Memorial Tree on Burlington Town Common to Honor Roger Cook

The Select Board on Monday, September 23, approved a request to plant a memorial tree in honor of Roger Cook, who passed away on August 21.

Cook was a Burlington resident of over 50 years and BHS graduate. He also founded K&R Tree & Landscaping in 1982 with his wife, Kathy. His landscape design expertise landed him an appearance on This Old House in 1982 and a regular role in 1988, according to his obituary.

In a request befitting Cook's decades as a landscape designer, a sugar maple will be planted on the main walkway of the Town Common across from Town Hall, near a memorial bench dedicated to Cook's wife, Kathy, who passed from cancer in 2010. A memorial plaque will also be placed alongside the tree.

The Select Board, as well as Parks & Recreation Director, Brendan Egan, thought the tree planting was a fitting tribute to a man who engaged in a lifetime of environmental efforts; in fact, Roger's family asks anyone who wishes to express sympathy to do the same. Select Board member, Jim Tigges, suggested to the producers that they could film an episode of the show dedicated to the planting but has not heard back.

Also at Select Board:

• A new animal control officer, Jamie Jeffrey, was appointed.
• The Disability Access Commission was granted approval to set aside $5,000 for processing of handicap parking fine appeals. This request comes up periodically as needed.
• The Select Board has introduced a draft policy in accordance with the safety report issued by Traffic Sergeant Peter Abaskharoun for the use of an electronic sign on the Town Common, an article that will likely see debate on the floor of Town Meeting this evening, September 30, as Day 3 of Town Meeting proceeds.
• Bow hunting season in the Landlocked Forest is now in effect; hunters must have a permit.

The next Select Board meeting is planned for October 7.