HomeMy WebLinkAboutA003 - Memo dated April 16, 1990 in response to ISU letter 'rllI
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TO: Steve Salvo, Operations Administrator
Merlin Hove, Electric Utility Director
Jon-Scott Johnson, Risk Manager
John Klaus, City Attorney
FROM: Bob Kindred, Assistant City Manager
DATE: April 16, 1990
SUBJECT: Review of City Tree Ordinance
At its April 10th meeting, the City Council referred to staff the attached
suggested changes and additions to Chapter 27 of the City Code. This propos-
al, submitted by Professor Wayne Hefley, was submitted after the ordinance was
changed recently to provide for higher insurance requirements for tree surgeon
licenses.
I am sending this information out for your review, after which I will ask
Lynette to arrange a meeting time when we can get together and discuss this
subject. In doing so, I believe it would be timely for us to consider the
following issues:
1. This original ordinance appears to date back to 1956. To begin our
discussion, therefore, let's ask ourselves whether this type of regulation
has a place in today's Ames, Iowa. Should we get out of the business of
tree surgeon regulation, or is there a simpler way of dealing with the
public need in this area? Phrased another way, "What is the prob-
lem?"--and what needs to be done about it?
2. Assuming we do continue some type of regulation in this area, how do
you feel about the three categories of tree maintenance specialists laid out
in Mr. Hefley's proposal.
3. Since our public purposes in this area appear to revolve around public
safety considerations (e.g. , separation of trees and tree maintenance
personnel from electric lines, and allowing for travel on the City streets
and sidewalks unimpeded by overhanging branches), is there yet some
other manner by which we as a City could serve these interests?
4. John, with regards to Section 27.4, I would ask you specifically whether
it is property owners or the City that has the ultimate responsibility for
keeping overhanging branches trimmed above streets and sidewalks?
Merlin and Steve may well wish to involve Phil Rust and Matt Pepper in consid-
eration of these issues and in attending our meeting. I also intend to invite
Mr. Hefley as a horticultural specialist and interested citizen. Paul Wiegand
may also want to sit in.
Salvo, Hove, Johnson, Klaus
April 16, 1990
Page Two
Thank you all in advance for your contributions to this solution.
/lw
Attachments
c: Paul Wiegand, Public Works Director
Sheila Lundt, Assistant to the City Manager
Steven L. Schainker, City Manager
Nancy Dionigi, City Clerk
Wayne Hefley