HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-15 PARCPARC COMMITTEE
Committee Members Present:
Citizen Members Present:
Other Council Present:
Others Present:
Agenda:
FEBRUARY 23, 2015 4:17 P.M.
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Henry Davis, Derek Dieter,
Dr. David Varner
Vacant
Tim Scott, Valerie Schey, Oliver Davis (AB),
Karen White, Gavin Ferlic
Janet Cadotte, Phil St. Clair, Kathryn Roos
Update on Tree Lawns
The PARC Committee under the leadership of Dr. Fred Ferlic met to receive an update on the city's
policy toward the planting and removal of trees in the tree lawn.
The update is part of an ongoing discussion about whether it is the city or the homeowner who is
financially responsible for the care and removal of trees in the tree lawn. The city has always
maintained removal costs are borne by the homeowner. The Council failing to see the logic in that
permits are required of homeowners before trimming or removal of trees is allowed. That along with
the cost of removal being placed on the homeowner regardless of whether they could afford it or not
struck the Council as being unfair.
Council opinions as to whom the removal costs be assigned and to what level vary widely. Some feeling
the city should absorb all the cost. Others favored cost sharing. Still others felt the homeowner should
be responsible. Dr. Varner focused on fairness feeling some assigned charges to homeowners when the
city does the work are followed to collection while others not at all. Tim Scott suggested applying for
grants to help fund the removal.
Kathryn Roos from the Mayor's office said she would provide an update on the city's more aggressive
collections efforts.
Karen White wondered how other cities funded the tree program. She suggested a pilot program to
better appreciate the costs of the city assuming the financial responsibility for tree removal.
Gavin Ferlic felt the city should not accept total responsibility. Dr. Ferlic said more discussion was
needed to craft policy.
Dr. Ferlic adjourned the meeting at 4:28 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson
PARC Committee