HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-25-90 Parks Committee A
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PARKS COMMITTEE
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The June 25, 1990, meeting of the Parks Committee was called
to order by its Chairperson Council Member Sean Coleman at
4:05 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Zakrzewski,
Coleman, Luecke, Niezgodski, Puzzello, Slavinskas, Voorde;
Don Porter, John Leszczynski, John Leisenring, Karl Stevens,
Chief Marciniak, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Coleman then reviewed the "Tree Trimming
Report dated June 18, 1990" (copy attached) . He noted that
tree trimming was one of the concerns listed by the Near
Northwest Neighborhood Association.
Karl Stevens noted that here is a continuing problem of tree
lawn tree trimming and that it could be compounded. He also
noted that it would take at least two (2) years minimum to
address all the trees. Trimming trees would vary in light
of the specific type of species and how long such trimming
would remain effective. The cost to trim trees around
street lights would be a minimum of $39. 00 per hour and an
average of one (1) hour per street light. He suggested that
the City may consider changing the contract with I & M to
include tree trimming. This is presently not allowed.
Mr. Leszcynski, in response to a question raised by Council
Member Coleman with regard to shared departmental use,
stated that he did not see the need for Hi-Ranger this
large. He suggested that the City may consider contracting
out rather that purchasing equipment as a long-term project.
Council Member Slavinskas questioned whether tree trimming
could be done around street lights under the auspices of
public safety. It was noted that concerns of naturalists
and who actually owns the tree within the tree lawn are
common areas of concern. Mr. Stevens noted that the
property owner pays to maintain the trees and that the City
only has easement in these areas.
Council Member Luecke questioned when the best time would be
of the year to trim trees. Mr. Stevens noted that, except
for sugar maples which should be trimmed between January and
prior to full leaf, others can be trimmed at any time.
Council Member Niezgodski questioned the policy of moving
the poles based on safety concerns. Council Member Coleman
questioned whether the school corporation Hi-Ranger has been
used by the City. Mr. Stevens noted that the City and the
South Bend School Corporation have cooperated in the past
with both parties borrowing each others equipment on a
Parks Committee
June 25, 1990
Page 2
periodic basis. It was also noted that it costs
approximately $5-6. 00 per year per pole for street lighting.
There is no out-of-pocket expense to the City for the
initial installation.
Council Member Zakrzewski questioned why a permit is
necessary for tree trimming. Mr. Stevens noted that this is
a proper legislative control by the City similar to other
types of licensing procedures.
Council Member Coleman suggested that the tree trimming
report be considered and that it be further reviewed during
the budgetary process. Council Member Voorde and Puzzello
complimented Council Member Coleman for the informative
report.
Chief Marciniak noted that well-lighted streets are proven
statistically to be safer. There being no further business
to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at
4:35 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Sean Coleman
Chairperson, Parks Committee