect the town trees for the many water and air quality benefits that result from maintain al healthy tree canopy. By completing a thorough survey and establishing a database with detailed information, the additional goal of risk analysis for public protection will be achieved.    When compared to recently planted trees, old trees sequester more carbon dioxide, capture more rainfall, and absorb more moisture from the earth in times of excessive rainfall. The Old English Cemetery and Greenway Cemetery are both upstream from the town, and are an especially important green stormwater Many of the trees in the three cemeteries were planted in the distant past. The Tree Board believes that many of these are legacy trees that should be protected. It is equally important that the large, old trees be Preserving old trees in the cemeteries takes on extra urgency in that a 4-lane bypass is being built upstream/south of the Town of Bath. The 522 Bypass will add 36 acres of impervious road and hard shoulder with stormwater runoff being collected and released more quickly. Over 250 acres of trees and vegetation have already been removed. The Bypass impacts 14,650 feet of stream (2.8 miles) and 14.8 acres of floodplain. All of these changes increase the potential impact of stormwater runoff and flooding Other goals are to secure a comprehensive plan for all of the trees in town. A comprehensive management plan allows the Tree Board/Town of Bath to remove or treat hazardous trees before damage is done. The information provided will allow the Tree Board and the town to budget proactively Potential liability issues can be avoided by recording the location of hazardous trees on the software program rather than by flagging them. The vendor will have access to the software in order to see the An up-to-date survey and management plan will also help the Tree Board know what to plant and where inan effort toi improve the diversity of the town's trees. Greater diversity of trees reduces the possibility of being forced to remove large areas of tree should there be another blight or infestation of invasive Yet another goal of the tree survey process is to educate the community about the value of trees in an urban landscape as well as on their property; to educate landowners about what they can do to protect the health of their trees; and to make land owners aware of potential liability in the instances where there At the recommendation of the Arbor Day Foundation, the Tree Board is in the process of updating the Town Tree Board Ordinance, which was established in 2005. A comprehensive management plan will help us better to meet various requirements of the proposed ordinance once it is passed. C. For projects that involve tree plantings, provide the following information.  BMP to the Town of Bath, which experiences flashi floods on a regular basis. classified in terms of the level of risk they might pose to public safety.  downstream, including in the Town of Bath.  for the care of trees, especially those that are a risk to public safety.  location of trees to be evaluated.  insects.  are hazardous trees on their property.  Non-applicable.  d. For other projects that involve assessments and/or inventories, provide the following  information:  1. Describe project and scope. What will be done and why. 2. Describe materials and methods needed to implement the project. 3. Describe products and results such as reducing storm water runoff and setting  tree canopy cover goals.  1. Describe project and scope.    We propose tol hire Bartlett Tree Experts to conduct an boots-on-the-ground inventory oft the street trees and the trees in thet three cemeteries in the Town of Bath and create a user friendly database that can be  kept updated by the Tree Board andi its vendor. Specifically, we hope to learn thet following: Total number of trees Variety of trees Sizelapproximate age oft trees Health and overall condition oft trees could be saved with proper care  Location oft trees affectedpotentialy affected by overhead wires  Location and ranking of trees that should be cut down immediately, in the near future, or that Locations where new trees can be planted, as well as what types of trees would best thrive in  these areas  How best to improve the diversity of trees, especially in the Town of Bath Location ofi invasive trees, specifically Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven)  This inventory will update an inventory attempted byl local volunteers conducted in 2014. Volunteers surveyed the trees in Greenway Cemetery in 2016. The Cacapon Institute analyzed the information gathered by volunteers and made recommendations for the care of existing trees as well as potential locations for planting new trees. Unfortunately, the results of that survey became as snapshot frozen in time due to the administrative challenge of recording on paper the many changes that have taken place  since the surveys were done.  2.  Describe materials and methods needed to implement the project:  Professional arborists from Bartlett Tree Experts will conduct thei inventory and record the results. Software will analyze the results of the inventories of street trees in the Town of Bath and in the Representatives from Bartlett Tree Experts will provide Tree Board members and other people (town administrator; vendor/s used to assess the cost of trimming and/or removing hazardous trees) in the ongoing use of the software sO this assessment will be more like a video than a Describe products and results such as reducing storm water runoff and setting tree canopy cover Identify and save as many large, old trees as possible, which will improve our green stormwater Saving large, old trees will contribute to the regulation of the carbon and water cycles. Continue efforts to control infestations of Ailanthus altissima. This tree is a host to spotted lanternfly, which has recently been found in Morgan County, and has the potential to do great In new plantings, follow the survey team's recommendations to diversify the varieties of trees, ) "Research shows that, on average, trees tended to grow taller in mixtures than in monocultures." (Forest Ecosystems: Does Tree Diversity Matter?; Nordic Society Oikos; Tree diversification should be followed in order to prevent epidemics such as Dutch Elm Int the event of these and other diseases, a diversified holding will prevent the need to  three cemeteries. snapshot.  3. goals.  best management practices. damage in the area. especially in the Town of Bath. 151 May, 2015  Disease or Emerald Ash Borer. clear-cut an entire area of dead or dying trees.    e. For projects involving contracting with landscapers, consultants, or other entities, provide 1. Representatives from Bartlett Tree Experts will work members of the Town of Bath Tree Board. Francis A. Bartlett founded Bartlett Tree Experts in 1907, and is now a global forestry consulting firm. Their expert team integrates experience, cutting edge technology, and planning for urban Bartlett Tree Experts will survey trees on the streets of the Town of Bath and in thet three cemeteries located on town property; install andi train Tree Board members in the use of software designed to save time and money with increased efficient, better communication, and the use of  thet following information:  forestry, parks and arboriculture.  real-time data for better decision making.    COST PROPOSAL WORKSHEET 1 - EXPENDITURE OF GRANT FUNDS  Table A: Cost of trees and planting materials  Unit Price Total Price  Description  Material Provider Quantity  ($)  ($)  Total Cost of Materials ($)  Table B: Cost of prolessionalcontractua services  Unit Price Total Price  Description  Service Provider Quantity  ($)  ($) $9,588.00 1,800.00  Tree Inventory Software  Bartlett Tree Experts Bartlett Tree Experts  Total Cost of Services ($)  $11,388.00  Table C: Additional costs  Unit Price Total Price  Description  Source  Quantity  ($)  ($)  Total Additional Costs ($)  Total Grant Funds Requested (Table A + Table B + Table C) = $11,388.00    COST PROPOSAL WORKSHEET: 2- MATCHING FUNDS  Table D: Cash match  Unit Price Total Price ($)  Description  Material Provider Quantity  ($)  Total Cost of Materials ($)  Table E: In-kind match (paid labor and equipment provided by applicant)  Unit Price Total Price  Description Assistance in mulching and  Service Provider Quantity  ($) 17.00  ($) $1,530.00  Town of Bath Department of  3p people 30 hours a year Based on the number of trees trimmed or removed in past years 8a articles  trimming existing street trees Public Works  Tree removal and trimming Run an 8-part series designed toi inform the community about The Morgan this project as well as to educate them on the proper care of trees on their property  Tree Works  3,500.00  960.00  Messenger  $120.00  Total Cost of Services ($)  $5,990.00  Table F: Volunteer and donation match (donated labor and equipment  Unit Price Total Price  Description  Source  Quantity  ($)  ($) $1,000.00  Inventory timber cruise of a5- Herb Pedicord, acre forested lot that is part of Erb 'n Woods, LLC  Greenway Cemetery Provide an 8 part series to the local paper to educate the public on the value of trees, how to protect and preserve the trees on their property, and  $27.00 per hour  25 hours  675.00    how to avoid financial and/or legal liability if trees identified as hazardous do damage. Administrative Work  5n members donating 36 hours a year 1p person donating 100 hours ayear 3p people donating 60 hours each a year 2p people donating 24 hours each year  Tree Board Members Tree Steward  $27.00  4860.00  Tree Steward Activities  $40.00  4000.00  Tree Board Members Tree Board Members  Care and maintenance of trees  27.00 4,6000.00  Watering of trees planted in last three years  27.00  640.00 $15,775.00  Total Additional Donations ($)  Total Matching Funds Provided (Table D + Table E+ Table F) =$ $21,765.00    MAINTENANCE PLAN  This section must be returned with any application for tree planting. Newly planted trees require special attention to maintenance practices during the first three growing seasons following planting. All trees shall receive at least the following 1. WATERING: Ample soil moisture shall be maintained following planting. A thorough watering each five to seven days, depending on drainage and precipitation, is usually adequate during the growing season. At thorough watering allows moisture to reach the deepest roots. How will watering be The Town of Bath maintenance crew will water trees under the direction of Steward of the Town Bath Tree Board. Because the water is released from the tank via gravity, the trees are watered slowly and thoroughly. FERTILIZATION: Trees shall not be fertilized at the time of planting. Fertilizer can kill young roots very rapidly. Iffertilizer is not applied wisely, in may not benefit the tree at all and may even adversely affect the tree. Soil conditions, especially pH and organic matter content, vary greatly making the proper use and selection of fertilizer a complex process. Any fertilization should be based on a soil test. Soil Conservation Districts can provide tests and advice on application rates, timing, and fertilizer selection. Under what circumstances (if any) will trees be fertilized and who will be responsible? As of yet, there has not been a need to fertilize trees planted in past year. However, because the Tree Board prunes and mulches all the town trees twice a year, the need for fertilization would be noted and responded to onanas-  maintenance practices for a three-year period:  accomplished and who will be responsible?  2.  necessary basis.  3. MULCHING: Mulching provides trees with a stable root environment that is cooler and contains more moisture than surrounding soil. Mulch can also prevent mechanical damage by keeping lawn mowers and weed whips away from the thin bark. Trees must be mulched at the time of planting and every consecutive spring. Mulch should only be two to three inches deep (do not mound) and cover the entire root system. Mulch should not contact the trunk; a mulch-free area of one to two inches around the trunk should be maintained. How will trees be mulched and who will be responsible for re-mulching All trees will be mulched when planted. Members of the Tree Board, assisted by the Town of Bath Maintenance crew, mulch all town trees twice a year, following  each year?  the guidelines listed above.    4.  PRUNING: Excessive pruning at the time of planting should be avoided. During the first two years, only dead, broken, or injured branches, and sprouts shall be removed. Trees will never be topped or rounded-over. Pruning during the third year can begin to improve structure and encourage sturdy crotch development. Structural pruning advice is available through the Urban Forestry Coordinator. Describe pruning methods, both short and long term, and who will be The Town of Bath Tree Board, assisted by the Town of Bath Maintenance crew, inspects, and where necessary, prunes all town trees twice a year. Each pruning session is introduced with a workshop led by the tree steward on proper pruning STAKING AND GUYING: Often it is not necessary to stake and guy quality nursery stock that has been properly planted. Studies have shown that trees will establish more quickly and develop stronger trunks and root systems if not staked at the time of planting. Ifstaking is necessary for support, two stakes used in conjunction with a wide flexible tie material will hold the tree upright, provide flexibility, and minimize injury to the trunk. Do not use wire in a garden hose or any other in-flexible, narrow material. All guy and support material must be removed after the first growing season. Will trees be staked and guyed? What material will be used and who will be responsible for the removal? At the time of planting, the Tree Steward will determine ifiti is necessary to stake and guy trees. Arbortie is used to guy the trees. The Town of Bath Tree Board inspects trees twice a year. During this process, stakes and guys are removed  responsible?  of trees.  5.  when they are no longer needed.  6.  PROVIDE ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION:  Community or Organization: Town of Bath  JottEmk  Signature:  Print Name: Scott Merki Job Title: Mayor Date: February 7, 2023